If you’re a cat lover or a coffee enthusiast, there’s an exciting new destination coming to the Poconos that’s sure to make your day. Owner Amanda Counterman is about to open Cozy Kitty Cafe on McConnell Street in Stroudsburg, nestled between Wells Fargo and McDonald’s. The cafe promises a unique experience, combining a coffee shop with a lounge full of adoptable rescue cats.
“I’m a crazy cat person. I have a cat that I walk with a harness on just like a dog. He goes everywhere with me. I just have a passion for them,” Counterman shared.
Unlike traditional cafes where people often find themselves glued to their phones or laptops, Cozy Kitty Cafe will offer two distinct experiences. One half will be your typical coffee shop, featuring prepackaged treats from local businesses, so you can support the community while enjoying a delicious caffeine fix. The other side of the cafe will be a cozy cat lounge filled with adorable, adoptable rescue cats. The only thing more tempting than the espresso will be the idea of taking home a new furry companion.
“I wanted to create a fun environment for all ages to enjoy while helping to find homes for these cats,” Counterman said.
The cats at Cozy Kitty Cafe aren’t just your everyday felines; they’re shelter rescues hoping to find their forever homes. To support their care, there will be a small admission fee for the cat lounge, which goes directly toward the cats’ needs. Now you can justify that extra visit as a “donation.”
“You can socialize with the cats, watch them, or even play with them,” Counterman explained.
However, before you rush to grab your toddler and your own cat for a visit, there are some important house rules. Children under the age of 6 will not be allowed in the cat lounge, as cats can become overwhelmed with too much noise and chaos. Additionally, while you might be tempted to bring your own pet, this cafe is strictly for the resident rescue cats only. Visitors will also be asked to sign a waiver before entering the lounge to ensure the safety of both guests and cats, as scratches, though typical cat behavior, are possible.
“Cats can have a tendency to get overwhelmed, and they might scratch, but that’s just part of their nature,” Counterman said.
Community support for the Cozy Kitty Cafe has been overwhelmingly positive. After receiving a warm reception at the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Counterman feels optimistic about the cafe’s success.
“I was completely overwhelmed; everyone loved the inflatable cats we had, and I was just so excited. I’ve been receiving so many calls and people are donating, and I’m just so appreciative and humbled,” she said.
With the cafe making great strides in preparation, Counterman plans to bring the cats in by May, allowing them some time to settle into their new temporary home. She’s aiming for a grand opening sometime between May 31 and June 7, depending on the pace of preparations. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering plenty of opportunities to stop by for a coffee break and a cuddle with a cat. While the specific days of the week are still being finalized, it’s clear that if you’re a cat lover, you’ll make time for a visit no matter when it happens.
“We’re letting the cats acclimate for about a week and a half before the grand opening so they can get used to the environment,” Counterman explained.
With so much excitement and anticipation surrounding the opening, it’s clear that Cozy Kitty Cafe will soon be the go-to spot for coffee lovers and cat enthusiasts alike.
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