FLUSHING, N.Y. (PIX11) — A newly opened cat café in Flushing, Queens, is already attracting significant attention. Since its opening in March, Kokoro Cat Café has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors, offering a unique space for people to interact with stray and rescued cats while also promoting pet adoption. With its warm ambiance and mission to help rehome homeless felines, Kokoro Cat Café has quickly become a beloved spot for animal lovers in the community.
The concept of Kokoro Cat Café was inspired by a trip to Japan taken by Dragon Peng and Sherry Jiang, the couple behind the café. As cat enthusiasts, they were drawn to the idea of combining the joy of enjoying a coffee or tea with the pleasure of being surrounded by cats. “We went to one [cat café] and thought, why can’t we bring this over to the states?” Peng recalled.
After returning home, the couple began to work on bringing their vision to life. They opened the café with a clear mission: to provide a safe and loving environment for cats in need of homes while offering a space for the community to relax and enjoy the company of felines.
Since its launch, the café has experienced an overwhelming response. In just a month and a half, Kokoro Cat Café has welcomed over 9,000 visitors. “We’ve been shocked by the reception we’ve seen,” Peng said. “We’ve seen many people come through and come through multiple times. A lot of times, people can’t have cats in their living space, so this is a great way for people to see what that could be like.”
Sherry Jiang, who is equally passionate about the café’s mission, expressed the joy they feel from seeing people’s reactions. “The joy on their face when they come through is heartwarming,” she said, reflecting on the emotional connection visitors form with the cats.
The café’s success is attributed to more than just the love for cats. It is also a unique opportunity for people who may not have the ability to own a pet to experience the companionship and joy that animals bring into their lives. Many visitors come not only for the cat interactions but also to support the adoption efforts.
At any given time, Kokoro Cat Café is home to 10 to 12 cats, all of which are strays or rescues from Anjellicle Cats Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for cats in need. The café’s focus on adoption is a central part of its mission. Peng and Jiang aim to give these cats a place to thrive while also making it easier for potential adopters to connect with them in a relaxed and friendly environment.
“If you’re going to have a spot where cats can thrive, might as well make it adoption-centric,” Peng said. “The feeling we get when a cat gets adopted out is amazing, and we want to share our love of cats.”
The café has already seen success in its adoption efforts. Several cats have found new homes, thanks to the exposure they’ve received at the café. Visitors have the opportunity to meet these felines, interact with them, and potentially adopt them if they find a connection. The café’s staff also helps facilitate the adoption process, ensuring that each cat finds a safe and loving home.
Kokoro Cat Café is not only a place for cat lovers to relax but also an ideal destination for families. On a recent visit, 7-year-old Jay, along with his parents and two brothers, spent time playing with the cats. “They’re just so fluffy,” Jay said, smiling as he pet one of the café’s resident felines. For Jay’s family, visiting the café was a natural choice, as they enjoy watching cat videos together at home.
Denise, Jay’s mother, shared that the family had eagerly anticipated the café’s opening. “When we first saw the signage out that it was coming, my youngster was like, ‘They have a cat café. I want to go,'” she recalled. For Denise, the café offers a great alternative to having a pet of their own. “My hands are full raising three kids already, so I don’t want a pet or anything yet, so I figure this is the next best thing,” she explained.
For families like Denise’s, Kokoro Cat Café offers the perfect opportunity to introduce children to the joys of animals without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. The café provides a space where visitors can interact with the cats, learn about them, and experience the calming effect that animals can have on their well-being.
One of the most touching aspects of Kokoro Cat Café is the sense of community it fosters. Many visitors have expressed their admiration for the café’s dedication to helping stray cats. “It makes me happy seeing all these cats around,” said Gina Kim, a resident of Flushing. “They all need homes. I would most definitely want to adopt one if my mom wasn’t allergic.”
The emphasis on adoption has resonated deeply with the local community, with many people expressing a desire to help these cats find their forever homes. Gina, like many others, feels compelled to support the café’s mission, even if she can’t personally adopt a cat. “It’s amazing to see the café doing so much for the animals, and I know that every visit makes a difference for these cats,” she added.
For the Peng-Jiang family, the café’s ability to foster this sense of compassion and community is exactly what they hoped for. They view the café not only as a place to interact with cats but as a way to spread awareness about the importance of adopting stray animals. “Every time a cat gets adopted, it feels like a small victory,” Jiang said.
As Kokoro Cat Café continues to grow in popularity, its founders remain committed to their mission of supporting stray cats and promoting adoption. With the positive reception they’ve received so far, Peng and Jiang are excited about the future and hope to continue expanding their reach. “We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received,” Peng said. “It’s been amazing to see how the community has embraced our vision.”
In addition to the café’s primary goal of helping cats, the Peng-Jiang family plans to offer various events and activities to engage the community, such as cat-themed workshops and educational sessions about responsible pet ownership.
Kokoro Cat Café is proving that a love for cats can go a long way in making a difference in both the lives of animals and people. With its focus on adoption, community engagement, and the well-being of stray cats, the café has quickly become a cherished part of the Flushing neighborhood and beyond. As more people discover the café, it is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in the lives of both cats and humans in the area.
Kokoro Cat Café is more than just a café — it’s a place where people can connect with animals, support adoption efforts, and share in the joy that cats bring into our lives. As the café continues to grow, its mission to help homeless cats and create a community of animal lovers remains at the forefront. With its welcoming atmosphere and heartfelt mission, Kokoro Cat Café is quickly becoming a beloved destination for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of cats while enjoying a cup of coffee in good company.
Related Topics
