BURLINGTON, Vt. — Nestled in the New North End of Burlington, the Queen City Cat Lounge is set to open its doors this summer, providing a unique space for community connection alongside opportunities to support animal adoption.
“We’re creating a space where people can unwind, connect with each other, and of course, interact with our resident cats,” explained Kristina Madarang Stahl, co-founder of Queen City Cat Lounge, located at 1127 North Ave.
Joining her in this venture is Beth Hammond, who expressed excitement about engaging with the community to shape the lounge experience. “We’re eager to hear what activities and features locals would like to see in our cat-centric environment,” Hammond stated, emphasizing the openness to community input.
Scheduled for a late July opening, Queen City Cat Lounge will operate on a reservation basis, allowing guests to spend quality time in the company of feline companions. Visitors can read, work remotely, or simply enjoy the calming presence of cats. Similar lounges have gained popularity in major cities across the country, inspiring the duo to bring this concept to Burlington after researching successful models elsewhere.
Partnering with Queen City Cats, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned cats, the lounge will feature adoptable cats from the organization. Miche Faust, founder of Queen City Cats and co-founder of Queen City Cat Lounge, highlighted the lounge’s role in facilitating adoptions by providing a central location for meeting potential pets.
“Vermont faces challenges with cat overpopulation, and this lounge offers a convenient venue for people to meet and adopt cats rescued by our organization,” Faust explained.
Beyond adoption services, the lounge will feature a retail boutique showcasing goods from local artisans, enhancing its role as a community hub. Special events such as cat yoga and educational sessions on animal welfare are also planned to enrich the visitor experience.
While the lounge will not serve food, Madarang Stahl and Hammond encourage patrons to support neighboring businesses in the plaza by grabbing snacks or drinks before enjoying their time with the cats.
As Burlington prepares to welcome Queen City Cat Lounge, the founders are eager to foster a welcoming environment where residents can unwind, forge connections, and potentially find a new feline companion to bring home.
