Surprisingly, I’ve met many people who have never heard of a cat cafe. Those who have often ask two common questions:

• How do they keep it hygienic?
• Why is there an entry fee?

After these initial questions, the conversation usually shifts to requests for photos, the cafe’s exact location, and its hours of operation. We’ll delve into the answers to these questions later in the blog, but one thing I’ve discovered since my second visit to NoCo Cat Cafe & Rescue this past Spring is that there is much more heart and effort behind a venture like this than one might expect.

What Exactly is a Cat Cafe?

According to the online edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English, a cat cafe, officially recognized as a word since August 2015, is an “establishment where people pay to interact with cats housed on the premises.” While the origin of the idea is a bit unclear, the world’s oldest known cat cafe, “Cat Flower Garden,” is still open today. Established in 1998, Cat Flower Garden is located in Taipei, Taiwan. It celebrated its 26th anniversary on June 9 this year! Its success as a global tourist destination led to the concept spreading to Japan next. “Neko no Jikan” (literally translated to “Cat’s Time”) opened in Osaka in 2004/2005, primarily due to Japan’s size and immense population. Many residents live in compact apartments that often don’t allow pets, making these cafes extremely popular among those unable to have pets of their own.

The phenomenon of cat cafes reached the U.S. nearly a decade later, with the first one opening in Oakland, California, called Cat Town Café, in October 2014. Since then, cafes featuring these beloved pets have sprung up across the nation. There are an estimated 182 cat cafes now located in the U.S. alone (according to ilovecatcafes.com)!

NoCo Cat Cafe & Rescue was the first of its kind to open in Northern Colorado and the second in the state, following the Denver Cat Company.

Let Me Tell You a Tail

NoCo Cat Cafe was a dream brought to life by Kimberly Tejchma-Sanford and her husband, Christopher Sanford, after they moved to Colorado. Chris, with a decade of experience in corporate business and entertainment, and Kim, with a creative vision, brainstormed various business ideas. During the COVID pandemic, Kim proposed the idea of a “cat cafe,” noting that while there were numerous dog-friendly places for canines and their owners around the state, there was a distinct lack of spaces for cat lovers.

As they discussed the idea further, one thing became clear: whatever they pursued, it had to be something they were passionate about. Their love for cats made the decision easy. They envisioned a place where fellow cat enthusiasts could gather and where rescued cats in need of homes could be showcased.

It took some time, but Kim and Chris eventually connected with the Colorado Kitty Coalition (CKC) because their mission and passion to help every cat matched the cafe’s so well. They shared their plans and became partners, combining efforts to promote cat welfare, adoption, education, and advocacy. Thus, NoCo Cat Cafe was born, providing a fun, cat-centric space for people to enjoy and support feline friends.

All adoption fees go toward CKC while entry fees cover the cafe’s operating expenses.

Just Hear Meowt

NoCo Cat Cafe’s mission is to facilitate cat adoptions by providing a safe, loving environment for cats and the community to socialize. However, a big consideration to the success of officially beginning their for-profit/ nonprofit collaboration with CKC was also dependent on whether or not the community also felt there was a need for such a service. While the search for an ideal location was underway, they also began a series of one-day “pop-up cat cafes” to help present their idea to the public on what their cat cafe would be like.

In total, there were 5 events held across Northern Colorado, in various cities, showcasing adoptable felines, each focused on guest experience and showing the true meaning behind “what is on your plate” when it comes to owning a cat. Kim and Chris made sure to imbue each pop-up event with what they envisioned their physical location would be like, not only providing specific ambiance and the cats themselves, but also heavily demonstrating their desire to collaborate with local businesses.

Overall, they sold 165 tickets and found homes for 65 cats with their pop-up events! Community feedback during this crucial incubating period helped to further fuel their vision for this passion project, and in August 2022, Kim and Chris were able to open their physical location off of 5th Street.

Looking Good, Feline Fine

When it comes to hygiene and the cleanliness of a cafe involving animals, following cat cafe regulations is a must that Kim and Chris follow to the letter in order to keep both customers and the cats safe and healthy.

They start and end each day with sweeping and mopping to keep the place clean. All our food sold at the cafe has to be individually packed before it comes in since they can’t prepare anything on site; figuring out how to wrap the baked goods they wanted to sell was a bit tricky to figure out at first, but this was quickly squared away with the bakery they go through from Longmont, called Organic Bliss Bakery.

NoCo Cat Cafe also goes through very specific inspections to maintain their shelter’s license, which is governed by PACFA. They focus on the health and safety of the animals, with yearly renewals and inspections. Staffing can be a challenge, so the inspection process varies. We even had a presentation from COL to understand what the regulating bodies need.

Should pesky ringworm or unanticipated cattitudes spring up, the cafe has the Colorado Kitty Coalition Shelter space, which is utilized for medical assistance and has actual ringworm space to process those cases as well as other health issues.

So Fur, So Good

On NoCo Cat Cafe’s website, they describe it best: 

“A cat cafe is just like a traditional cafe, with the noted exception that kittens and cats live there 24/7. The cats are healthy, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ready to be adopted. While customers enjoy their coffee, they are able to play with the cats, and even adopt them. Cat cafes are generally partnered with local nonprofits to help homeless cats find their forever home. They provide an interactive experience for potential adopters and animal lovers alike. There is an admission fee to help with operational costs and care of the cats.” 

This ensures the environment is safe for the cats and that their well-being is accounted for.

When I spoke with Chris this past May, he explained that Kim and he are presently the only employees (with a few cameos from their 17 year old son and seasonal staff), so for the most part they’re the only ones running things from opening to closing, and handle anything that may occur between closing and opening. The cafe is open for around 34 hours each week (Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays), and being the sole employees of such a venture brings both rewards and challenges to the pair. 

On the reward side, they get to spend their days with cats and experience each one’s individual personality; this, Chris emphasizes, is a big part of their process when also adopting a cat out to a forever family. When you know the cat and their behaviors, it helps you pinpoint overlapping needs of the potential family and of the cat. Not only that but Kim and Chris get to know the cats so well that they’re able to pick up on minute signs of stress or other cause-for-concern areas.

Another reward is watching the cats blossom and become more independent, learning to socialize not only with other felines but also different human personalities that come to visit. “The coolest thing is the connection you see between patrons and giving them the space to have access to cats,” Chris said. 

The space in question was specifically developed with the cats in mind, including the organization and placement of things in the physical space. “You are a guest in their home,” Chris added. And having visited their establishment twice now, I fully concur.

When you walk into NoCo Cat Cafe, you’re met with an open space (on the other side of the kitty safety barrier), complete with window resting spots where cats like to sun themselves, a running wheel (new addition!), numerous cat trees of varying sizes and styles, hidey spots strategically placed in open spaces for the shyer but still curious furry individuals, and cat toys strewn about the floor from random kitty play time. However, what tends to draw your eye when you initially enter is the “wall furniture” mounted on the east side of the facility. Securely mounted to the wall are cat hammocks for afternoon naps, poles, steps and platforms for the cats to practice their parkour on. Most of the time I was there, there was always at least one napping while another sat upon a platform keeping a mindful eye on all the visiting inhabitants that entered their domain.

After all, when you visit NoCo Cat Cafe, you are entering their home. 

Conclusion

To conclude this delightful journey into the world of NoCo Cat Cafe & Rescue, it’s clear that this place is more than just a cafe; it’s a community hub where feline enthusiasts can connect and where cats in need can find loving homes. The dedication and passion of Kim and Chris, combined with their partnership with the Colorado Kitty Coalition, emphasize the power of collaboration in our community by providing a welcoming and safe environment for both cats and visitors. Their meticulous attention to cleanliness, adherence to regulations, and innovative approach to promoting cat welfare highlight their commitment to making a difference. 

Whether you’re a cat lover looking to adopt or simply seeking a unique and cozy spot to enjoy a coffee, NoCo Cat Cafe offers an experience that’s both heartwarming and inspiring. So, if you happen to find yourself in Loveland, be sure to visit—you might just meet your new furry BFF! 🐈

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NoCo Cat Cafe & Rescue 121 E 5th Street, Loveland, CO 80537
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Please note a few things Before You Visit! You can read those here.
To help make this all possible, NoCo Cat Cafe partners and collaborates with a variety of local businesses we’d like to shout out to!

• Colorado Kitty Coalition: Local, foster-based nonprofit rescue partner 
• Dark Heart Coffee Bar: Specialty blend made for cafe called Furrever Feline (Loveland)
• Christina Gressianu: Portraits photographer
• Melissa Barbee: Paints & Paws canvas portraits
• Open Farm: Cat Food partner
• World’s Best Cat Litter: Kitty litter providers
• The Spice & Tea Exchange: Tea provided at cafe (Fort Collins)
• Organic Bliss Bakery: Pastries (Longmont)