PERRY, Ga. — In Perry, you'll soon be able to take a 'paws' and pet some furry friends at a new business. Paws Awhile Cat Cafe is hoping to be open sometime in May.
But, what is a cat cafe?
"A cat cafe is somewhere where people can come and enjoy food and beverages and also get paid entry into a cat lounge," owner Rebecca Marfell said.
Also, all the cats in the cat lounge are up for adoption. So, if you happen to stop by and are in need of a new companion, Paws Awhile Cat Cafe can help.
Marfell says the lounge will have between 10 to 15 cats for people to play with, to pet and give treats to.
Marfell says rescuing cats is her passion. She says she has wanted to open a business like this for over 10 years. When she saw cat cafes gaining popularity in the United States, she decided it was time to open her own here in Central Georgia.
"My vision is just to provide a great experience to customers and do something different and the main focus is helping to ease some of the needs of our local rescues," she said.
She's partnering with the Humane Society of Houston County and Paws of Middle Georgia Rescue who will provide the cats for the cafe.
"They get to have a great life living here in the cafe until they find their forever home. I'll be rotating them out as they get adopted," Marfell said.
She says in the cafe an adoptable cat will have more room to show their true colors.
"If you have an animal who is maybe a little more shy at a shelter-type environment, moving here might help them come out more and show their personality, which ideally will make them more adoptable," Marfell said.
She has a cat and says they are all unique with their own personalities. She loves that cats are a little more independent and says they make great companions.
Overall, she hopes Paws Awhile Cat Cafe will be a helpful and fun space for the whole community.
"See if it's a good fit for you as far as being a cat owner. Maybe it's just something you like to do for entertainment, relaxation, have a study group here or whatever. But if you end up bonding with a cat, it's going to change your life," Marfell said.
The cafe isn't open yet but you can check for updates about their opening on their Facebook page.