![\"|\"](\"https:\/\/staging.infonews.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/hd-mediaitemid110620-6507.jpg\" "\\"|\\"")
To date 424 cats have been adopted. Every cat available for adoption has had an extensive health check, been spayed\/neutered, and is up to date on all vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only two per cent have been returned. Potential adopters have to come for a secondary visit to ensure the cat is a good match and the adopter is serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur low surrender rate is a measure of success and means we\u2019re working hard at the initial steps,\u201d Karns said. \u201cThis is the perfect environment to get to know the cats and know what kind of human is best matched for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cafe takes in shy, shutdown and feral cats that are rehabilitated in a different wing of the facility. New cats are kept in a quarantined area where they get accustomed to their diet and get familiar with other cats before integrating into the lounge area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three litter boxes in the lounge area and five in a separate room. The use of air purifiers, odour control measures and constant cleaning keeps the space smelling fresh despite the 32 cats living there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked whether a similar model would work for dogs, Karns said no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019d need a huge space or you\u2019d get more fights happening, and there\u2019d be loads more liability issues and noise,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019d be a lot of poop to deal with and you\u2019d need a human to take the dogs out to do their business. It all comes down to poop and behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prior to entering the cat lounge, visitors can purchase delicious drinks and snacks at the caf\u00e9. Lidded drinks can be enjoyed in the lounge. Picking up cats or waking them up isn\u2019t permitted and there is a maximum of 16 visitors allowed at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Catelowna Cat Caf\u00e9 is self-funded and relies on entrance fees, selling merchandize and organizing events to stay afloat. When large veterinary bills come up, Karns reaches out to the public for donations. This year she is reaching out to businesses and corporations to host team building exercises at the venue. A veterinarian symposium will be held there this fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Catelowna Cat Cafe is located in Kelowna at Suite 201, 1441 Ellis Street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n