Tampa cafe creating a trend: cats and coffee

A picture of a cat

Animal shelters around the Hillsborough area are over capacity but two women are helping change that with a new business, which shelters homeless cats and gives them a home for the time being.

Cats and Caffeine allows you to grab cup of coffee and snack and spend quality time while taking pictures with these adorable creatures.

“We’re partnered with Cat Lovers Inc. ,” said co-founder Lindsey Marzo, “our small rescue group in south Tampa. We get all the cats and kittens from there. They’re all rescued and adoptable here in our lounge.” 

The best part of all this is that the cats are all available for adoption. Over 17 cats have been adopted since its opening earlier this year. Co-owner Brenna Rekow said it’s kitten season.

“We have as young as three months,” Rekow said. “We want to make sure everyone’s been vaccinated, microchipped, spayed, and neutered prior to coming in here.”  

Brooksville Humane Society seek donations

Workers from the Humane Society at the nature coast spend hours a day caring for the animals. Vet bills, food, and the expenses for the grooming all add up.

“So for an animal shelter to run each year, we need to provide the necessary vaccines to keep these guys healthy and happy. Georgionna Waite, Shelter Services Manager said. “we also have to provide sterilization, nail trims, and required medical procedures. So, every animal can cost a little bit different depending on what they come to the shelter with. But it does add up over time.”

Paige Lawter is an animal technician at the shelter. She says the most important thing to her are the pets.

“I love my job because I get to see from when they first arrive to when they get adopted and see how far along they have grown to be who they want to be,” she said.

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