MOLz

Put Your Money Here if You Want a Cat Cafe in San Francisco

By Liz Acosta

, March 4, 2014

I like a lot of stuff, but the things I love the most are:

Tea and coffee
Cats
Pastries
People watching

A cat cafe seems like the natural place for me, but alas! There are no cat cafes in San Francisco! Or anywhere in the Bay Area except for the houses of my friends that inadvertently become cat cafes when we’re having tea and one of their feline friends curls up in my lap. However, unless you know my friends, you cannot visit their living rooms, so — obviously — the problem is we need a public cat cafe.

Fortunately, KitTea is coming to our rescue. The Cat Dandy spoke with KitTea co-founder Courtney Hatt last week, allowing us a little insight into the inspiration behind the future cat cafe (which will serve tea and locally made goodies, but not coffee, to start). Hatt revealed that one of the primary reasons she’s decided to pursue KitTea is one I think you all can sympathize with: She’d started experiencing panic attacks and for a while, her cats were the only things that could alleviate her anxiety. Realizing how beneficial a cat cafe could be for people and cats, Hatt came up with KitTea, a place where folks could relax with a cup of tea and a cat, and where shelter cats could be socialized and find forever homes.

Everybody wins!

But this is where you come in. Starting a business ain’t cheap, and to help KitTea get off the ground, its founders are opening its arms to the wonderful and supportive cat community that we are.

Check out the KitTea crowdfunding page for information on how you can help, as well as what rewards you can earn for your contributions (besides that warm fuzzy feeling in your heart).

As of this posting, the campaign has 31 days left, and on opening day, the last time we looked 76 backers had contributed more than $4,700 toward a $50,000 goal.

(UPDATE: With 25 days left to go, KitTea has raised $22,968 — almost half its goal. We’re impressed!)

Still not convinced? Then check out KitTea’s video, in which Hatt addresses some very valid concerns regarding sanitation and the welfare of the cats.

How many of you are planning on contributing? How many of you live in San Francisco and can’t wait for your next cafe date to be at KitTea?

Laugh with us:

About Liz Acosta: Catster’s former Cuteness Correspondent, Liz still manages the site’s daily “Awws,” only now she also wrangles Catster’s social media. That’s why she wants you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and — her personal favorite — Instagram. See ya there!