The first ever Cat Café in America opened in New York this week, bringing the feline phenomenon already popular in Europe and Asia stateside. At the Cat Café by Purina ONE, visitors can enjoy a “cat’achino” while spending time with and learning about cats and the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge.Located at 168 Bowery, the Cat Café by Purina ONE is open now until Sunday, April 27 for people to drop by for coffee and cat-focused conversation. Experts will be on hand to talk about different topics related to cat health and behavior. Additionally, adoptable cats from North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) will mingle with guests.Carrie Ann Inaba, a judge on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and founder of The Carrie Ann Inaba Animal Project, was the featured speaker on the first day of the café. The passionate pet advocate has seen remarkable changes in her cats, Mimi and Blizzard, since taking the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge by switching their food to Purina ONE. “I had no idea the difference the food I selected could make in both my cats’ bodies and activity levels. I’m so excited to share my experience with others at the Cat Café.”Speakers on the remaining days will focus on different aspects of cat health, behavior and their own personal experiences with cats.If you are in The Big Apple, here in the schedule. We would love to see your photographs if you go!The schedule includes:Friday, April 25
11:30 a.m.: Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., Certified Animal Behaviorist, will discuss cat behavior and communication as a window into cat health
5:30 p.m.: Linda Griggs, Artist, will discuss how cat health inspired her to design the cat structures within the Cat Café
Saturday, April 26
11:30 a.m.:
Christina Travalja, NSALA Shelter Director, will discuss the benefits of cat adoption and maintaining a happy, healthy cat once at home
Dorit Shevach-Shani, NSALA Feline Behaviorist will discuss how to acclimate a newly adopted feline to unfamiliar surroundings
Noon – 4 p.m.: NSALA cat adoption event
5:30 p.m.: Valerie Shaff, Photographer, will discuss how she highlights the beautiful signs of health in the cats she photographs
Sunday, April 27
Adopted cats are picked up to go to their forever homes
Cat obesity is killing our cats because it leads to all kinds of medical complications such as diabetes and kidney failure. It is a HUGE issue in more ways than one!Fat cats are NOT CUTE !!!
