Vancouver cat café sends plea for help after facing high costs

A Vancouver café that helps rescue cats may be closing its doors after facing “serious hurdles” and high costs.

On Friday, Catoro Pets, a cat café and pet store on East Broadway in Vancouver, posted on social media a plea asking for donations.

People can come to the café and spend time with the fuzzy-felines, something that Annah Van Eeghen says can help with anxiety.

“People who might not be able to have a pet or access to animals can come and hang out with the cats, they can enjoy a beverage, and they can receive the benefits of animal assisted therapy, which has been proven to decrease stress and leave you feeling super relaxed, calm and happy,” she said.

The cats are also up for adoption, and since opening Van Eeghen says over 800 cats have been adopted.

“We are trying to get cats into loving homes. We have had so many people come through the doors and meet and fall in love with our cats, apply to adopt, adopt them, and have them join their families, and that is totally the most rewarding, incredible experience,” Van Eeghen said.

But in a GoFundMe by the group, it explains the café is having a hard time keeping its doors open and the lights on.

Enid, a 2-year-old cat is listed on Catoro Pets site as up for adoption. (Photo courtesy of Catoro Pets)

“Due to the rising costs we’ve all experienced this past year, Catoro is struggling to stay afloat. We know that we provide a valuable community service not only for animal rescue but also for animal therapy,” it said.

Van Eeghen explains the café was closed for over two years, and wasn’t able to get rent relief during the pandemic closures, and is struggling with debts.

“It was really hard to maintain everything during that time. There was periods where we weren’t able to have guests, but we were still caring for all the cats,” she added.

But the company is hopeful to raise enough money to keep the business from closing.

“Since we opened in 2019, we have faced so many obstacles. On top of the regular hurdles of running a small business, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are long-lasting and we have to admit, we haven’t fully bounced back,” Catoro explained.

It says that operating costs have also increased, and the company has seen a decrease in profits too.

“We currently care for around 30 adoptable rescue cats at any given time. Some of them have been with us since early this year. A few have ongoing health concerns and their care comes with increased medical and labour costs,” it added.

Sweetie, is listed for adoption at Catoro Pets. (Photo coutesy of Catoro Pets)

“These cats all deserve a warm, loving home. We provide a safe, loving environment for cats to decompress, socialize, adjust to the good life and finally meet their forever families. Our rescue partners work tirelessly to not only get cats off the cold streets but also to give them the best healthcare possible and spay/neuter them,” it said.

The GoFundMe’s goal is to raise $100,000 and has raised over $17,000 so far.