Ever wanted to enjoy a coffee and interact with cats at the same time? A new cat cafe in Uniontown, Whimsical Whiskers Cat Cafe and Rescue, owned by Heidi Weigel, allows for the opportunity to do these things as well as support the rehabilitation of the cats. Since the cafe’s opening in June, the number of cats has grown tremendously.
“The owner had about five [cats] when it opened,” Weigel said.
There are now 17 cats, 16 of which are adoptable, and one is the house mascot. The ages of the cats range from kittens to seniors.
“They’re rescued, and some people drop them off,” Weigel stated.
The adoptable cats are priced from $150-$200 according to age and health condition. The kittens are more expensive, and the seniors are less, encouraging people to adopt the seniors more. Weigel added that all cats receive vaccinations and necessary health checks according to their different needs, so all one needs to do is go through the adoption process.
“24 cats have been brought in, so five have been adopted,” Weigel mentioned.
If someone is not interested in adopting a cat, but in supporting the business, the National Honor Society at GHS encourages students to volunteer at the cafe for service hours.
“NHS members have the opportunity to volunteer at the cat cafe, and we are able to serve customers, take care of the cats, and make it a fun and playful environment for customers to enjoy,” Emily Lin ‘25 treasurer of the NHS said.
All students are encouraged to volunteer at the cafe, not only members of the NHS.
“If someone needs a volunteer form, pick one up in Mrs. Tannehill’s or Mrs. Tierney’s room and turn the form into the cat cafe. It’s a very easy way to get volunteer hours for college applications, the National Honor Society, and/or other clubs” Lin voiced.
A person can also visit the cafe with varying entry fees. If one is not interested in either of these options, a simple donation through the website is sufficient to help the business as well.
Whimsical Whiskers is open Monday-Saturday 11-7 and Saturday 12-6; all visits are $30 each. On weekdays, until 4:00 p.m, entry fees are $10 per person or $25 for three or more parties. Weekends, and after 4:00 p.m, it is $15 per person and $30 for three or more parties. These costs help with vetting, housing, and feeding of all cats. Individuals must either sign up for a visit through the website, or go directly to the location to schedule a time. There is also a waiver that one must sign, detailing that if the person is injured–i.e., being scratched, experiencing an allergic reaction, or any sustained injuries directly or indirectly related to the cafe–the establishment will not be held liable.
All cats have been rescued, experienced neglect, abandonment, or abuse, and may have behavioral issues. There must be an overall acknowledgment that the cafe will not be held liable for any potential risks, injuries, or complaints against the business.
This establishment needs more volunteers, visitors, and donors to thrive. Whether one is a cat person or not, supporting a cause and helping out creatures in need is never a bad thing.
