Q.  WHAT IS A CAT CAFÉ?
A. A cat café is a friendly, low stress place for adoptable cats and people to meet and socialize.  It is our cat’s temporary home until they are adopted.

Q.  HOW IS CATS IN BLOOM DIFFERENT THEN A SHELTER?
A. Our cats live in a cage free space where they can freely roam and enjoy the companionship of people and other cats.   When cats feel less stressed, their personalities shine.   They are more likely to have enjoyable interactions with visitors and make lasting impressions.  Potential adopters are able to “try out” cats and see which connect with them.  

Q. WHERE DO YOU GET THE CATS THAT ARE IN THE CATS IN BLOOM?
A. CIB’s mission is to help place homeless adoptable cats from our foster network and local affiliated rescues and shelters.

Q. WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT THE CATS IN BLOOM?
A. Guests can sit and play with the cats or simply do quiet work,  read, or meet other individuals while in the company of cats. We recommend simply sitting down and letting the cats come to you (don’t worry, they will)! If you have or had a cat at home, you already know that cats love to sleep! The cats won’t be playful all the time. Cats sleep around 16 hours each day and many visitors sometimes wish they were a cat.

Q.  CAN I VISIT IF I’M NOT INTERESTED IN ADOPTING A CAT?
A.  Absolutely, yes!!!  We encourage anyone who loves cats to stop by and spend time with them.  Many people are unable to own cats but still yearn to interact with them.  We have lap cats as well as those looking for play time.

Q. CAN I BRING FOOD/DRINKS INTO THE CATS IN BLOOM?
A. Yes, but food and drink are not sold in Cats in Bloom because of town coding restrictions.  You are allowed to bring in your own food and enjoy the dining company of our cats. PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE CATS.

Q. CAN I BRING MY CAT(S) TO THE CATS IN BLOOM?
A. No. Bringing in cats from outside would not only be stressful for our cats, but likely stressful for your cat (and us!).

Q. I'M NO LONGER ABLE TO KEEP MY CAT OR I FOUND A CAT WITHOUT AN APPARENT HOME. CAN YOU TAKE HER IN YOUR ADOPTION CENTER OR INTO A FOSTER HOME?
A. No, CIB does not take in cats directly.  In order to assure the health and safety of all cats and kittens, they are first examined by veterinarians, spayed or neutered when old enough, vaccinated and screened for compatibility with other cats and people.   If you found a stray cat and you don’t know what to do, feel free to give us a call or send us an email.  We’re happy to try and help in any way we can.  

Q. DO THE CATS LIVE AT CATS IN BLOOM?
A. Yes, until they are adopted.  CIB cats started in an affiliated foster home or rescue and CIB is their cage-free home until they find their forever family.   If any cat gets sick or is stressed, they can return to their foster home or rescue until adopted.

Q. DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION?
A. No, at this time it is only needed for special events. There may be a brief wait on a busy day since we have a 14-person occupancy limit for visitors.  If this occurs, we will be glad to take a cell phone number and call you when space is available. A $5 entry-fee is required for all guests.

Q. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED IN CATS IN BLOOM AT ONE TIME?
A. We allow up to 14 people in the CIB per hour to minimize stress and give potential adopters and other visitors the opportunity for quality time with the cats.  

Q. DO YOU HOST PARTIES AND EVENTS?
A. We have a limit of 14 people for private events of no more than 2 hours duration.  These are self-catering events.  We, of course, provide the cat and kitten entertainment.   We would be happy to discuss details with you and fees are used to support our mission. Advance reservations are needed for these events.

Q. ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED IN THE CATS IN BLOOM?
A. Yes, children age 5 and older are welcome to visit.  This age restriction is for the safety of our children and cats. Children ages 5-12 must be accompanied and supervised by at least one adult.  For adequate supervision, a ratio of one adult/2 children is requested.  
Children younger than 5 are not permitted unless special arrangements are made for off hours visits. We ask all visitors to help us create a calm and quiet environment for the cats.

Q. CAN I VOLUNTEER WITH CATS IN BLOOM?
A. Yes! You can become a volunteer by filling our volunteer application.  We are always looking for volunteers to help us staff the café, assist with cat care, foster, work local events, assist with fund raising, building maintenance, etc.  Individuals with special skills such as photography, event planning, website, grant writing, etc. are also needed.   There is something for everyone! Please see our volunteer form.

* If your question is not listed here please send an email to cats@catsinbloom.org

* Please note that we receive a lot of e-mail and we may not be able to reply as quickly as we would like. We appreciate your understanding.