Boston’s First Cat Cafe Has Finally Opened!
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Purr in Brighton has finally opened its doors as the Boston area’s first cat cafe. Saturday, November 18 marked their first full day of operation, with five resident kitties on hand for pets and snuggles.
The opening comes amid mixed reactions from residents and animal lovers. Owner, Diane Kelly faced accusations that the building was not safe for animals, for which The City of Boston Inspectional Services Department found no basis.
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The Animal Control Division conducted a thorough inspection last week in addition to the compulsory Animal Control inspection a business like Purr would normally be subject to. Kelly passed both inspections and hopes the results will lay public concerns to rest.
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The original business plan was similar to many other cat cafes across the country. Kelly intended to partner with a shelter or rescue group and feature adoptable kitties at Purr. She has yet to choose an adoption partner and has instead adopted two adult cats and three kittens that live full-time at the cafe.
Kelly hopes to adopt up to seven more cats in the coming weeks, but says her ultimate plan is still to feature rescue cats looking for homes.
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Those who would like to visit the cats at Purr are invited to book reservations for $15 an hour. Walk-ins are also welcome, when Purr is not at its 40-person capacity.
The shop features cozy couches, cat beds and perches to encourage humans and felines to interact. Guests are invited to break out a board game or grab a coloring book. And of course, there are plenty of cat toys!
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Kelly is working on installing free Wifi, and hopes to feature fun events like cat-themed movie nights, yoga classes, speed dating sessions, artist-led paint nights, children’s story hour, and more in the coming months.
“Starting out, it makes more sense to get up and running, have people come in and play with cats, then introduce events. As we become operationally efficient, we’ll move into a model where we partner with a rescue” so Purr can house adoptable cats, Kelly told Boston Magazine.
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Although called a “cafe”, Purr is not yet able to offer food due to the City of Boston’s sanitary codes, but Kelly has formed a relationship with a local coffee shop which will provide deliveries on request.
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Despite the many hiccups along the way, Purr is up and running! Make a reservation or walk-in Wednesdays 1-8 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 1-9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Purr is located at 167 Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brighton MA.
H/T to Boston Magazine
Featured Image via Facebook/Purr Cat Cafe