Unique CT Café Offers Cats, Coffee, and A Passion for Social Justice!

Britt
by Britt
Photo credit: Harbucks / Shutterstock.com

Having long demonstrated its commitment to the feline members of society, a well-known and loved coffee shop in Connecticut has recently taken a big step forward in its mission to foster social justice, inclusion, and reproductive freedom.


The Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House in East Haddam, Connecticut, has long stood out. From their bold cobalt blue walls and neon green trim to the 6-ft-tall cats standing over their front door – it’s clear you’re entering a one-of-a-kind establishment.


Owner Mark Thiede first opened the café in May 2013. Shortly after choosing the color palette and décor for the property, one of the subcontractors warned him about the image he was creating and recommended reconsidering his color choices, stating that it would discourage people like contractors from visiting the business as they would see it as “a gay house.”


Rather than allowing the warning to discourage him, Thiede took the warning and used it to inspire him to make a difference. From that moment on, the café would be a place where everyone is welcome.


In addition to creating a place for people to feel safe and accepted, Thiede also set his sights on embracing his love of cats to raise money for pet-related causes within his community.


There are no live cats in the café itself, out of respect for those that are allergic. However, the entire space is cat-inspired. From the cat-themed decorations to the menu with items like the “Catprese.” If that has you feeling a little disappointed, don’t worry…


Next door to the coffeehouse, the Wrasslin’ Cat Lounge will allow you to enjoy playtime with six adorable kitties (all brothers and sisters). The entry cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. This money is donated to fund local trap and release efforts and cat wellness programs. In fact, Thiede and his six furry ambassadors raised over $8000 for charity in just the last two months!


What could honestly make people love the place more?


Thiede is now taking his dedication to making a difference to the next level. After 11 years operating as Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House, LLC, the operations have now been transformed into a beautiful and welcoming nonprofit called Two Wrasslin’ Cats Accord Corp. Given all that Thiede has accomplished, we’re fascinated to see what kind of difference he can make as a 501(c)3 charitable corporation.


Why TNR?


Whether this is your first time hearing about trap and release (TNR) programs, you may wonder how they work and why Thiede feels so passionately about their impact on feral cat colonies in his community.


TNR programs work to reduce the number of feral cats by preventing new cats from being born into the colony. At the same time, when the cats are in their care, volunteers can assess the health of the cats they have trapped to ensure they are healthy enough to be returned.


The work recognizes that cats born feral or have lived their whole lives outdoors may be unable to adapt to domesticated life. But this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a happy, healthy existence.


Caring for these cats reduces the strain on local shelters and rescue organizations, helps prevent the spread of infections and contagious diseases, reduces behavioral problems (like spraying and fighting), and makes it possible for people to live harmoniously with the feral colonies in their area.


If you’re in the East Haddam, CT area, swing by for a cat-themed bite to eat and a little extra snuggle time in the lounge. After all, it’s for charity!


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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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