Mini Cat Town strives for the purr-fect adoption and cat experience
Located right inside of the south entrance of the Stoneridge Mall, Mini Cat Town catches the eyes of many passing cat-lovers.
As one saunters towards the south entrance of the Stoneridge Mall, one takes in the familiar sights: the massive horse statue outside PF Chang’s; The Cheesecake Factory’s eccentric styling; Garage’s lifeless mannequins; a dozen of the cutest kittens in a cheerful, bright atmosphere… Wait, cats?! On the outskirts of the Stoneridge Mall lies the crown jewel: Mini Cat Town.
Mini Cat Town is an interactive and unique nonprofit animal rescue center, with a focus on finding homes for its cat residents. The place offers cats a place to roam around in a safe environment, while visitors pay an entrance fee to play and socialize with them.
“Our mission is to get as many rescue kittens a good home, while also giving the new owners the best chance at having a very sociable and loveable kitten,” said Alma Rosas, a worker at Mini Cat Town.
If you are looking to rescue a cat, Mini Cat Town requires an application form as well as an appointment to meet your new friend. An adoption fee is also present, to help cover the costs of the other resident cats. “If you are looking to adopt, go to Minicattown.org and fill out an application. If you are approved, you get to set up a meet and greet with the chosen cat,” said Rosas.
“The entrance fee [and adoption fee] money goes directly to the kittens on the floor, as well as cats in foster care,” said Rosas.
Mini Cat Town has cool decor everywhere, with Instagram worthy photo areas and bright murals on the walls. (Daniel Cruz)
The adoption wall shows all of the cats available for adoption. Freshmen are the newest residents. (Daniel Cruz)
Helio, a domestic shorthair cat, hides in one of the many plush cat condos at Mini Cat Town. (Daniel Cruz)
Kenzi was the most social and playful cat when AV Journalism visited. (Daniel Cruz)
Chive, a domestic shorthair cat, lounges in a cat condo. (Daniel Cruz)
Kenzi, a 7 month old domestic medium haired cat, strolls on a cat-sized hamster wheel. (Daniel Cruz)
Atlas was a Cat Town Favorite – always playful and happy to get into laps. (Daniel Cruz)
Mini Cat Town has found homes for 94 cats just this year at the Stoneridge location. Since their founding in 2015, Mini Cat Town has rescued over 1,500 cats from the streets and shelters total, across its two locations.“So this year, 94 [cats adopted]. The total in general is around 1,500,” said Pandora Deem, a Mini Cat Town volunteer. “Have you seen the kittens? That’s the best part of volunteering.”
Volunteer cat lovers like Deem make Mini Cat Town happen behind the scenes. Changing litter boxes, handling the cats, and making sure the cat residents are living their best life in Mini Cat Town is top priority. However, the cats need forever homes.
“If you are looking to adopt, go to Minicattown.org and fill out an application depending on the location that you’re picking the cat from. Fill it out, if you are approved, you get to set up a little meet and greet with the chosen cat,” said Rosas.
Mini Cat Town is a fresh approach to the traditional adoption center. By creating a nice environment for both visitors and potential cat owners to interact with the cats, Mini Cat Town sets itself apart from your traditional adoption experience.
“I think the worst part [of volunteering] isn’t litter boxes or anything like that, it’s telling people their time’s up,” said Deem.
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