by Noella Noelophile®
“Fancy Feet” was showing off his moves.
Strolling over to a giant cat wheel, he began exercising. His pace increased to a trot. Every now and then, he added vocals, interspersing a “meow” with the footwork.
After all, he did need to be sure his audience was properly appreciative of his talents.
And Fancy Feet was just one of the 25 cats onsite for visits, cuddling and purring at Long Beach’s first cat cafe, Feline Good Social Club, last Monday. His name comes from the fact that he’s a polydactyl–he has six toes!
Feline Good Social Club had its soft opening on August 11th.
It’s three rooms dedicated to visiting with kitties–and to saving lives.
Amenities for the furry residents include a giant cat tree…
..as well as shelves on the walls for a convenient catnap.
So, where did these cats come from? From Long Beach Felines, a nonprofit which has been rescuing honeless, abused and neglected cats for about 20 years.
Visitors can come in and “get giddy with a kitty”–or 24–petting, playing with the cat toys and having them get up close.
Most of the cats are also available for adoption!
(Sorry, that doesn’t include “Fancy Feet”. He’s the onsite mascot. But you’ll get to see him when you come by.)
And you may just fall in love with Chowder, Heather, Chili, Lolli…
At the time of our visit, just over a week after the doors opened, one of the resident kitties had already been adopted.
And on the calendar are some special events, including “Cats and Mats” yoga classes and classes for children, on interacting with cats. In addition, Feline Good Social Club is available for private events, such as birthday parties.
Meanwhile, be sure to check out the art from local creatives, and the cool products they’ve designed, in support of this fantastic new addition to downtown Long Beach.
Technically, Feline Good Social Club isn’t a “cafe” yet. City permitting restrictions do not allow them to serve food or beverages where the cats are. However, visitors may bring a snack or coffee as they socialize with the kitties. No feeding, please (as difficult as that may prove when you see those soulful, big cat eyes!).
Owner Pamela Leslie (l) and volunteer Tushita Haritwal (r) were kind enough to share the story of Feline Good Cat Cafe, and the nonprofit behind this exciting new location. We’ll be publishing that, in depth, next.
And if you’d like to “get giddy with a kitty”, you have lots of options
Pam says, in addition to being able to book a cat lounge session during regular business hours, you’ll be seeing some special events in the future, Those plans may very well include board game nights and other cool, cat-enhanced good times. And while the “soft opening” has already happened, there’s a grand opening in Feline Good Social Club’s not-too-distant future. In all probability, it will happen in October, before the Christmas season.
Meanwhile (meownwhile?), if you’d like to support Feline Good Social Club, there are several ways to do that. Local artists have created some amazing cat swag which you can purchase, to help support them in their efforts. Or, if you’d like to volunteer, or donate, you’ll find a wish list on the website.
Feline Good Social Club is located at 301 Atlantic Avenue, near Third Street, in Long Beach. Admission is $15 for an hour with the furry felines. Their next “Cats & Mats Yoga” class is scheduled for Thursday, August 29th at 6 pm.