{"id":13580,"date":"2019-08-30T15:28:04","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T22:28:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/noelophile.com\/?p=13580"},"modified":"2019-08-31T08:39:29","modified_gmt":"2019-08-31T15:39:29","slug":"an-afternoon-of-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/?p=13580","title":{"rendered":"An Afternoon of Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"
by Noella Noelophile\u00ae\"Black<\/a><\/h6>\n

One sure sign you’ve fallen in love?\u00a0 When you walk out of an establishment and leave your recording device–without even realizing it.<\/p>\n

That happened to me just over a week ago, after visiting Feline Good Social Club<\/a>, in downtown Long Beach.<\/p>\n

(Well, there were<\/em> 25 cats onsite…<\/p>\n

\"Gray<\/a><\/p>\n

…including this one, who showed considerable interest in the cheese platter in my bag!)<\/p>\n

As mentioned in a previous post<\/a>, Feline Good, Long Beach’s first cat cafe, had a soft opening on August 11th.\u00a0 Their grand opening is forthcoming.\u00a0 And they’re all about giving people a chance to “get giddy with a kitty”, as their slogan says–and find some “furever” homes for the cats onsite.\u00a0 Most of them are adoptable!<\/p>\n

\"Owner<\/a><\/p>\n

And during my visit, I had the opportunity to interview both owner Pamela Leslie and volunteer Tushita Haritwal about their new labor of love.<\/p>\n

(Although, “new” could be a misleading term here.\u00a0 While Feline Good Social Club is less than a month old, the nonprofit from which it originated has been rescuing cats and kittens for approximately two decades.)<\/p>\n

\"Pam<\/a><\/p>\n

Pam, I’m going to start with you.\u00a0 Would you tell me the story of Feline Good cat cafe, please?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: Sure.\u00a0 Actually, it originated in Long Beach Felines<\/a>, which is a local nonprofit cat rescue group.\u00a0 They’ve been in business for…twenty years, almost.\u00a0 And they had a need for a place to show cats, that wasn’t in a cage in a pet store.\u00a0 Because cats don’t like that, and it’s hard for them to get adopted when they’re scared and nervous.<\/p>\n

So we heard about the cat cafes in Asia, and they started over here in the United States, and we said, “That’s for us!”\u00a0 So we’ve been working on it for about three years, and we opened just last Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"Feline<\/a><\/p>\n

OK, so who is this fellow, that’s just about to jump in my lap?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: This is Lovey Dovey.\u00a0 She is a polydactyl.\u00a0 She is the sister of the one who does the wheel.\u00a0\u00a0 And both of these kitties are also “shoulder kitties”.\u00a0\u00a0 They like to be on your shoulder, and will capture your shoulder, whether you are watching them or not.<\/p>\n

(Editor’s note: polydactyl cats have more than the normal number of toes on one or more paws.)<\/p>\n

Pam: This is Chili, he has a twin brother right there, named Chowder.\u00a0 They’re generally pretty close to each other.<\/p>\n

\"Tushita<\/a><\/p>\n

Tushita, how did you first come on board with Long Beach Felines, and with the cat cafe?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: So, I actually teach, as my primary job.\u00a0 And so I was just looking for a way to get more involved with the community.\u00a0 I really wanted to just do something that was…you know, just to be a part of Long Beach.\u00a0 I’ve lived here my whole life, grown up here and I just really wanted to stay local and help out.<\/p>\n

\"Young<\/a><\/p>\n

So the funny thing is, that last year I got involved with fostering kittens.\u00a0\u00a0 And so this year, as I was looking around for some different things to do, I saw that this place was in the process of opening up.\u00a0 And I thought, that would be a great opportunity, you know, something that is so community-oriented in Long Beach, plus…the whole cat aspect of it, which is amazing.<\/p>\n

And so that’s where I came in.\u00a0 And so, I actually just came in not too long ago, but I’ve been here on a pretty regular basis and it’s honestly been a great experience.\u00a0 Just really, really rewarding to be here helping out with cats, interacting with the public and just really seeing them thrive in such an environment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What was one of your absolute best experiences, from the opening that happened last weekend?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: I was actually not here specifically for that.\u00a0 Pam was here, I think she can probably answer that question a little bit better.\u00a0 But I have been here since before it opened, and then just kind of seeing it (after the opening).<\/p>\n

You know, just seeing the way people come in, and the way they light up, once they come in and they see the cats, they get to interact with them, and just knowing that you’re kind of just bringing joy to people.<\/p>\n

You know, for a lot of people, who maybe they’re allergic, they can’t have cats for whatever reason.\u00a0 And giving them the opportunity to spend an hour in an environment like this, I think has just been really amazing to see that, you know, with people.<\/p>\n

\"Black<\/a><\/p>\n

Pam, what was the process?\u00a0 You had three years of getting ready here, and I understand that you ran into a couple of roadblocks.\u00a0 What was that like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: After we finally made the decision that we weren’t going to get money from anybody other than ourselves, and we just had to dig deep to make it happen, then we had to deal with city bureaucracy.\u00a0 And it’s nothing to say horribly about the city.\u00a0 I’m sure Long Beach is like any other city: they had their red tape and their rules, and it was just a matter of getting through all that.<\/p>\n

But it was frustrating, and it took much longer than we wanted it, to happen.<\/p>\n

What was your opening day like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: It was a relief, is what it was.\u00a0\u00a0 Because people came, and people were happy, and they liked what they saw.\u00a0 And they–many of the people had been to cat cafes elsewhere, and they said, “Oh, my gosh, this one is so nice.\u00a0\u00a0 It’s so big, it’s so open and airy and there (are) so many cats here.”\u00a0 So that’s what made it all worthwhile, is that people were happy.<\/p>\n

Tushita, I’m going to ask you for a–pretty much a virtual tour…We walk in the door (of Feline Good Social Club), and what do we see?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"black<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: So I think people will really be impressed, kind of just going back to what Pam said, about how big and bright and airy the space is.\u00a0 You have a ton of windows, you have a ton of light.<\/p>\n

Right when you walk in, there’s kind of like a little reservation area, also designed to help keep the cats inside, so none of them are sneaky and get out.<\/p>\n

And then you’ll come, you’ll walk right in, you’ll see the first room, which is known as the Wheel Room, because there’s a huge cat wheel in there.\u00a0 Some of the cats really love using it.\u00a0 There’s Fancy Feet, who you can almost always find on that wheel, showing off for everyone.<\/p>\n

\"massive<\/a><\/p>\n

If you make a left, you’ll come to the Tree Room, which has this really amazing wooden tree.\u00a0 I think that was custom made, for this space.\u00a0 And it’s just, I think, visually so impressive, especially when you see the cats climbing all over it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

And then, if you make your way further down, you’ll come to another room, known as the Tepee Room, which also has a tepee in it.\u00a0\u00a0 And so, this room, I think it’s a little bit more cozy, it’s got this really amazing mural done by a local artist.\u00a0 He goes by the pseudonym, Instagram handle, of Whosvlad.<\/p>\n

And so, again, local Long Beach artist from Miami.\u00a0 He just came in over a week period and did this amazing artwork.\u00a0 It’s kind of like this, almost 3D hyper-realistic mural of cats with these really cool, kind of like hippie-ish glasses.\u00a0 Kind of like Sixties, psychedelic kind of a vibe.\u00a0 And he’s done some lettering, stenciling, around the lounge as well.<\/p>\n

So I think this room is definitely–it’s cozy, but it’s definitely visually striking, because of the artwork that you see on the walls.<\/p>\n

\"Cats<\/a><\/p>\n

Those look like some very cool cats.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: Right? Exactly, and I think that’s a good term for it: “cool cats”.\u00a0 Or, a very cool lounge.<\/p>\n

How are you finding the artists who are creating your murals (and other items)?\u00a0 Are you one of the artists who’s creating the T-shirts and things?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: I am not.\u00a0 I think Pam would, again, be better equipped to answer that question…<\/p>\n

\"Cats<\/a><\/p>\n

Pam: Well, you know, this is an art district here.\u00a0 And, actually, artists are stopping in and asking if we can use their services.\u00a0 That’s how we found Vlad.\u00a0 And Vlad is actually allergic to cats!\u00a0 So he suffered (laughs), in order to complete this mural.<\/p>\n

But…right over caddycorner from us, there’s kind of like a little enclave of artists.\u00a0 And that’s how we’re getting them to come in.<\/p>\n

How can people best support you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: Well, coming, and occupying the lounge, coming in, playing with the cats, if they know someone who wants to adopt a cat, be sure that person comes here.\u00a0 Because all of our cats, you’re going to find the cat as he really is.\u00a0 This is where the cats live 24 hours a day, and so this is home to them.\u00a0 And this is who the cat will be when he goes to his forever home.<\/p>\n

\"two<\/a><\/p>\n

I love that.\u00a0 Because you can never know, just like you said, when you see a kitty in a cage, or whatever.\u00a0 That’s not the real cat.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: It’s not. It is not.\u00a0 Cats don’t like to be caged, at all.<\/p>\n

(Sudden whirr of the cat wheel as Fancy Feet puts it to use!)<\/p>\n

Pam: There he goes!…He just looks amazing on that wheel, just running and running.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/noelophile.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Cat-Video-2.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n

He’s an amazing guy.\u00a0 Now, this is going to be a tough question for either one of you.\u00a0 But if you had to adopt only one cat, out of the 25 you have here…which one would you choose?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"light-blond<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: I think for me it would probably be Heather, maybe Paulie.\u00a0 They’re both just really–Pam kind of describes them as, like, “A plus kitties”.\u00a0 And they really are.\u00a0 They’re just so well-rounded.\u00a0 They’re really friendly, they’re cuddly, they’re beautiful, there’s just really no fault between the two of them.<\/p>\n

Pam: Well, I’ve been in rescue for twenty years.\u00a0\u00a0 And so, I have the same value that all rescuers do: we take the “undercat”.\u00a0 So the cat who’s in the room hiding, that’s probably the one I would adopt.<\/p>\n

These (cats) don’t seem very shy at all.\u00a0 I’ve heard meows, I’ve had my hand butted a few times–it’s been wonderful.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Siamese<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: These cats have all been raised to be extremely social.<\/p>\n

\"Four<\/a><\/p>\n

What are some of the events that you’re planning to have, coming up in the next few months?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: Well, we have cats with yoga–“Cats and Mats”–and that’s on a weekly basis.\u00a0 We also have birthday parties here, we have Kids’ Club, where kids come in and we teach them about how to live with a cat, and what’s right and what’s wrong.\u00a0 We also want to have movie nights, game nights, party nights.\u00a0 We’ve just done what’s called a “soft opening”.\u00a0 So we just kind of opened our doors, and peeked out, and the people who are coming in, that’s how they’re learning about us.<\/p>\n

So when our grand opening happens, probably in–I think we’re looking for–October?<\/p>\n

Tushita: October, I think, right before the holiday season.<\/p>\n

(Since we’re mainly a Christmas website,) let’s have some quick tips, if you don’t mind.\u00a0 I’ve heard you should never give a cat for a surprise gift.\u00a0 But suppose somebody’s giving a kitty for a Christmas gift.\u00a0\u00a0 What do they need to know?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Pam<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tushita: Well, a well-planned gift.<\/p>\n

Pam: A well-planned gift.\u00a0 So what they’re going to want to know is, if you have someone who’s going to receive a cat, that person should pick the cat.<\/p>\n

Because just like with dogs, cats are the same way.\u00a0\u00a0 You either have a connection or you don’t.\u00a0 So I think that’s the biggest tip I can (give), is that you can facilitate the adoption but it has to be that person, picking the cat.<\/p>\n

\"Volunteer<\/a><\/p>\n

Tushita: As a dog owner, I would tell people that cats are not like dogs.\u00a0\u00a0 I think a lot of people get to the “dog” mentality and they think that cats are going to act like dogs.\u00a0 Cats, you know, they can be cuddly, but they’re always going to be, I think, a little bit more independent.\u00a0 I think it’s important to realize that it might take them some time to acclimate, and it might take them a little bit of time to warm up.<\/p>\n

\"Tiger<\/a><\/p>\n

But, you know, you give them that time and that space, and you’re going to have an amazing cat, once they do feel comfortable around you.<\/p>\n

As we wrap up, what’s been one of your absolute favorite experiences…with any one of the kitties, either before you opened Feline Good (Social Club) or since you’ve had your soft opening?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"black<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pam: Well, I think it’s the surprise, that Fancy Feet has blossomed so much that we have now decided to make him an apprentice mascot.\u00a0 So he will stay with us.\u00a0 That’s my biggest surprise.<\/p>\n

Tushida: I think just really seeing the cats blossom, because the first couple of days, I think, you know, they were a little uneasy, a little skittish…Just giving them that time and space, and going back to the fact that really, here, you’re going to see the cat’s personality really open up, versus a cage where they’re not…you’re just not going to see some of those behaviors.<\/p>\n

…I think just seeing a lot of them grow, and blossom.\u00a0 And really, identifying aspects of each individual personality has been amazing.<\/p>\n

\"Facade<\/a><\/p>\n

Feline Good Social Club is located at 301 Atlantic Avenue, near Third Street, in Long Beach.\u00a0 Admission is $15 for an hour with the furry felines, and they have half-hour “quickie” sessions for $8.\u00a0 (And if you need a new forever pet, ask them about adoptions–they have their “purrsonalities” listed on their walls!)\u00a0 Reservations are required; here’s the link for more information<\/a>.
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Noella Noelophile\u00ae One sure sign you’ve fallen in love?\u00a0 When you walk out of an establishment and leave your recording device–without even realizing it. That happened to me just over a week ago, after visiting Feline Good Social Club, … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[262],"tags":[1922,1921,1920,1918,1916,1917],"class_list":["post-13580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-all-the-year","tag-cat-cafe","tag-feline-good","tag-feline-good-social-club","tag-long-beachs-first-cat-cafe","tag-pamela-leslie","tag-tushita-haritwal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13580"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13580\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13656,"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13580\/revisions\/13656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/noelophile.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}