ENFIELD — The Enfield Community Cat Project is in the beginning stages of establishing a cat café in town as a way to help as many cats as possible.
“As an all-foster-based nonprofit cat rescue, we haven’t been able to keep up with the number of unwanted cats in our area,” explained Dawn Struck, president and founder of the Enfield Community Cat Project. “Having a cat café would allow us to help up to 15 to 20 additional cats, which is like adding 20 more foster homes. The goal is always to help more cats.”
In the beginning stages of planning, the group has a business plan for the nonprofit café and is looking for a viable space in Enfield and volunteers to help with building the café. Other cat cafés in the state are run for profit, so this will be a unique venture.
“Once we have the space we will present it to the town for approval. If anyone is looking to partner with us as a nonprofit by giving us a reduced rent on a location it would be tax deductible,” said Struck. “We are also looking for help with building out our rented space and looking to partner with members of the community, such as carpenters, electricians, etc., who may want to give back to a charitable organization. We see the cat café as a true community project.”
As a community project, Struck said that they would like to open the café in Enfield and are looking at either flex or industrial properties, knowing that modifications will need to be made no matter what property they choose. Although there is no precise timeline, the group hope to open by the fall of 2025. After finding the location, the group will determine what modifications need to be made.
The project has had an excellent community response so far with over 300 emails from people reaching out to help the core planning group.
“We will not have any paid staff as this will be all volunteer,” shared Struck. “We feel this will bring a lot of joy, pride and additional business to the Enfield area. There isn’t anything like this in Enfield.”
Anyone who is interested in helping — with location opportunities, as a contractor or as a potential volunteer — should email eccp16@gmail.com.
The Enfield Community Cat Project is a registered nonprofit organization that looks to work with the town of Enfield to rescue homeless and abandoned animals.
