Our Founding Story
This non-profit was started by Cora and Uri, a married couple who have been in education for the past 25 years, in teacher and administrator roles. They’ve visited 31 cat cafes so far, each time getting more inspired and picking up new ideas to one day open one. The pandemic and their loss of their dearest cat Isabella prompted them to foster cats, help more cats find their forever home, and bring the cat cafe experience to their own community. Now as a fully-formed non-profit with a board of directors, we are thankful that so many cat cafe owners have been so generous in mentoring us on our journey. The number of people who have shared their wisdom, expertise, and time with us has been truly heartwarming!
Our Board Members
Cora Ducolon - High school English teacher and co-founder
Uri Harel - School administrator and co-founder
Tony Beatrice - Arts administrator, music teacher, fundraising advisor, and cheerleader
Crystal Legaski - Educator, amazing volunteer, and our social media specialist
Lisa Glus - Resident artist, documenter of cat antics, and creative inspiration
Our Rescue Partners
Our Mentors and Supporters
Karla @ Lucky Cat Cafe (Louisville, KY) for her extensive mentorship and showing us that it is possible to open a non-profit cat cafe!
Angela @ Mew Haven Cat Cafe (New Haven, CT) for her logistical guidance on everything from litter choice to sharing key documents.
The City of Peabody and the Peabody Chamber of Commerce for being so welcome and open to our concept
Peabody Branch of Eastern Bank (shout out to Taylor and Ana Maria for all their amazing support!)
Frank Pasciuto @ Pasciuto and Associates for helping us secure our purr-fect space
NorthEast SCORE for their help with our business plan
Dorie Clark for her non-profit business advice and ongoing contributions.
Our Favorite Cafes
Plan a road trip to check out these cool cat cafes…
Koneko Cat Cafe, New York City
Mew Haven Cat Cafe, New Haven, CT
Lucky Cat Cafe and Lounge, Louisville, KY
Cats & Cafeine Tampa, FL,
Pounce Cat Cafe, Charleston, SC
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, London, England
CatCade, Chicago, IL