Cat Cafe And Lounge To Open In Bucktown

CHICAGO, IL — The Windy Kitty Cat Cafe and Lounge will be opening in Bucktown on West North Avenue by the end of October or early November, according to the cafe's owner Jenny Tiner. The cafe will be located at 1746 W. North Ave., near North Wood Street. Tiner signed a five-year lease on the building last week.

In preparation for its opening, The Windy Kitty Cafe is accepting donations via an Amazon registry, or PayPal.

"There are items for the kitten nursery, the cats, the cafe and all price ranges are there. No matter how big or small it's the generosity that counts!" explained Tiner.

"What inspired me initially was walking by a cat cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland, Maison de Moggy. I thought it was the best thing ever, just looked like pure happiness on the gloomiest day!" Tiner explained.

After returning to the US and doing some research, Tiner knew she could make a difference.

"I became determined to do this! It's amazing how with a little bit of effort and a lot of support one can truly make a difference in the world!"

Tiner raised $6,451 through an Indiegogo campaign to open The Windy City Cat Cafe and Lounge in Lincoln Park, however Tiner explained she ran into zoning issues. Her goal was to raise $35,000, but closed the campaign after receiving several large donations, including one from Ceva Animal Health.

"Help us create the happiest place in Chicago! Adoptable cats roaming free, food, friends & snuggles!" Tiner posted on the Indiegogo campaign page.

Cat lovers will be able to hang out with more than a dozen cats in the lounge, all of whom will be up for adoption through the organization ALIVE Rescue. (For more local news, subscribe to free email news alerts and a daily newsletter for your hometown Patch.)

The cafe will offer free WiFi, yoga with cats, movie nights, and story time events for kids.

There will be a $10 entry fee per person, however if people are just shopping, the fee will be waved. The cafe will also feature locally-sourced food, drinks, and artwork.

For more info, visit The Windy Kitty website.

Image courtesy of The Windy Kitty Cafe and Lounge Facebook page.