Visiting a Cat Cafe...

On nearly every list of pet loving cities, you will find my city - Austin, TX close to the top. Our affinity for animals is the reason that we are America's largest No Kill city. Throughout the downtown area alone, you can find dozens of pet-friendly parks, pet themed events taking place and even animal-themed artwork!

Last October, one more animal-friendly business, Blue Cat Cafe opened it's doors to cat and coffee lovers. In that time-frame, they have teamed up with the Austin Humane Society and offer up their cafe space to cats looking for homes. I had a moment to chat with owner Rebecca Gray, who delightfully shared that since their opening day, the Blue Cat Cafe has adopted out nearly 200 cats! 

Jazz, my personal cat and tote
bag model was adopted through
Austin Humane Society.
Order a Jazz tote here >>

Being a volunteer photographer for various rescues and an avid animal lover, I am always thrilled to visit and support other small businesses that support local charities and help promote our area's adoptable pets. In particular, the Austin Humane Society will always have a special place in my heart, as my two kitties, Jazz and Izze Belle, were both adopted from them. 

Today, I decided to take a little time away from the studio and visit Blue Cat Cafe for the first time (I know, I know... how did it take this long??). After stepping through the doors, I was greeted by a handful of curious cats. The cafe itself was fairly empty when I arrived, with 3 small groups of visitors, each playing with various cats and toys. The walls are covered in cat-themed artwork and shelving units that allow the cats to jump and climb to their furry little heart's content. In the middle of the cafe, a large man-made tree wrapped with rope (purrfect for climbing and scratching) stretches up to the ceiling, where cats can pass across the room on on a raised walkway designed specifically for them. If that's not enough, the cats have adorably designed beds to curl up in (my favorite being the hollowed out Macintosh), plenty of hiding spaces to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed and all the attention they could ever want from the many patrons visiting the cafe. Oh, and of course, a smaller sectioned off space hosts a handful of fuzzy little kittens who are currently available for adoption. I happily spent some time snuggling up with these charming babies who had just returned from their spay/neuter surgeries and were now waiting for their new families to find them.

I attempted to count the cats in my initial view, but every time I turned around, a new furry face would appear. My best guess was 15 - 20 cats reside at the cafe at any given time? While I don't know the exact number of cats, I can tell you that this place is certainly a great spot for any cat lover! The coffee is tasty, they offer an entirely Vegan menu (always a plus to a cruelty-free lifestyle supporter like myself) but the cats are definitely the real treat here! Next time, I will happily bring my laptop and stop in for a coffee and some kitty-themed work hours!

Want to visit the Blue Cat Cafe yourself? Stop by during their business hours at 1400 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702. You definitely won't regret the visit! 

Stephanie Conrad
Pet Studio Art | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Meet Rico, my latest custom cat portrait model.
Order a painting of your own kitty at www.petstudioart.com

Featured Adoptable Cat of the Week: Cadence
This lovely tabby girl came into the Williamson County Regional
Animal Shelter pregnant and scared. After being a wonderful mother
to her babies and seeing them all off to their new forever homes, this
sweet lady is now waiting for her chance to be taken care of. Cadence is
a calm girl, just over 1 year old and is very gentle. Come meet her at
the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, TX.

These Are My Babies Now...

Sometimes, you need a sweet video to chase away those Monday blues. This video has been circulating the web for a few years, but every single time I see it, it makes my heart swoon! 

Love animals? Order one of our adorable tote bags today and show off your furry and feathery love!

Shop now >>

Whiskers the Cat Tote Bag.
$14.99 (Double-sided print featuring Whiskers, an adorable Tabby cat
saved by the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. 

Oscar, the Bionic Cat

My sweet Jazz-cat! 

Just over a month ago, my sweet little black kitty Jazz had emergency surgery due to a blockage in his intestine. As scary as that was, there was never a thought that we wouldn't do everything possible to ensure that our handsome boy had the best care possible. Thanks to our wonderful Veterinary team, Dr Stein (who performed the surgery) and Dr Bryant at Parmer Lane Pet Hospital in Cedar Park, TX, Jazz has made a full recovery and is back to his happy, sweet self! 

When I came across the story of Oscar, he just reminded me of my Jazz. Not because my Jazz is missing a limb, but because they have the same sweet demeanor, they look alike (the obvious similarity) and they have both overcome a lot of odds. Jazz was adopted from a shelter in Austin, before our city was No-Kill. A little black kitten blends in with the hundreds of other black kittens that enter our shelters yearly, we happen to have been lucky enough to be chosen by this little one! Jazz reached through his kennel and grabbed my shoelace as we passed - as I looked down to see what had stopped me, it was love at first sight!

Oscar's hind legs were severed between his ankles and feet by a harvester in a corn field near his home. Oscar somehow managed to get out of the corn field, where he was discovered by a passing cyclist, who scooped him up and carried him back to his families home. Oscar was covered in blood, and his owners Mike and Kate feared that he would need to be humanely euthanized at their local veterinarian. Fortunately, Dr. Peter  Haworth saw past his initial wounds and after administering medication and ensuring that Oscar was not in any pain, suggested that Oscar would make an excellent candidate for prosthetic legs.

Oscar was flown to the United Kingdom where he underwent his surgery with Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick. The surgery was successful and Oscar is now well loved and living life as any cat should!

Stephanie Conrad
Pet Studio Art | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Of course, I think everyone needs to have a black cat in their lives, but if you don't, you can always order my 'Jazz' the black cat tote bag! 

Click Here to order your Jazz tote!