Meeches Makes Her Debut at The Cat Cafe

Snapdragon Stadium may be a place where people have a lot of fun, but it's not a good place for a cat like me to live. Some kind people who take care of cats around there found me. They saw how much I enjoyed people so they tried to make me part of their clowder at home. Unfortunately, the cats who were already there didn't want to be friends with me. That's how I ended up coming to The Cat Cafe.  I've quickly settled in and become friends with the other cats. You'll find me wandering around the cat room, looking for people to pet my long black fur. And when I need a break, I like to make it challenging for you humans to find me by climbing up high. But it's worth seeing me up there, because you'll wonder how I manage to work my way into those spots. I'd love for you to come by to say hi. Book a reservation today to do it.

My two years of life have been a hard one so far. Someone abandoned me outside and since I wasn't neutered, I ended up getting in a lot of tussles. That's why I have a cauliflower ear. On top of that, I suffered a leg injury that resulted in my left leg getting so damaged that the doctors decided to amputate it to give me a better life.  Now that I'm inside, that doesn't matter. I sometimes forget that I'm missing that leg and topple over when I try to stand on my hind legs. And when I grab on to a kick toy, you'll see me want to start kicking with the missing leg. The people here think it's cute. And I enjoy entertaining them. Come see me and see if you want me to amble into your home.

The Rescue House doesn't know how I ended up in a colony of cats that were being fed, but what they do know is that my time there resulted in me getting a cauliflower ear due to the fights I got into. And that wasn't the worst of it. I injured my leg so badly that the doctors decided it was better to remove it.  Despite all of this, I love getting chin scratches and pets. And when I get to know you, I'll follow you around. When I do that, you'll see that I may have one less leg than most cats, but I get around just fine. Come see me and maybe you'll decide that my battle scars are what makes me the perfect cat for you.

When we turned up at a colony of cats that are being fed by kind people, we stood out immediately because of how friendly we are. Most of the cats there tolerate people. We came right over to talk to the person who was feeding us. That's why we went to a foster home for The Rescue House and came here.  And that personality that got us inside is on full display here. We were in the cat room within minutes of arriving, entertaining visitors. We haven't slowed down since we arrived, other than for our needed naps to recharge. They don't call them cat naps for nothing. But don't worry, once we relax for a while, we'll be up and about and maybe if you're lucky we'll claim your lap for ours.

I thought I had a good home, but when I developed medical issues, the people who had me couldn't take care of them. I went to The Rescue House to get a chance to get the care I needed. And the doctors found out that I had a condition called stomatitis. This meant I needed to have all my teeth removed because they were hurting me.  Once I got that taken care of and recovered, I came to The Cat Cafe. It took a while for me to get used to things, so I spent most of my time in the retreat. But as I felt more comfortable, I started to venture out and now you'll find me in the cat room except when I want to sleep. I'm a smart cat who knows he won't be bothered in the retreat, so when it's sleepy time, I go there. Come and meet me and see if a toothless cat with a big heart belongs in your home.

Our mother was pregnant with us when she was found in a cage in an abandoned home. Fortunately, the caretaker got her to The Rescue House, where she gave birth to us. We were adopted, but things didn't work out and we came back. Now, we're here at The Cat Cafe entertaining visitors with our dashes around the cat room and loud meows at the things we see outside the window.  When we settle in, we like to be up high. You'll see the two of us in the top of the eight foot tree or in a high cubby. See if we're the perfect pair for your home and we'll be sure to tell you why.

Adopting a cat can be a life-changing experience, especially for families with children. Not only do cats bring companionship, joy, and a sense of responsibility to young kids, but they also help foster empathy, routine, and respect for living beings. At The Cat Café , we believe every child should have the chance to bond with a furry friend, and with the proper preparation, the cat-kid connection can be truly magical. If you’re a family thinking about bringing home a cat, this guide will walk you through key tips to ensure a smooth, safe, and loving transition for everyone, two-legged and four-pawed alike. Why Cats Make Great Family Pets Cats can be excellent additions to family life: Low-maintenance (but loving): Cats are more independent than dogs, making them great for busy households. Teaches responsibility: Feeding, grooming, and playtime can become part of your child’s daily routine. Comfort and companionship: Many children find emotional support in a pet’s calm presence. Promotes empathy and care: Helping a child learn how to treat animals with kindness can have a lifelong impact. Choosing the Right Cat for a Family with Kids Not every cat is the same, and not every cat is the best fit for a home with young children. Here’s what to consider: ✅ Look for a Cat with a Calm, Social Personality Cats who are affectionate, tolerant, and enjoy being around people are ideal for families. Cats that have been exposed to children or loud environments (like those in a cat café) are more likely to adapt well to your home. ✅ Consider Age and Energy Level Kittens are fun and energetic, but they can also be fragile and require constant supervision. Adult cats often have more stable personalities and may already be used to being handled. Senior cats can be mellow companions, especially for calm or older children. ✅ Talk to Staff or Rescue Partners At The Cat Café, we get to know our cats well, and we can help guide you toward a good match based on your household, children’s ages, and lifestyle. Preparing Your Kids for a Cat Bringing a cat into your family is an excellent opportunity for teaching and learning. Help your kids understand how to be gentle and respectful companions: Talk About Boundaries Explain that cats are not toys, they’re living beings with feelings. Teach your child to: Approach slowly and calmly Avoid sudden movements or loud noises Let the cat come to them first Recognize signs the cat wants space (ears back, tail flicking, hissing) Practice “Petting Manners” Use stuffed animals to demonstrate how to gently pet a cat (on the head, cheeks, and back) and avoid tail-pulling or rough play. Read Books About Cats Together Age-appropriate books about cat care or animal friendships can help kids build empathy and set expectations for their new family member. Preparing Your Home for a Family-Friendly Cat Setting up a comfortable, safe space for your new feline friend is key to a smooth transition: Create a Quiet "Safe Zone" Cats, especially new ones, need a quiet area where they can retreat. Set up a room with: A cozy bed Food and water A litter box Toys and a scratching post Make this area off-limits to kids at first so the cat can adjust at their own pace. Provide Enrichment for All Cats and kids both love to play! Have a basket of safe cat toys, like wand toys, balls, or feather chasers, that your child can use under supervision to engage and bond with the cat. Be Patient, Relationships Take Time It’s essential to allow both the cat and your child to develop trust gradually. Don’t force interactions. Celebrate small milestones like the cat sniffing your child’s hand, curling up nearby, or initiating play. And remember, accidents or misunderstandings are bound to happen. Use these as gentle learning moments rather than reasons to scold or give up. Visit Before You Adopt: Try the Cat Café Experience If your family is still deciding whether to adopt or just wants to see how kids and cats interact, The Cat Café is a great place to start. Here, your children can: Observe cats in a calm, natural setting Learn how to approach and interact respectfully See the wide range of cat personalities Possibly even fall in love with a future furry family member! Conclusion: Building a Lifelong Bond With a bit of preparation, adopting a cat into a family with children can be an enriching experience. Kids learn compassion, patience, and responsibility, while cats gain loving companions who grow up alongside them. At The Cat Café , we’re here to help you find the right feline friend and make the adoption experience joyful for the whole family. Visit us soon, your child’s first best furry friend might just be waiting for you. Ready to meet your family’s next four-legged member? Come cuddle, play, and connect at The Cat Café! 🐾☕👧🐱

My life kind of resembles a country and western song, and I like to sing to visitors and other cats so my name is fitting. I lived in the attic of an artist's studio for a while, and my fur got as dirty and dusty as a a cowboy's hat after a cattle drive. But when I made my way to The Rescue House and a foster home, I showed that I'm quite the showman.  And I've continued it as a member of The Cat Cafe clowder. When I'm in the mood, I'll sprint across the floor of the cat room, often with a little yowl to announce my intentions. I've become friends with most of the cats here, including the resident grumpy old man Leo. As you can imagine, I need to go to a home where there is another playful and active cat. If that's yours, I'll gladly sing my hellos to you.

I was living in the desert in Imperial County when the shelter there took me in. But I spent a lot of time in the shelter and didn't find a home. I was happy there, but when the chance came to head to the coast, I was happy to be selected.  Within minutes of arriving at The Cat Cafe, I was in the cat room exploring. I started making friends with the other cats in the clowder and the people who come to see us as well right away. And I haven't stopped. You should visit me. I'm sure to entertain you and you may want to take me home.