Nonprofit Spotlight: Smitten Kitten Revives Cat Cafe Concept, Gives Furry Friends a Second Chance
Lauren Clingenpeel, a dedicated animal lover and experienced cat cafe proprietor, has revived the beloved concept of cat cafes with her new venture, The Smitten Kitten NWA.
Smitten Kitten NWA, a nonprofit cat cafe, is determined to make a difference in the lives of overlooked cats in Northwest Arkansas. This effort builds on the experience Clingenpeel gained when she opened Purr Cat Cafe in 2015. Despite its success, Purr Cat Cafe eventually closed in 2020 due to lease issues and the impact of COVID-19. Undeterred, Clingenpeel shifted her focus to rescue work and foster-based services through Purr Project NWA.
The Smitten Kitten NWA offers a safe haven for rescue cats from local shelters like Purr Project NWA, Springdale Animal Services, Fayetteville Animal Services, and Wilson Zoo in Garfield. By partnering with these organizations, Clingenpeel hopes to provide a unique opportunity for cats that often struggle in traditional shelter settings. The cafe’s mission is encapsulated in its slogan, “a cat cafe for the underdogs,” emphasizing its commitment to cats that need a little more time, socialization, or special care.
Guests can experience the joy of interacting with these cats in a one-of-a-kind setting. For an entry fee of , visitors can enter the cafe and stay for as long as they want. The cafe offers unlimited coffee and tea, and guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Additionally, special events like movie nights and yoga nights are planned to enhance the experience. Any profits from the cafe go back to support local rescues and shelters.
Smitten Kitten NWA is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With its comfortable environment and the dedication of its staff, the cafe serves as the perfect place for cat lovers to unite and make a difference in the lives of these deserving animals.
- Cafe Details:
- – Located at 524 West Sycamore St., Suite D, in Fayetteville
- – Open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- – Unlimited coffee and tea available
This innovative approach not only raises awareness about the plight of overlooked cats but also creates a chance for them to find their forever homes. As Clingenpeel aptly puts it, “Just sitting with them and being patient with them and letting them come to you can help get them ready for their new home.”
Smitten Kitten Cat Cafe embodies the spirit of compassion and giving a second chance to those who need it most – our furry friends.
