First cat cafe in Western Mass. aims to create welcoming, relaxing space for guests
The Camelot Cat Cafe in Greenfield isn’t just housing cats — it’s creating a space for visitors to relax, work, and hang out with friends, all while surrounded by six friendly felines.
The first cat cafe in Western Massachusetts recently had its soft opening, previously announced on social media. The opening weekend exceeded the business’s expectations, it said.
“People were so supportive,” Kelley Goddard, owner of Camelot Cat Cafe, told MassLive. “Neighbors came. People called their friends, people came from quite a distance. We had over 85 people.”
The 305 Wells St. site allows guests to surround themselves with cats, escaping a bit of reality for a while. The cafe also offers snacks and various beverages to enjoy.
But what sets the Camelot Cat Cafe apart from other cat cafes is its focus.
Gaining popularity in pop culture a decade ago, cat cafes tend to have a heavy focus on the cafe experience. Many offer full-size operational cafe counters with baristas, an extensive menu and elaborate coffee.
“We felt like there were plenty of places in town to get a drink of high quality, but there was no place in town to have time with the cats,” Cameron Ward, who owns the building site, said.
While the business does offer different food and beverages, the space is fully dedicated to cats that occupy it.
Currently, the cafe is home to six sanctuary cats ranging in age, size, fur color and personality.
The sanctuary cats have all come to the cafe under different circumstances and now take up permanent residence in the space.
Though having different walks of life, like one cat being thrown from a car window, to another being surrendered by a previous owner, the six furry residents now spend their days at the cafe receiving the utmost care.
“We want them to have a standard higher than any other shelter or any other cafe, for that matter,” Goddard said. “They’re here, they live here. They eat very particularly, and they get treated amazing. They’re very spoiled.”
The sanctuary cats are not up for adoption. The business plans to partner with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter, which received approval to build a new facility to take in cats.
The business would house the shelter’s cats and put them up for adoption. But since the partnership is unfinished, the business is only currently housing the six sanctuary cats.
Customers can spend time with the cats, pet them, have a snack, work from home, or even transform the space into whatever they want, including a yoga space or a gathering to catch a game on the TV.
You can even simply head to the cafe for some peace and quiet.
“It’s a real relaxing, slow environment. And I think that’s the vibe that we’re putting out,” Ward said.
“We love the idea of a community gathering spot,” Goddard added.
For now, the business is booking appointments daily except Tuesdays. There are 40-minute time slot visits available for $20 per person. It also offers a quick visit appointment, approximately 15 minutes, for $10. Longer visits and group rates are available by appointment.
While walk-ins are not welcome yet, guests are asked to call or text 413-824-1118 to reserve a spot.
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Read the original article on MassLive .
