New cat cafe leads to new homes for featured felines

Artemus was the first cat to saunter out of The Cattitude Cafe and into a permanent home.

Since then, he has been followed by more than two dozen felines that chose their new owners from customers who came to Sioux Falls’ first cat cafe hoping to make a match.

“Twenty-seven adoptions since opening (is) something we’re super proud of,” said Cattitude owner Heather Wendlandt, who opened her restaurant’s doors July 15.

“I knew we’d have some adoptions, but this many so soon is such an amazing feeling and such a nice shock.”

That was Monday. Two days later, with the adoption of Bucky, Mr. Krabs and Evie, the total is up to 30.

The Cattitude Cafe in the Johnson Building at 11th Street and Second Avenue offers coffee drinks and meals such as wraps and sandwiches. What sets it apart is a separate room designed to house 15 to 25 cats from the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Customers can pay an hourly fee to sit inside the room, or they can watch the interactions for free from the cafe.

People interested in adopting a cat — and she has seen everyone from single adults to families — view the cats in a homier setting and interact with the animals who are under less stress than at the shelter. Wendlandt thinks that is one reason why the number of adoptions has been so high.

“You can go in a room and pick from 20 different personalities or 20 types of cats,” she said. “You’ll find cuddly, laid-back cats, or you’ll find ones that are playful and energetic. You kind of can choose which cat personality you’re looking for.”

Humane Society officials have told her they are pleased with how the partnership is working. The animal rescue has fewer cats at its facility, and its goal of finding the animals permanent homes is being met.

The shelter has speeded up its adoption process, and it can take as little as 20 minutes to complete the forms.

“If you come in and meet a cat and fall in love, you can go online to the website and fill out the paperwork on your smartphone,” Wendlandt said. “Once the Humane Society has called and said they’re approved, they’re able to come take them home. There have been a couple of adoptions where people are at the cafe, they fill out the paperwork, and they take them home right away.”

New cats usually arrive Sunday and one other day during the week. Most cats acclimate to The Cattitude Cafe quickly, Wendlandt said. They are let out in the support room and find the viewing area fast.

Wendlandt still encourages people who want to spend time with the cats to make an online reservation first. The restaurant’s full menu is available for those who want to eat before or after visiting the cats or those who just want to watch.

Peek inside: Sioux Falls’ first cat cafe ready to open