The Whiskered Wonderland of Ziggy’s Cat Café

Jun 4

Shane and Shannon with Blossom and Pawl — Look at those smiles, pure joy right here at Ziggy’s Cat Café!

In the heart of Bremerton, Washington lies Ziggy’s Cat Lounge. This charming haven, where the warmth of community meets the soft purrs of feline friends, is more than just a café—it is a story of community, love, and the simple joy of companionship.

The Journey Begins

The journey of Ziggy’s Cat Café began with a name, a memory, and a dream. Ziggy, the beloved grey and white cat, once roamed the open fields of Shannon’s parents’ home in Eatonville, WA. His playful spirit and tender heart became the soul of this unique space. When Ziggy passed away, his legacy found a new life through the café, where every corner whispers his name and every paw print honors his memory.

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Shannon and Shane, the founders, sought to create a sanctuary inspired by Ziggy's spirit. Consulting local Facebook groups, Shannon gauged interest and found Bremerton to be the perfect home. The community's input was invaluable in selecting the location, emphasizing the collective nature of this endeavor. The journey to secure a space was full of challenges, from dismissive landlords to the struggle of finding a suitable property. “A lot of people didn’t take us seriously.” Shannon recalls. Yet, the support of a cat-loving property manager finally brought the dream to life.

A Sanctuary for Cats

Ziggy’s Cat Café is a refuge where cats and humans find comfort. The café's mission to combat cat overpopulation impacts the community profoundly. Fun fact: every dollar of the adoption fee goes to the Humane Society!

Each cat represents a story of hope. They come from varied backgrounds and find love and care here. Visitors form bonds with the cats, leading to adoptions and completing the journey from uncertainty to belonging. This cycle of rescue, care, and adoption spreads warmth and joy throughout the community.

At Ziggy’s Cat Café, the journey of each cat begins in a network of dedicated and HSMC approved foster homes. This approval process guarantees that every cat comes from a safe, nurturing environment before arriving at the café.

Shannon emphasizes this commitment to quality and care. "We don't take kitties from random foster homes in the area," she explains. "All our foster homes are part of the HSMC network, just like us but on a smaller scale."

Heartwarming Stories

Among the many heartwarming stories, the transformation of Pawl stands out. One of the first cats to arrive, Pawl was initially shy and reserved, often hiding deep within a recliner. Over time, with the gentle encouragement of visitors and staff, he transformed into a social, loving cat, embodying the essence of Ziggy’s mission. Pawl and his bonded friend, Blossom, became the café’s first resident cats, symbols of the transformative power of love and care.

Pawl greeted me as I entered the cat room, his gentle curiosity making me feel instantly welcome.

Overcoming Challenges

The path to opening the café was not without its hurdles. From navigating building permits to dealing with unscrupulous contractors, the founder’s determination never wavered. Community support, an IndieGoGo campaign, and the invaluable help of friends and family turned the vision into reality. Local businesses like Project Aisle in Belfair contributed to the space’s unique charm, while the support of Grandpa Jack Gabel provided a lifeline during difficult times. “We wouldn’t be here without him.” Shane says.

The café’s relationship with a local shelter, Humane Society of Mason County (HSMC), is the cornerstone of its operations. Open lines of communication and weekly updates on available cats, coordinated by Katherine and her team, ensure that every cat's needs are met.

Katherine and the foster coordinator are vital to this partnership, regularly emailing new cat availability and addressing any issues promptly. HSMC’s responsiveness during health crises, such as when four kittens fell mildly ill simultaneously (don’t worry friends, kitty colds happen), highlights their dedication. They even sent vets to the café to care for the sick kittens.

Having a vet tech on speed dial, thanks to HSMC, provides an additional layer of security for the café. The adoption coordinator also plays a crucial role, ensuring prospective adopters meet the cats before taking them home (for the sake of the kitties, this is a non-negotiable folks), fostering a smooth transition.

Katherine and her team have been pillars of support, preparing the café for animal control inspections and ensuring all standards are met. Their unwavering assistance has been instrumental in the café’s success, reflecting the importance of community and partnership in this venture.

A Day at Ziggy’s

A typical day at Ziggy’s begins with early morning preparations, ensuring the café and cat room are ready for visitors. Throughout the day, the café buzzes with activity, fostering connections between cats and potential adopters. Evening routines focus on cleaning and feeding and of course kitty snuggles. The café’s cameras capture the cats' hilarious and quirky antics providing endless entertainment.

The well-being and happiness of the cats are paramount. From meticulous health checks to creating spaces that cater to each cat’s comfort, every effort is made to ensure a stress-free environment. Transparency and understanding each cat’s personality are central to creating a safe, loving space for all residents.

Looking to the Future

Looking to the future, Ziggy’s Cat Café aims to expand its network by partnering with additional humane societies and becoming more involved in the local community. The café envisions sponsoring events, raffling off time as gifts, and deepening its community ties, ensuring that the love and care at Ziggy’s continue to grow.

For those eager to learn more or support the café, Ziggy’s Cat Café can be found online at ziggyscatlounge.com and on social media. The café’s Amazon wishlist and menu are also available, offering various ways for the community to support this heartwarming venture.

Ziggy’s Cat Café is a sanctuary where love for cats and the spirit of community flourish, making a lasting impact on Bremerton and beyond. Here, in this enchanted space, the memory of Ziggy lives on, whispering through the purrs and paw prints that make this café a true haven for all.