Pictured is Custard the cat, with the author, in 1992.
It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.
This is a line from J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy, and something Frodo's uncle, Bilbo, said to him about his own adventures. It's a line that I return to often as I embark on this bumpy journey.
Having spent the past twelve years in the educational publishing industry, I'd grown quite comfortable working from home, having the freedom to look after my two kids and fostering cats and kittens as I'm able - well within my comfort zone.
But taking the safest option - staying in your comfort zone - means missing out on the wonders (and perils!) the road has in store.
It became a pipe dream to open my own cat cafe after first encountering the concept in Japan in the late-2000s, and later making it my purpose to visit as many cat cafes here in the U.S. as possible. Finally, here we are in 2023, taking concrete steps out the door and on the road towards Santa Fe's first cat cafe.
Pictured is Rarity, one of our 2022 foster kittens who needed some extra care to get healthy and ready for adoption. Through the help of F&F, she found her furever home!
Turquoise Teapot and Cat Cafe will partner with local cat rescue, Felines & Friends New Mexico, to place the cats in our space. F&F will ensure each cat receives full veterinary care and screening to make sure a cat cafe environment is the right fit for them. The cats will live in an enriching environment where they will be exposed to potential adopters while they wait for their forever home.
Of course, even the most social creatures need down time, and that's why the cats will always have access to a room where they can find some alone time as the cat chooses.
We are currently in the process of finding the right place for our cats and cafe and are looking forward to welcoming you in soon.
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