The Whisker Society, a nonprofit organization, is set to open a cat lounge and café in downtown Oconomowoc. The venue will feature adoptable cats and a selection of espresso drinks. Executive Director Becca Tetzlaff aims to launch the lounge in April, with the café following soon after.
In downtown Oconomowoc, The Whisker Society is preparing to launch a combined cat lounge and café at 25 S. Main St., in the space formerly occupied by the Violet Blue gift shop. As a nonprofit, the organization focuses on facilitating cat adoptions while providing a cozy spot for visitors to enjoy coffee and feline company.
The cat lounge will house about 20 adoptable cats at a time, sourced from the Elmbrook Humane Society, the Watertown Humane Society, and the CataHome Feline Sanctuary. These cats will have freedom to wander, climb, play, and relax in a dedicated open space designed with their needs in mind, including high perches and a private back room for litter boxes. Executive Director Becca Tetzlaff explained the initiative's purpose: “The idea is to free up space in the shelters.”
Visitors must reserve a time slot to enter the lounge, with capacity limited to about 15 people per hour; walk-ins will be accommodated when space allows. Those without reservations can view the cats through large glass windows separating the lounge from the café area. Touchscreens will provide information on the adoptable animals, and separate HVAC systems aim to minimize allergy concerns. On-site adoptions will be available for interested visitors.
The lounge will rely on volunteers aged 16 and older, and it seeks donations of cat food, toys, and cleaning supplies. Tetzlaff envisions group visits from entities like Girl Scout troops or book clubs, along with potential future events such as cat yoga or art classes. An upstairs area could host workshops or gatherings.
Adjacent to the lounge, the for-profit café will employ paid staff and offer espresso drinks, matcha, and premade foods. It will provide various seating options for socializing or remote work. The overall décor, sourced from estate sales and secondhand venues, creates a library-like atmosphere. For updates, follow The Whisker Society on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thewhiskersociety.
The cat lounge is slated to open in April, with the café expected in May or June.