Page 30 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Cat cafés? You mean like the ones in Asia?’
‘Yes! Exactly that. There are a few in the UK now too.’
‘Well, I’ve never actually been to one, but I think they’re a great idea in theory… Wait, you’re not thinking about turning the Cosy Cup into a cat café?’ She turned to face Tori. Tori held her breath. Oh no. Was Grace about to tell her this was a terrible idea?
‘Maybe? Mum suggested it last night.’ She added quickly, ‘But it’s really early days.’ She shifted her weight forwards to perch on the very edge of her chair. ‘I’ve done a bit of research and I think it could work…’
‘I think it’s a brilliant idea, Tori,’ said Grace.
‘Seriously?’ replied Tori.
‘Seriously. They’re a great way for people to spend time around cats when they can’t commit to keeping a pet themselves. They help kids learn how to interact with animals and I’ve even heard of some that work alongside rescues and have cats that are adoptable—’
‘That’sexactlywhat we were thinking!’ Tori clapped her hands together, almost sending her coffee flying.
‘Which part?’
‘Well, all of it, but I’d really like to find a rescue to work alongside so that we could offer a temporary home to cats that need adopting.’
‘Really? That’s great. I know the perfect organization to put you in touch with – New Beginnings Animal Rescue. It’s run by a lady called Izzy and she does amazing work. She usually has around thirty cats looking for homes; I’m sure there might be one or two who would be happy living a café life.’ Grace passed Tori a pale blue business card. ‘All her contact details are on there.’
‘Hang on a minute. Izzy Sullivan?’
‘That’s right.’
‘I think I know her. If it’s the same Izzy I’m thinking of, we went to school together!’
‘I can’t imagine there’s more than one Izzy Sullivan in Blossom Heath.’
‘She moved to Hastings a few years ago and we never really kept in touch, but it must be her.’
‘Maybe it’s a sign?’ suggested Grace. ‘The stars are trying to tell you something?’
‘Maybe they are,’ laughed Tori.
‘Café life won’t be suitable for all of the cats at the centre, I suspect, not if they’re nervous or not happy living with other cats or shy with people, say.’
‘I get that. I guess it’s a case of trying to find the rightmatch, isn’t it? Making sure that any of the cats that do stay with us are happy to be petted, and comfortable in a busy environment, would be my main priorities, I think.’
‘Exactly, but Izzy and I can help you get that right.’
‘Thanks, Grace. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.’
‘There’ll be a lot of hoops to jump through with the council, though,’ said Grace, her tone serious. ‘You’ll have to adhere to Animal Welfare Regulationsandhave a visit from an inspector. I’ll help you as much as I can, Tori, but don’t underestimate the work involved.’
‘I get it. I’m totally up for the challenge, though – I really want to get it right.’
‘Some of the older cats can be at the rescue for months, if not years. Black cats find it harder to get adopted too, as everyone wants the more unusual colourings like ginger and tortoiseshell.’
‘Really? That’s so sad. I love black cats – they look like mini panthers.’
‘Have a chat with Izzy and see what she thinks. If she’s on board, let me know and maybe we can go and meet some of the cats together.’
‘That sounds amazing, thanks so much, Grace. I’ll call Izzy as soon as I get home.’
‘Perfect. I take it this plan means you’re staying in Blossom Heath permanently?’
‘Definitely! If I can get this to work, I’ll be staying for good.’
