Adam Bakr
A cat on the prowl.The Constellation Cat Cafe opened in East Lansing looking to combine elements of a regular cafe and an adoption home for fostered cats. Combining their drinks with multiple events every week in the cat room, the cafe has seen a growing support and increased numbers in cat adoption.
The place is split into two parts. One side is the cafe, where you can order your drinks and enjoy them. The other side is the cat room. This is where the fostered cats are and where the events are held. The events are to get people to the room to see the cats, and hopefully find one to adopt.
Executive producer Kelsey Maccombs has been there since the opening on Sep. 28.
“We had no idea if it would work, we were just really hoping it would,” Maccombs said. “Everything has gone better than expected. We’ve had way more adoptions than we’d thought and received tons of support from the community.”
There have been trivia sessions for different shows, such as Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. Recently there was also yoga in the cat room, and a knitting session.
“It’s a good way to get people to the cat room that may not have heard about it on their own,” Maccombs said. “The goal is to get people here to spend time with the cats.”
Aside from helping the cats find homes, the cat room also gives a different work environment to the workers. Nellie Pence is a brewista at the Constellation Cat Cafe, and has also been working there from the beginning.
“Starting to work here was really exciting because I got to be surrounded by cats,” Pence said. “Not only am I surrounded by cats but we are also doing a great thing by adopting them out and rescuing them. It’s awesome.”
Seeing the cats get adopted is the goal, but there’s some sadness with every departure.
“There’s been so many where I have been head over heels for them,” Pence said. “I am sad to see them go but I am also happy they are going to their forever home.”
The environment has seen the cafe attract volunteers. Gabby Abel has just finished her training for the cafe.
“A co-worker of mine volunteers here and I’ve always wanted to do something with cats,” Abel said. “I think it’s fantastic. There’s 18 cats here right now and I want to take all of them home.”
Spending time with the cats has also attracted those who want to better themselves in their career pursuits. Elliot Breece is looking to go into veterinary school, and has just started volunteering at the cafe.
“It’s really nice, I’m glad to see more behavior in cats since I want to be a vet,” Breece said. “I’m also looking to adopt a cat.”
Constellation Cat Cafe, 3320 East Lake Lansing Rd. East Lansing MI 48823
Hours:
Weekdays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.