According to a study by the University of Florida, shelter admissions of free-roaming cats and dogs in Florida surged to more than 365,000 in 2023. Additionally, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission estimates there may be 60-100 million homeless cats nationwide. While Central Florida’s euthanasia rates are gradually decreasing, they still rank among the highest in the country.
It’s a significant challenge. But every solution starts with a small step, and sometimes that step is as simple as sitting down with a wand toy and playing with a cat.
Welcome to Central Florida’s cat cafes, which play a pivotal role in helping community cats find their forever homes. By interacting with the cats, visitors aid in socializing them, making their transition to new homes smoother when adoption day arrives.
This socialization is key to ensuring cats thrive, says Cindy Skop, owner of the Kitty Cat Lounge in Lakeland, one of Central Florida’s newest cat cafes. Learn more about how places like Orlando Cat Cafe and others are making a difference.
