When I announced to the cats that management mandated furlough days because of dismal first quarter projections, they both looked unimpressed. Upon hearing the news of my having to take mandatory days off from work without pay, Lex gave me a pensive stare as if trying to comprehend what that meant.
Bobcat just languidly stretched a curled up leg out from under his chest onto the side of the sofa.
Seriously, how could they possibly relate—everyday was a furlough day for them. They don’t quite understand how the whole work thing…works. Lucky for them I’m the one that puts the cat food on the table. At that, I was done feeling frustrated. Rather than yowl and hiss about the cut in pay, I looked at furlough days as much needed time off.
My first furlough day, a Friday in January, started with a meeting at Zinc Café with a fellow Blue Bell Foundation volunteer to discuss the upcoming Cat’s Meow fundraiser and basic catch-up conversation. That led to errands around town then back home for a power walk along the beach.
Cats don’t understand work, but they do understand routine and know that five days a week I leave the house in the morning and am gone all day. So I’m sure when the cats realized I was not dashing out the door at 8:00 a.m., they thought they’d have an extra day to hang out with me. Ha—I was barely home. And then just when the cats thought they would get to relax with me on the patio to watch the sunset, they instead watched as I touched up my lipstick, fluffed my hair and said, “Bye sweetie-pies! I’m off to happy meower at Catmosphere…!” as I grabbed the car keys.
Move over dog park, a cat café has come to town!
After walking into the chic cat-themed café, I was greeted with a big smile and hug by Catmosphere’s proprietor, Gail Landau. I sat down at the bar facing the window to the very well-appointed kitty lounge adjacent to the café where the adoptable cats live and are visited by guests looking to adopt (or not—some like me just want to play with the kitties). Gail took a break from her operation and visited with me while I sipped on a red blend.
Nestled in downtown Laguna with its whimsical window décor and cool cat-in-sunglasses logo, Catmosphere makes even the non-cat person curious. Gail tells me that many people wander in because they want to find out what it’s all about—and end up being quite impressed. The first of its kind in Orange County, Catmosphere is the purrrfect business model for cat adoption. Cats live in a more enriching environment causing their personalities to shine because they’re relaxed and happy, rather than being in an unnatural and stressful caged environment while waiting to be adopted. This is much more conducive for the cats and their soon-to-be new family to get to know and bond with each other. I finished my wine and went into the lounge to get my fill of cat cuteness before heading home.
My furlough day ended with lots of fur-babies by my side, including my own as I settled in for the night, content with earning currency of the kind you can’t put into the bank, but the kind that fills your heart.
Since Catmosphere’s August 2018 opening, it’s found forever homes for forty of its feline fosters! Congratulations! For more information about Catmosphere visit catmospherelaguna.com
I really enjoyed these pictures of Lex and Bobcat, and also of the kitties at the Cat Cafe! It’s so cool that you have one nearby and I’m glad you had a good day there. In April there is one opening up about an hour’s drive away. It’s probably the first one in the state so far.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos! I have to say many of the cute kitties were hiding in cubbies or tunnels that evening so I didn’t get as many of the Catmosphere kitties as I hoped, but I think I captured the essence of the place. 🙂 Congrats on getting one relatively close to your home. They seem to be popping up all over.
What a coincidence… The San Pedro Gato Negro white wine from Chile is my favoriete white wine! Great post!
Well, it looks like I’ll have to try that wine! Thank you for reading! Give Mr. Bowie a kiss for me!
I love all your Cat Lady posts Pamela, but this one was extra special. I’m sure Gail and the Cat Cafe crew are meowing with pride!
>
Awwww, thank you, Jeff!
What a wonderful post, Pamela! This warmed my heart. It is so lovely to see two fabulous cat ladies together. Your photos, too, are fantastic. So well-written! Let me know which day is a furlough day for you, and perhaps we can go for a walk… if the rain ever stops!
Lynette, thank you so much. Gail is the queen of cat ladies and is doing such a wonderful job at Catmosphere. I’ve already taken my three furlough days, but the next weekend you have free, let’s catch-up!
I love what you do! Makes me feel good to read your blog and see the great photos!
Marilyn, I’m so happy that my stories and pics bring you joy! Lucky for me I have great subjects to photo!
Cheers!
MEOW! What a catabulous story about Catmosphere Laguna! We take such pride (a Lion’s pride) in what we are doing to match our fabulous Felines with their furrever families. Your photos capture you, the gorgeous cat lady, and the fun we have here every day. Thank you so much for spreading the MEWS! 😻💋😺
You’ve done a wonderful thing in opening Catmosphere! Keep up the meowvelous work!
I loved visiting Catmosphere Laguna! And I was also fortunate to meet Gail. What a wonderful lady!
Great Blog about Catmosphere Laguna! Love, Love Love all the Kitty Photos & the Ocean photo!
You are so talented my friend!
Beautiful photos 🙂
Thank you!