Purrs and Pages, a bookstore and cat cafe, will open June 5 in Ocala, Fla., 352Today reported. Located at 1216 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Purrs and Pages will have the bookstore and cafe in the front, and the cat lounge in the back.
The bookstore will carry plenty of cat-themed books, along with art, gifts, and a variety of merchandise, while the cafe will serve bottled drinks and pastries. The cat lounge, which guests will be able to access via timed reservations, will feature around four resident cats along with 12-15 cats available for adoption from local rescue organizations. The store's event plans include cat yoga, bingo nights, meditation classes, and children's storytime sessions.
Co-owners Amanda Damron and Matt Gray were inspired to open Purrs and Pages after visiting cat cafes in other parts of Florida. They wanted to open a family-friendly business and gathering place in Ocala's east side, while also helping local animal shelters with overcrowding.
"We wanted to give people the experience of it as well as helping out the shelters and community, help the cats find forever homes," Gray told 352Today.
"Everything is cat-themed," said Damron. "We have tons of cat-themed books. We also have pretend kitty cats, if you can't adopt a real one."
The owners noted that they are not planning to have a large grand opening, as it would likely disturb the cats.