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Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Just four months after a fire ravaged its former home at 413 East Adams St., The Cat’s Pyjama’s Cat Cafe has settled into a new location downtown. Now at 524 E. Capitol Ave., the cafe is not only a safe haven for shelter cats from the Animal Protective League including Steele, Chloe, and Tonya but a soothing spot where patrons can relax and recharge. Owner Tom Raymond is determined to make this new space as inviting as ever, despite the challenges of rebuilding after such a devastating event.
The June 19 fire destroyed nearly everything at its former location. The water damage and subsequent mold left almost nothing salvageable except for some plastic carriers and litter boxes. Still, Raymond and his staff and volunteers, buoyed by local donations and help from the Adams Street fire fundraiser through INB Bank, were committed to restoring the cafe’s mission: to provide a calm space for people to connect with cats in need of loving homes.
Raymond credits community members and supporters with helping to bring this dream back to life. “It took a lot of effort, but we had local volunteers painting walls and bringing in donated items. The cafe’s new space now boasts a variety of comfortable seating options for customers and rooms designed to help the cats feel at home. The setting offers guests the perfect backdrop to unwind with a feline friend.
Raymond said each cat undergoes a careful selection process by APL to ensure they’ll thrive in the setting, and every cat is up to date on vaccinations. “This space is really designed to give them the open feel of a real home,” Raymond explains. Since its inception, around 30 of the cats have found forever homes through adoption.
Since reopening, the cafe has welcomed many regular visitors and new guests, especially during the Mother Road Festival in September. However, the move from East Adams has impacted foot traffic, as the cafe no longer benefits from the buzz of the nearby Farmer’s Market and surrounding businesses. Raymond hopes the old Norb Andy’s will reopen next door and bring more people to the area.
Currently, admission is $5. Guests can cozy up with the cats and order from a selection of coffee, soda, cookies, and—soon—hot chocolate and tea sourced from local businesses. “Supporting our neighbors and other local businesses has always been a priority,” says Raymond.
Raymond’s idea to establish The Cat’s Pyjama’s Cat Cafe began years ago as he sought a peaceful environment to spend time with friends and family while dealing with cancer and going through chemotherapy. Today, that dream has become a reality, offering a therapeutic space for visitors and an opportunity for shelter cats to socialize and find good homes.
He drew his inspiration from the cat cafe trend that originated in Taiwan and Japan and saw its U.S. counterparts debut in cities like Chicago and St. Louis with shelter cats. Raymond said some told him the idea wouldn’t succeed in a city the size of Springfield, but he persevered, nonetheless. In a short time, he said, similar cat cafes began to spring up in Bloomington, Alton and Champaign, demonstrating the demand for cat cafes in medium-size central Illinois cities.
It hasn’t been easy. The transition from the old location was challenging. “My wife, Samantha, has been a huge support throughout this process, even while managing a full-time job and a real estate business,” he says. With the help of artists like Felicia Olin, who donated artwork and designed the cafe’s new front window display, and Alane Herr, who crafted the cafe’s logo, Raymond has seen his vision come to life.
“Almost every person who comes through here enjoys their time relaxing and rejuvenating with the cats,” Raymond shares.
The cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The cafe also accepts donations of cat food and kitty litter.