Summary
A Cat Cafe and Rehoming Centre, to be opened on the Isle of Wight. The idea is for customers to relax surrounded by the cats, as our furry friends learn to adapt to human company again, or even for the first time. They will all be up for permanent adoption, to help them find their forever homes once they've been vet treated, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Please help us fund this venture, and help save our local cats.
Visit www.theshreddedcouch.co.uk for more information.
Who am I?
My name is Jules Buckland; I am a 26 year old homeowner, born and bred on the Isle of Wight. I have lived with cats my whole life, and experienced first hand the love that they can bring.
Branded as a 'Crazy Cat Lady', I decided to study on a Business degree with the Open University to bring this concept to life and successfully help the local animal shelters to keep strays off the streets.
I have studied 50 hours a week on top of full time work and overtime for nearly 4 years to make this happen, and I just need your help to finally set up and launch.
How will this cafe work?
Cats will be rescued, vet treated, neutered, vaccinated, and chipped, before being temporarily housed in the cafe where customers can book slots to visit. There will be 2 options: £5 per person for a 60 minute slot, or £6.50 per person for a 90 minute slot. There will be a delicious selection of food and drink at affordable prices, catering for various dietary needs, offering a perfect opportunity to just relax and enjoy the company of the cats.
The cats will be available for permanent adoption through a process starting with an application form, following similar procedures to that of the animal shelters.
Why?
Our local animal shelters are operating at maximum capacity, and there are still several cats struggling on the streets. This cafe offers another venue of temporary housing, helping to rescue and protect more cats.
Risks and Challenges
The main challenge is raising enough capital to launch, which is where you come in! If we can raise the required finances, we will be able to offer the cats a warm and loving shelter while they charm their way into their forever families.
Another challenge is our competitors, but on an isolated island and a popular tourist location, I feel we will compete well. We will be one of the only UK cat cafes to offer rehoming too, which gives us a competitive edge.
The main risk is not being able to sustain the business, which is the case for every start up. This was the motivation to study a business degree, which I feel has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to make this business thrive.
Another risk is that we are seen to be neglecting the welfare of our cats. Please do not see this as an alternative to a forever family home, but instead an alternative to being caged in an animal shelter. The welfare of our cats is the most important aspect of this business, as the idea is to keep them safe and build up their confidence around people before finding a suitable family. There will be a set of house rules in place to ensure the safety of our cats and customers at all times.
So where does the money go?
Your funding goes towards securing a suitable premises for the cafe, where the cats have sufficient space and customers can access it with ease. Once these premises are secured, funding will help to kit it out to keep the cats happy, and the customers comfortable, as well as helping towards relevant licenses. It will help get this idea off the ground, and offer you a relaxing environment to enjoy the company of the cats without the responsibility and commitment of having one at home.
How else can I help?
Please get the word out to help me reach my target. Share on social media, tell all your friends and family, and be sure to pop your head in once we open!
