Buried under the surface of her own traumatic experience, Crystal Burditt discovered a creative outlet that helped her cope with the pain and find solace. It was the concept of pet cafes, a relatively new phenomenon at the time, that sparked her passion and inspired her to create Cozy Cats Cafe, a unique establishment that combines a cat shelter with a cafe, spa, and gift shop in Midland, Michigan.
The Birth of Cozy Cats Cafe
After escaping a domestic abuse situation in Ohio, Burditt found refuge in the Shelterhouse in Midland, where she was offered a place to stay and a chance to rebuild her life. It was during her time at the Shelterhouse that she met other women and children, including her own cat, who became a source of comfort and companionship. As she watched her cat interact with the other residents, Burditt realized the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship and decided to pursue her dream of opening a cat cafe.
- With the help of the Shelterhouse, Burditt was able to secure a phone and start building her business plan.
- She began researching pet cafes in other parts of the world and discovered a thriving industry.
- With the support of her community, Burditt secured special approval to open and run an animal shelter within the cafe, and Cozy Cats Cafe was born.
Burditt’s vision for Cozy Cats Cafe is to create a space that promotes healing, relaxation, and community engagement. By combining a cat shelter with a cafe, spa, and gift shop, she aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for cat lovers, art enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a unique experience.
The Unique Layout of Cozy Cats Cafe
The cafe’s layout is designed to separate the cat shelter and cafe spaces, with two rooms in between and different ventilation systems to ensure the well-being of both the animals and customers. This unique design allows the shelter side of the building to function independently, while the cafe side can operate as a separate business.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Cafe | A cafe featuring drinks and snacks, with frequent events and workshops. |
| Spa Room | A space offering spa services, including massages and other treatments. |
| Gift Shop | A store selling products from local artists, as well as merchandise and supplies for cat enthusiasts. |
| Cattery | A cat shelter featuring adoptable cats, with an adoption process and volunteer opportunities. |
Cozy Cats Cafe’s Impact and Mission
Since its opening, Cozy Cats Cafe has made a significant impact on the community, adopting out over 100 cats and providing a safe and welcoming space for cat lovers, art enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a unique experience. Burditt’s mission is to create a place of love and peace that accepts everybody, regardless of background or ability.
“I wanted to create a space with love and peace that accepted everybody,” Burditt said. “I get donations from amazing people. I could not do it without the amazing people who are behind me and here every day and it’s a blessing.”
Visiting Cozy Cats Cafe
Cat lovers can visit the cattery for one hour for a cost of $12 for adults or $8 for students and seniors. The price of admission includes a drink from the cafe. Frequent visitors can purchase monthly or yearly passes.
The cafe side of the building features products from over 40 local artists for sale, and hosts various events and workshops, including crafting, self-defense classes, and domestic violence support groups.
Conclusion
“I’m a cancer survivor and I’ve even fallen asleep at the wheel, so I really do feel like there’s a reason I’m supposed to be here,” Burditt said. “I want to make a difference and make a statement with the work I’m doing.”
“Cozy Cats Cafe is more than just a business – it’s a community, a place of love and acceptance,” said Burditt. “I’m grateful for the support of my community and I look forward to continuing to serve and inspire others.”
For more information, including hours of operation, pricing, and rules for visiting with the cats, visit www.cozycatscafe.com or follow Cozy Cats Cafe on Facebook.
Celebrating its unique blend of art, community, and compassion, Cozy Cats Cafe shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the heart of Michigan.
