Cat lounge opens in West Bloomfield

A kinder, gentler version of cat adoption is coming to West Bloomfield,  thanks to a partnership between the Pet Valu store on 14 Mile and the Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren organization. It's called the Meowtown Lounge, and it celebrated its grand opening with a party on Saturday, March 24.

Michelle Tooroian, President of Pet Adoption Alternatives of Warren, or PAAW, got the idea for the cat lounge after visiting one out of state. The idea is to create a more relaxed environment for visiting shelter and rescue cats. Rather than visit animals in a row of cages or some other sterile environment, PAAW has built a retro 1950s-themed lounge at Pet Valu. Whether cat or human, it's a more comfortable environment for all involved, and one that comes with many advantages over a traditional shelter or pet store.

"Instead of visiting cats in cages, you can just come in and sit on the couch, and see who comes up and sits on your lap," says Tooroian. "It's a better way for adopters to get to know the cats and their personalities. It's a higher quality match."

For a suggested admission price of $5 for half an hour or $8 for an hour, visitors can come in and visit with the cats at their own pace. There's no pressure to adopt a cat, though that is indeed a goal. But the lounge can be used by office workers on their lunch break and allows outside food. Or maybe it's great for people that love cats but can't have one at home, be it because of someone else's allergies or rules within a lease.

One hundred percent of the price of admission goes to help rescue animals, says Tooroian.

This is just the start for Meowtown Lounge. Tooroian is already looking at additional locations. She also plans on hosting community events and fundraisers at the space. Puppy parties, too, are in the works.

Meowtown Lounge is located in the Pet Valu at 33230 14 Mile Rd. in West Bloomfield.

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