Feline Cats Bistro Lounge considered a success since opening in June
CARROLLWOOD — Kim Ruiz Lozada is living her best life. In June, she officially opened Feline Cats Bistro Lounge, an upscale cat café that also serves the purpose of adopting out the cats you can play with.
Lozada left 20 years of working for corporate human resources to pursue her passion. Feline has partnered with Animal Luvr’s Dream Rescue to help find forever homes for its adorable cats and kittens. Since opening, Feline has made 14 adoptions possible.
“Things have been really rewarding because we’re seeing the people come in, and they’re exuberant and so excited to spend time with the cats,” Lozada said. “We’ve gotten great feedback from the people who’ve adopted.”
Nestled in the Carrollwood Village Shoppes off North Dale Mabry Highway, Feline is getting the word out that it’s not just a hidden gem but a jewel. It’s even attracting visitors from outside Hillsborough County. During a visit to Feline, two of its patrons traveled from Manatee County to play in the cat room because they’d heard of the unique opportunity to do so.
“We don’t have anything like this near us,” said Aaron Meyers.
The cat room is a separate space from Feline’s lounge, allowing up to six individuals at a time to play with the adoptable cats hanging out in the room. When visitors step into the room, anywhere from 8-10 cats can be found lounging on the cat highway built above people’s heads, climbing the cat tree, or digging into their food bowl in the middle of the room.
Patrons can book a 30-minute session for $15 or get a whole hour to themselves for $25. No child under eight years old is permitted and parent supervision is required for children between 8-13 years old.
Just last month, Jesse Hoyer Estes decided to visit with her husband and, because she couldn’t help it, left with her eyes set on a particular kitten to adopt.
“I saw the sign for Feline and had never been to a cat café before,” Hoyer Estes said. “Over time, I’ve adopted several animals. I’m a bleeding heart for pets that aren’t going to get adopted otherwise.”
When she saw two cats abandoned in a dumpster behind her law office, Hoyer Estes couldn’t leave them there, she just had to take them home. It was no different when she found a dog left on the side of the road. Her husband, luckily, has been supportive of Hoyer Estes’ bleeding heart.
“I dragged my husband in for a day date to play with cats. He actually fell in love with Striker now called Socks and another cat called Annabelle,” Hoyer Estes said. “He tried to push me to Annabelle, but she got adopted two hours before I submitted my application for her. I thought he was going to be a hard sell but just socializing with them and being in the room with them, he was totally sold.”
The benefit of a cat room is that it allows people to connect with the cats one-on-one and to learn what their personalities are like. Whether you’re there with a purpose to adopt or because you need a little cat therapy, the interaction between human and cats is great for their socialization.
Socks, or more accurately, Captain Socks Fluffybutt (as named by Hoyer Estes’ two stepchildren), has settled into his new home with the other animals, much to the delight of Hoyer Estes.
The cats may be the main attraction, but while you’re waiting for a turn, you can be seated in style. In the front of the lounge are three chic sections to relax in: a Friends-like vibe with two upholstered couches that face one another and a print of a beautiful white Angora cat overlooking the setting; a European-posh area that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a French café with cast iron tables and chairs; and a Bohemian-chic corner that feels so inviting.
In the back, Feline offers an event room that is perfect for small parties of 12 people or less. It also works out for people to come if they need a virtual workspace.
While Feline is working on getting its beer and wine license, patrons can dine on a small menu of available tapas, offered by Courtney’s Custom Catering and desserts by LallyLand Creations.
Feline is open from 12-10 p.m. six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, and can be found at 12924 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. For more information, visit www.felinecbl.com.
