Adopt Me: Blind brothers Stevie and Wonder at Vancouver's cat cafe

As if we needed more reason to love Vancouver’s Catoro-themed cat cafe.

Since opening this summer to great fanfare from bubble tea and cat enthusiasts alike, the Mount Pleasant cafe has had a vital mission behind its whimsy: Finding forever homes for wonderful adoptable kitties.

Working with registered charity — and 100% no kill organization — Cat Therapy & Rescue Society, the cafe lets guests interact with adoptable felines in the “cat forest.”

Courtesy Catoro Cafe

Dozens have been adopted within the past two months. But among its current roster of adoptable felines are two very special brothers we’d like to tell you about: Stevie and Wonder.

These blind boys have been the hit of the cafe but can’t stay there forever.  They’re still quite young — just over a year old — and their lack of vision doesn’t slow them down.

Courtesy Catoro Cafe

Since they’ve been allowed to roam, their true personalities have emerged. Stevie has proved himself the more adventurous of the two, and spends more time with other cats. He loves to explore, vocalize, is gentle and appreciates a good cuddle.

Wonder, on the other hand, is a bit more shy and keeps to himself. He will accept soft scratches after sniffing you, and loves a small and cozy spot to nuzzle into.

Cafe co-owner Nathan Chan describes adoption as a vital part of its operation, and it focuses on rescue cats from urgent medical situations, abuse situations, and cats facing euthanasia.

Courtesy Catoro Cafe

While he says cat shelters can be “really sad and upsetting places” to visit, the reason they love adoptions at Catoro is because every animal gets a chance to be happy and comfortable.

“They get the opportunity to come out of their shell and show people what they are really like. It’s a really different experience,” he says.

“Many of the cats that we had that had been with the shelter prior to Catoro opening had been there for months with no adoption inquiries. As soon as Catoro opened, these were some of the first cats to be adopted. It really puts a different light on cat rescue and adoption.”

Courtesy Catoro Cafe

Since opening its doors, Catoro has adopted out 28 cats. Let’s make Stevie and Wonder number 29 and 30!

You can meet these lovely kitties — and its current roster of three dozen adoptable beauties — by visiting the cafe. It does take walk in guests, but you can also book your appointments ahead of time on its website.

The fee to adopt an adult cat at Catoro is $200, which includes vaccinations, spay/neuter, vet check, microchip, deworming, dental work (if necessary), and starter packs of litter and food.

Catoro Cafe

Address: 666 E Broadway, Vancouver
Hours: Daily from noon to 9 pm
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