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PLACE by Brian J. Lowney
The South Coast is filled with many amazing treasures, one of which is Bajah’s Cat Cafe, a delightful emporium filled with delicious human treats, unique collectibles, and a collection of beautiful felines of all shapes and sizes just waiting to be adopted to their new forever home.
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CELEBRATING 132 YEARS!
he cafe is the brainchild of Amanda Souza-Vieira, a Tiverton resident and Portsmouth High, CCRI, and Kaplan College alumna. “I have always loved cats,” she begins, adding that she grew up on a family farm in the picturesque coastal town where she enjoyed goats, cows, chickens, and “a lot of cats.” Souza-Vieira graciously shares that she suffers from anxiety, and cats – she and her husband Nicholas own six furry felines – have always been a soothing presence in her life. “Cats are so pure and genuine,” she says, noting that while her husband is “more of a dog person,” he does enjoy the family felines. The busy entrepreneur says that she’s enjoyed a busy career, serving in a variety of capacities ranging from working in a fast food restaurant, serving on a cruise ship, preparing taxes, and bookkeeping. “I’ve had some health issues and I’ve wanted to make a change,” she says, adding that she’s always wanted to help
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animals, especially felines, so one idea that she had was to create a “cat cafe.” That dream has now become a reality. “It’s so rewarding,” Souza-Vieira emphasizes, noting that since the cafe opened its doors last August, the facility successfully saved more than 120 cats that now enjoy new homes. “The building was up for sale so we purchased it, and with the help of family and friends and a lot of hard work, we created Bajah’s Cat Cafe,” she says, adding that word Bajah means “beautiful.” The owner works with several animal shelters and rescue groups throughout the area. The felines are fostered for up to two months, fed, litter trained, and receive other necessities at no charge to ensure proper care. While visitors to the bakery part of the cafe are always welcome to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a bakery treat, guests to Bajah's Villa Cat Lounge must make a reservation either with other cat lovers or privately.
