Purr-fect 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.

The 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 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.

“Those funds are used to pay for the cats’ care,” Souza-Vieira says, adding that once she meets with the prospective owner, the application is then completed and sent to the shelter for review and approval.

“There haven’t been any cats that we haven’t been able to adopt out,” she adds. “There are countless homeless cats in the area that are in need of loving homes.”

According to the devoted and enthusiastic cat fancier, Bajah’s Cat Cafe also hosts many monthly events for two-legged cat loving folks.

“Single’s Mingles” is an event where single men and women who enjoy animals gather and meet to enjoy games, snacks, tea, or coffee and chat about their pets if they have one.

“We have about 15 or 20 men and women in age ranging from their 20s and older who share a love of animals,” Souza-Vieira notes. “The worst-case scenario is that you meet and make a new friend.”

Another popular event is “Meditation Mondays” which includes a half-hour meditation and a visit to the cat room.

Paint Nights, hosted by artist Kristen Vincelette, a Westport artist and fitness instructor, whose cat-themed paintings attract followers of all ages to the cafe every month.

In addition to an array of cat-themed gifts made by local crafters, as well as unique jewelry, books, hats, and tees, the cafe also sells a variety of locally made feline treats.

Bajah’s Cat Cafe can be found at 137 Main Road in Tiverton. Open Monday- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.