RHODY PETS: A Tiverton cafe designed for cat lovers + the adoptable Pet of the Month

Cool Cats

Take a mental health break and meet some feline friends at a Tiverton cafe

By Belinda Jones

Yin and Yang are two kitty residents who were adopted at Bajah’s Cat Cafe – by owner Amanda Souza

There’s an Alice in Wonderland quality to Bajah’s Cat Cafe – maybe it’s the brightly painted woodland walls, Cheshire grins from the cats sprawling on colorful furnishings, or sprightly kittens chasing toys with White Rabbit haste!

Then there’s the tea party element with Arnold Pawmers and Russian Blue (blueberry-lavender) iced tea, Peppermint Bark hot chocolate, and Cat Nip cold brew, along with Whoopie Pies and Unicorn Rice Krispie treats to snack on. The breakfast bagels are a crowd-pleaser, too!

Of course the real wonder is that 220 cats have been adopted since Bajah’s opened on Tiverton’s Main Street just over a year ago, thanks to founder Amanda Souza. “I was suffering with anxiety in my accountancy job, so my husband encouraged me to go all in on my passion. Cats have always offered me great comfort, and I saw the cafe as a way of sharing this, as well as finding homes for rescue cats.” Souza works closely with Forever Paws Animal Shelter and now up to 15 felines live in harmony at Bajah’s Villas (AKA the cat room). “I was drawn to the large windows of this space – the cats love to watch the world and sunbathe in the mornings,” Souza shares. Patrons who wish to enjoy a fluffy cuddle must make a reservation, while others come with the intention of adopting, as with residents Yin and Yang. Souza herself took in the first two rescues (bonded elderly siblings) and now has eight cats at home.

She still misses her beloved Bajah (after whom the cafe is named) but has found a gift for matchmaking humans and felines, and humans and humans for that matter. “We’ve had several couples form while playing Exploding Kittens (a card game) on Single’s Game Night!” she says with a laugh. “But what makes me happiest is the photo updates of our cats in their new homes. That is the best feeling!”

RHODY PET OF THE MONTH: TESLA

By Karen Kalunian

One might say Tesla’s beauty is electric! If you love snow, Tesla might be your soulmate. A fiveyear-old Great Pyrenees mix, she’s a big girl with a big heart and loves people. She would love a spacious fenced-in yard to run around and roll in the snow during the winter, and would do best as your one and only dog. If you’re looking for a fourlegged friend to fill your heart and home, contact Rhode Home Rescue via email at Processors@ rhodehomerescue.org or visit their website at RhodeHomeRescue.org for more information.

If you have been thinking of adopting or know of an animal in need please contact Karen directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com