Cuddle up with rescue cats at Catoro Cafe’s movie nights
The East Vancouver cafe offers cozy Thursdays with a cause
Catoro Cafe has placed around 1,500 rescue cats into homes since 2019. (Submitted)
placed around 1,500 rescue cats into homes since 2019. (Submitted)
Every Thursday, Catoro Cafe in East Vancouver hosts a movie night, offering visitors the chance to watch films while being surrounded by adoptable rescue cats.
“We thought it would be a unique way for guests to experience our Cat Forest and get a chance to cuddle with the cats for a longer period of time,” Catoro Cafe owner Annah van Eeghen wrote in an email statement to The Runner.
Since its founding in 2019, Catoro Cafe has placed around 1,500 rescue cats into homes.
However, in early 2023, the cafe faced the possibility of closure until van Eeghen and her partner Daniel Wilson stepped in to take ownership.
Determined to continue Catoro’s mission, they launched a GoFundMe campaign, which drew community support to keep the cafe open.
“The proceeds from the GoFundMe … have allowed Catoro to keep its doors open and work to find homes for even more cats in need,” van Eeghen wrote.
Catoro’s movie nights and daily visits give the rescue cats valuable social interaction, many of which have been neglected, abused, and mistreated by humans.
“Every guest who comes through our doors helps to socialize the cats and encourages them to feel safe and confident around humans,” van Eeghen wrote.
“Engaging with the animals in a calm, relaxing environment helps them develop positive associations with people. The more comfortable the cats are with people, the easier it is to find their perfect loving forever home.”
In November, Catoro’s movie selections were Toy Story, Ponyo, Ghost in the Shell, and Fantastic Mr. Fox, chosen to delight both the audience and their feline companions.
The cafe’s mission goes beyond entertainment, offering emotional support for both cats and people as time spent with animals can decrease cortisol and blood pressure levels, van Eeghen wrote.
Catoro also hosts monthly yoga classes led by local instructor Doaa Magdy, offering additional chances for Vancouverites to bond with the animals.
The cafe’s movie nights will continue on Thursdays in December. Van Eeghen encourages those interested in attending to sign up for Catoro’s email newsletter as admission is limited and subscribers receive early access to tickets.
The cost of admission into movie night is $35, and those interested in adoption can book a visit into the cafe’s Cat Forest to meet the cats for $18 per person, which helps fund the cats’ food, litter, medical bills, and care.
To learn more, visit www.catoropets.com.
