Home cooked meals, baked goods and snuggles are what you’ll find at ‘The Cat’s Familiar’ cat cafe

GARDINER, Maine (WABI) – When Bonnie Caspersen welcomes you into the newest cat cafe in the state, ‘The Cat’s Familiar,’ you’re walking into an extension of her home.

In fact, it’s a dream that had been brewing for about a decade, but one day she was ready to put it into action.

“I thought well what the heck, and I was having a hard day at work one day, and my husband was like, why don’t you just do this,” said Caspersen.

That’s exactly what she did.

Caspersen loves cats, and as she visited different cat cafes around the world, she had a desire to bring another one to the area.

However, what she’s created in the cafe is unique.

It’s a joint effort of the community and things she’s passionate about all in one.

“It feels good to give back to not just the cats but the community as well,” said Caspersen.

“The cafe part I really like because I like cooking for people and I love to crochet, so that’s where the shop comes in with all handmade gifts, and I have a couple of friends that make things and I do consignment for them.”

Then there’s cute felines waiting for you to come and snuggle.

When she opened up the cafe, Caspersen decided to partner with the Kennebec Valley Humane Society and foster a few cats.

This will give people the chance to get some much needed cuddles and open up an opportunity for adoption.

“If someone decides to adopt the cat, then their fee that they pay that day to see the cats will go towards the adoption,” said Caspersen.

Just another way of saying thank you to the community that has supported her in the opening process.

From every purchase made, whether it’s time with the cats, something Caspersen crocheted, or tasting her home made beef stew and baked goods, she wants her customers to feel that home comfort.

As she embarks on this new chapter in the city where she was raised, she tells us it’s been a pleasant reminder of what the community means to her.

“The first few days I was here, just the neighbors down here came and introduced themselves,” said Caspersen.

“I borrowed a screwdriver from someone down the street, things like that. It’s just been, I don’t know, it’s hard to put into words.”

For more information on hours and prices at The Cat’s Familiar, head to her website.

Give their Facebook page a follow as well to keep up with the latest happenings.