DAVENPORT, Iowa — Some might call this the purr-fect addition to the Quad Cities community. The area's first cat lounge is set to open at 3719 Bridge Avenue in Davenport.
Books & Meows will offer books, a quiet spot for studying, and plenty of adorable cats to love on or even adopt. Once open, the nonprofit hopes to start with 12-15 cats at any given time.
Owner Nicole Puryear says it's not only about creating a welcoming space for human visitors, but also giving the cats a clean and comfortable place to live while waiting for adoption.
And thanks to the community's help, Puryear says Books & Meows is even closer to that opening date.
The nonprofit was required by Iowa law to replace the building's carpet with waterproof flooring. However, Puryear says the cost was astronomical. So, she put out a call for help with a GoFundMe. Within a few days, a local carpenter volunteered his time and skills, meaning all Books & Meows had to pay for was the materials.
Puryear says the community also stepped up big time to donate to the GoFundMe and many have sent over books. The nonprofit is still accepting material and monetary donations.
If you'd like to donate, you can check out the cat lounge's website or Facebook to get in contact with Puryear.
Now all that's left is a few check-ins from state licensing agencies and then Books & Meows can make hiss-tory with its opening.
Puryear joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the opening and community support. You can watch the full interview in the above video.
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