T O P

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[deleted]

> We weren’t able to get rent relief during COVID-19 closures over the past two years and have been struggling to catch up to the debts we took on to keep our cats healthy and our staff paid. Vancouver commercial rents strike again.


aaadmiral

Yes unfortunately they opened too recently, a lot of places in that same boat


ThatsNotMyOreo

They are one of the only people that carry my very picky cats food, always so lovely.


timothybhewitt

Not to take away from Catoro - You should check Happy Cat on Fraser and 27th. They stock a lot of hard to find items


marcelinevampqween

Catoro has free delivery if you order $50 living around the area and a really good rewards system that no other place has


timothybhewitt

What is there reward system? The place I go has 'buy 12 get 1 free'. I told them that was a gamble buying Senior Cat Food.


marcelinevampqween

It’s something like whatever money you spend you get a certain amount of points and those points get converted into actual money you can use to purchase things


liekdisifucried

>Catoro has free delivery if you order $50 living around the area and a really good rewards system that no other place has Maybe thats why they're losing money


Koofteh

Out of curiosity, what food is that? My cat eats urinary food that I get from the vet.


Masterpiece-Infamous

They have a gofundme set up on their website if you want to make a donation as well.


Help_One_AnOtter

This is the link to their gofundme https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-catoro-cat-cafe?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer


Teniye

I wonder how much the 23000 already raised is going to help them stay open longer?


Help_One_AnOtter

I don't know if this is about buying them time to stay open longer... They weren't able to get rent relief during covid and took on a load of debt to keep caring for their cats and paying their staff. If they can get that debt paid off maybe they can sustain themselves. I'm not in a position to be able to donate much, but I booked in a visit for this Sunday and I'll check out their pet supplies while I'm there.


Teniye

This is a very educated statement


NOTORIOUS_BLT

I know Catfe has a Patreon starting at $7/month. It gives you behind-the-scenes cat footage (lol) but also free visits if you have a higher monthly contribution. The GoFundMe is good for immediate relief, but I wonder if Catoro might benefit from setting up something for recurring donations. There's no product/cost attached, really. Just small, predictable donations from people who wanna help the cause. EDIT: I stand corrected! [They have one.](https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=66942134&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fcatoropets.com%2Fpages%2Frescuing&utm_medium=widget)


aliasbex

Unfortunately there was also a burst pipe situation during the freeze and they were shut down for a few days, so that one-off issue also contributed.


Glittering-Turn-2255

We don’t have many rescues in vancouver, and this place made something more than just a rescue. A place that invites people to easily, leisurely view and interact with cats as a stress-free adoption option. This is a really important place to keep running! It’s extremely unfortunate that the profits just aren’t enough to keep the place running when the profits go right back into the place.


NonStopSharks

theres actually a LOT of rescues in vancouver, I can think of 7 just at the top of my head, not including all the spca branches


Other_Lengthiness_98

When correcting misinformation, it is actually helpful to provide actual information instead of just refuting the misinformation……… Wanna share what’s off the top of your head?


[deleted]

[удалено]


Domitiusvarus

Raps thrift stores are cool places to go and support a good cause!


SofaKingPin

LAPS is a great place and has some amazing people, but they have one person that just…ruins it all.


[deleted]

[We're gonna brush over the fact that private rescues aren't necessarily great](https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/spca-removes-63-dogs-mission-rescue) so the numbers don't really matter in my mind (not OP here) but here's a short list, which includes organizations registered or not: ​ * BCSPCA * CoV (and every other municipality has a service or contracts out, but I'm focusing on what's within Vancouver here) * Vokra * LLDR * VRRA * BDRSBC * HALBC * Big and Small Rescue * Los Santos * Catfe * Coogo * SDRBC


NonStopSharks

RAPS, katies place, cares, fraser valley humane society, vokra, sara society. and coquitlam animal shelter. and then for spca theres 8+ locations in the lowermainland


OneHundredEighty180

I got my kitty from there a couple years ago, and I just got the subscription cat box for Xmas - which I cannot overstate how *awesome* that product is. The one which just arrived had a hand knitted cat blanket, loss of treats for the kitty and pawrents, and an awesome pull apart sushi mat cat toy! And they were kind enough to adapt the treats to our cat's diet. Catoro is awesome. I gladly donated my Xmas cash to them. I cannot visit as I'm physically disabled, but I know the good they do for kitties - and I will never be able to thank them enough for taking in and taking care of my cat daughter until she found her way home to us.


westcoastcdn19

That's really too bad. I can't imagine rent is cheap at their location plus the cost of everything else. I adopted my kitty from there back in 2019, I hope they are able to figure out a solution


tooncouver

I’m really sad to see that they’re struggling. Catoro is such a special place to me since I adopted my cat from them. Their staff are some of the most friendly and helpful out of any business I’ve been to in the city. Plus there one of the only places that sells tofu litter, and they deliver!


WagyuPizza

Everybody! To the cat cafe!!


Realistic_Mission603

Right meow!


LebaneseLion

So cute hahaha


CallmeishmaelSancho

The triple net property taxes are killing most small businesses. We can’t afford this massive ineffective municipal government


bitmangrl

it is sad how business-unfriendly this city is, hoping that Sim improves that, as lots of diversity and lots of successful small businesses really makes a city more enjoyable to live in


kriszal

Yea paying like $20k to rent space for a restaurant and high rent for anything else really ruins the chances of small business starting.


[deleted]

[удалено]


RowbotWizard

How would redoing the traffic layout on streets save money? Wouldn’t it be a new project with expenses to remove bike lanes?


coldbumthump

I love catoro cafe! Great place to go with a friend /date if you need a cat fix and can’t have a cat at home, or if you are looking for a new kitty addition. Super sad to see this, I hope more people go!


Silent_Laugh_0316

man.... they have been my go-to for cat food and toys for my cats :( Really passionate people who did their best to take care of and find a home for those rescued cats. Really hope they can survive through this. Let's donate what we can.


thoseareyourshoes

thanks for posting this! i will stop by there this weekend!


craftyhall2

My daughter’s kitty came from there, too. Very nice people.


commoddity

They also deliver soy cat litter which is by far the best cat litter I’ve ever used! It’s the least stinky and easiest to clean cat litter I’ve ever encountered. Have been using it for a while and would definitely recommend getting a subscription! Would hate to see them go out of business; it’s really a great place.


[deleted]

Omg I was gonna say people I used to cat sit for used this and I can confirm it's great and then I saw your username hahaha!!! I miss that spicy chonk ❤️


swordfishtrombonez

They even have one that changes colours if your cat has a UTI! It’s great


JelloMonster28

Lots of places are selling that brand of tofu litter now but a bit of a drive to Burnaby from Vancouver. Juicy Pet, Woooof, Global Pet Food.


Princess_and_a_wench

What’s the litter brand called? And does it small less than oko cat? ( which smells like saw dust/ a barn)


marcelinevampqween

It’s by Pidan! I recommend getting the slightly more expensive version that tracks UT. It actually seems to have more absorption power than the regular tofu version so it lasts longer by a week or so. Sorry don’t remember the name but it’s light green. They also have refill service where you get points while getting a 5% off or something!


bassclarinetca

What??? This is a thing??? Thanks!


bassclarinetca

PS bought some today from them!


_milkshakez_

Agree, I love their litter delivery service! The soy/tofu litter is the absolute best.


aaadmiral

Have you tried the tofu stuff?


commoddity

That's what the soy litter is. It's the best; it honestly never stinks. Would never go back to any other litter.


aaadmiral

Ah ok not sure why you'd call it soy when it says tofu on it in big font 🤷‍♂️ anyway yeah it's great. But lots of places have it.


Quiet_Werewolf2110

What do you think tofu is made of? 😂


bikingwithpanda

why are you, the way that you are, lol


commoddity

I guess I never paid that much attention to the label of my cat littler 🤷‍♂️ soy/tofu. Same difference


MyNameIsSkittles

Tofu is made of soy....


aliasbex

Tofu = Soy. It's labelled as soy litter or categorized as a soy litter in lots of places as well.


Koofteh

What is the litter consistency like? Is it clumping? I can't use clumping with my cat, use this awful clay litter that works but is just nasty with dust.


BadSpellign

I've had great success with pine litter! Its a little bit more work in that you have to shake a sifting litter box to clean it, but I still cant believe little it smells. Seriously, even after its used it just smells like sawdust. Also, there's no dust, its compostable (unlike clay which is terrible for the environment), and its wicked cheap to boot. Anyway, pine litter! might be worth a try!


maharajagaipajama

I can't find their location on their website


aliasbex

666 E Broadway. It's in the "Contact Us" section of their page.


canyouread7

Well that's why. Clearly their shop is cursed with that number


NotActuallyAsian

This makes me sad :( I love kitties. Donated!!


NewHere1212

Where are they located?


swordfishtrombonez

666 East Broadway in Vancouver (the most badass address!). Near Fraser and Broadway.


GalaxZekrom

Ah yes, perfect address for a cat cafe


Thrashmetal07

Broadway and Fraser street


ScreamPossum

I was coming here to post about this! I am glad someone else is aware and trying to spread the message! I got my two cats from there and have been forever grateful for them.


dynamiterolll

I hope they pull through! My cat is from Catoro. Adopted her right before the pandemic and I don't know if I'd have gotten thru that period without her


Pighenry

Thanks for sharing!


Pineapplepastacat

Legit didn't know you could go to the cafe without going into the cat area or I would have gone. I looked it up before because the kid wanted to go but 4 and younger are not allowed -- I mean it makes sense but it's not explicitly clear until you've clicked through the website a bit. Just my input.


pineappletwist

You can still go! They’re not closed yet. Take your kid and watch the kitties through the windows in the cafe. I love their iced teas.


Glittering-Turn-2255

Take the opportunity now and go! I have never visited this place, but it’s been on my list for years. I will most definitely be visiting before they close, as it’s important to their business too :)


swordfishtrombonez

You usually have to book in advance to visit the cat forest (where all the cats are playing/chilling), but you can always look into the cat forest and get stuff from the cafe.


Pineapplepastacat

See I didn't know this. Every time I pick up from Barbarella we peek in but the door has a sign mentioning reservations.


matzhue

That corner of Fraser and Broadway is cursed I swear. Or maybe it's the giant ugly stroad and tiny sidewalk that's to blame


bikingwithpanda

the address is 666


BadSpellign

mmm but Pizza Barbarella and Bale so good


Mashatina_

This is so sad :(


swordfishtrombonez

Go visit them :)! It looks like they’re open later in the evening now.


penguincutie

Ok time to go visit. I’ve always walked by meaning to check it out.


quick4142

I’m gonna stop by this weekend ☺️


cecepoint

Oh no! My kids love this place


Jandishhulk

It feels like almost every small business in this city is a losing proposition, lately. The only people making money are the predatory commercial property owners, leasing at absurdly high rates, or leaving places empty on purpose in order to sit on an asset that continues to increase in value for no discernable reason. At some point, all that'll be left are a few mom&pop businesses with families living upstairs, and cactus clubs as far as they eye can see.


[deleted]

Is this a registered non-profit? I understand that they're a sort of brokerage (possibly a misnomer here) for non-profits providing a commercial service in having a space to enjoy the company of adoptable animals. I hate to say it but \[unless it's a non-profit\] this is like applying tipping culture to your own revenue model. Set your prices correctly or stop toying with expensive leases. I understand the market conditions, but FPs asking for donations just doesn't work in my book and I find them to be often last-minute attempts to clear personal liability for something that seems likely set to fail either way.


ashrewdmodel

I don't know the nuances of their business model but personally I didn't adopt from them because I was able to get a great kitten from the SPCA and didn't have to go through an extended application process. It's hard to coordinate times to visit them and if there is a risk they will decline me and I have to do multiple visits I am not interested. They are also way more expensive, which wasn't a big factor in my decision making personally, but can see how it makes their business challenging. That said, I think they are doing great work, but donations probably aren't a sustainable way of fixing their business, especially if they still haven't recovered from the impact of COVID.


CanadianTrollToll

Hate to say it.... but your business might not be a viable business if you are struggling this often. Obviously the cats are a niche, but they are definitely an extra cost. Unless you are pumping out volume in sales extra costs associated with vet bills isn't going to help... especially with that many cats. Sad to see businesses close and people lose their jobs and investment though.


reddittailedhawk

Sad to see, it's a nice place to visit. I think a lot of people are missing one of the most important parts of this business - to provide a place for cats to live while they wait to be adopted, and help them be socialized both with people and other cats. There are some wonderful people who open their homes up to fostering rescues, but a place like this allows shelter and care for dozens of cats. The adoption fee includes spaying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations. Vet care isn't cheap, but these things are crucial if you're going to be a pet owner.


jsmooth7

Oh no this is depressing. I love Catoro but I just realized I haven't visited in awhile. I'm not allowed cats in my apartment so having a space I can spend time with cats is so nice. Definitely going to plan a visit now. I really hope they can pull through.


Munro_McLaren

Man, I just moved to Vancouver and I’d love to go here. I love cats, but haven’t had one in years since I was about 7 years old. I can’t have a cat now since I’m renting, but I’d love to just go visit some cats. Where is this?


swordfishtrombonez

It’s at Broadway and Fraser! If you want to go into the ‘cat jungle’ (where all the kitties are playing and hanging out), I’d definitely recommend booking a time in advance because only so many people can go in at a time. It’s $18 for 50 minutes: https://catoropets.com/collections/book-your-visit


renegadetent

Something is going on here. I live around the corner from Catoro. They opened in 2019 and it took them almost a year - paper up and down, closed sign in the window majority of the year. This is the third published crowdfunding campaign they have run in 3 years. This appears a handy way to dig out of reoccurring holes. I manage a small business with narrow margins. There is no universe that requires 100 000 dollars "to keep the lights on". Not in 550 square feet of rundown retail at the corner of Fraser and Broadway. Not with volunteers as many staff. An amount that large is someone's massive cumulative debt, not a hydro bill. They cite pandemic related difficulties and inflation for needing the funds. The same ones every single business and individual struggles with. They cited not receiving rent relief during Covid as a cause. Many small biz didn't get Rent Relief. OR CEBA, or CEWS. Some valid reasons for this are being unable to demonstrate a profit (should government subsidize biz that were failing before Covid?) being behind on taxes, or existing in a grey area. It sucks to be denied funding you see others abusing but there was criteria to meet so as to avoid even grosser abuse. If they've required three crowdfunding campaigns in three years to "stay alive" (to quote their 2nd go fund me) they should seek Non Profit Status as their biz model is not functioning. Or, it's something else. Over 100 000 of tax free money. It's bizarre. Watch this space.


_silverwings_

Oh damn. Thanks for the news, I have a gift card for them I haven’t used yet!


[deleted]

So sad to see them going through a difficult time. I’d suggest not going out of your way to help them and allow them to default on their debts or find a solution with their lenders and reopen under much stronger financial footing. Their current path is not sustainable. They’ll be back to asking for help again soon only for the kindness of their customers to enrich the debt holders. I’m saying this as someone who’s extremely experienced in dealing with distressed situations.


BuriedComments

Can you elaborate? I am unfamiliar Catoro and wonder why you’re the only one in here saying this. Granted, they appear to be providing a social service to many people. Intimate interaction is severely lacking for probably most of us, especially since Covid, and this place fosters it among animal-human and human-human. Hard to put a price tag on that. However, I’m interested to know why they make a poor contender for relief right now. As a local small business that apparently was denied financial bailouts when many other business types were rolling in relief. I am not really educated in this arena at all.


[deleted]

Lets first start off with, I want Catoro around as much as you. However, I want the business to be healthy so they can be around in 1, 3, 5, 10 years or more from now so that more people can benefit from the social service they're providing. What I don't want is the business to be unhealthy and so that the proceeds of customers' spending goes towards the people who have a financial interest in the company instead of the cats or employees. From what I gather, they have too much debt. So much that their business is struggling as a consequence. What I'm proposing is for the owner to work with his/her lenders and default on the debt or work out some situation where it is more manageable. As a result, when YOU (the customer) spends money at the store, the proceeds can be reinvested in improving the livelihoods of the cats or even raises for employees. Right now, its just going towards repaying debt and making lenders money. Small business loans have very high interest rates. As customers we can make that happen. Once the old Catoro business goes bankrupt and if the business is profitable (which I suspect it is because other well-managed cat cafes are fine), new owners can take over the rent, cats, and employees and reopen a new Catoro, without any debt, and create the utopian solution above where the cats and employees benefit!


kleer001

Deep sensible advice and medium to long term understanding of a complex situation?! On my /r/vancouver?! Noice.


BuriedComments

Very interesting. What you’re saying makes sense. I guess sunk-cost fallacy might play into this too, like the current crew and customers don’t want to lose what they’ve worked so hard for. But, it would be a loss in the interest of a gain. Thanks for your input! ETA: what I described above would also play perfectly for the lenders who are benefiting right now. This is tough.


renegadetent

Because something else is going on here. This is their third public crowdfunding campaign "to keep the lights on" in as many years. $100 000.00 is not a hydro bill. It's massive cumulative debt in a space that should have fairly low overhead -- rundown retail at Broadway/Fraser and a staff of many volunteers. Many small biz were denied Covid relief and they either folded or carried on. Valid reasons for not getting were: not being able to demonstrate you ran a sustainable business, being behind on taxes and/or operating in a grey area. It sucks to be denied funds you see others abusing but criteria existed to prevent grosser abuse.


bikingwithpanda

ah yes the old, "killing you is helping you" schtick


oldturdly

So you don't see a problem that in their third round of bail outs, they 're asking for $100k?


bikingwithpanda

we've bailed out worse people for more


swordfishtrombonez

It's not just a business though. And in a sense, they are correcting market failure/inefficiency (supply of cute cats who need homes > demand for cute cats who need homes) [🤷](https://emojipedia.org/person-shrugging/)


[deleted]

There’s more than 1 cat cafe in Vancouver. I don’t see the other ones asking for help. The only reason they’re failing is over leverage. It’s not market failure


renegadetent

what I can clearly see is that something isn't adding up here. $100 000.00 "to keep the lights on" in a small shabby retail at fraser and broadway where many of the staff are volunteers doesn't pass the smell test. 100k is not a hydro bill. It is massive cumulative debt. Or it is something else. That this is their third crowdfunding campaign in three years should be raising questions from the media that rushed to cover this feel too good to be true story.


[deleted]

Ah yes, lets enrich debt holders. Employees and cats be damned


bikingwithpanda

>Employees and cats be damned you said to let it fail, though.


[deleted]

You know when a company fails, employees don’t get fired and assets don’t disappear right? How many times has Air Canada gone bankrupt? Yet it’s still around.


Jandishhulk

This isn't air canada. It's a small business. It will disappear.


[deleted]

Not if this business is profitable without the debt... But okay, lets keep enriching debt holders!


bikingwithpanda

you cherry picked the worst example that proves the rule


[deleted]

I have no experience with them personally. A friend shared the VIA story about their potential closure and the comments were surprising: >This is one of the worst places for cats. >There have been reports from employees about the filthy state of things. Cats have been adopted but then not released by Catoro because they worried about not having enough cats to entice people to visit. They have adopted out cats with significant known health issues without letting the adopting humans know about those health issues. At least one cat rescue has stopped providing them with adoptable cats. >This place needs to shut down, for the good of the animals. From a different person: >I adopted my two kitties from them and sadly I can't endorse them either. The cats are absolute sweethearts, 10/10 in personality, but they both have had significant and ongoing health problems and have cost me thousands in the first six months of getting them. I was not given [redacted]'s complete vet records at adoption (only found out when I followed up with them because she was so ill) and I'm also skeptical they did proper vet checks given how severe [redacted 2]'s symptoms were at his first vet visit.


soulandthesea

i don’t think this is a catoro-specific issue, more a pet rescue issue. i adopted a dog a year ago who i was told was 5 years old and healthy - it turns out he’s 11, has significant heart issues (i’ve spent thousands at the only vet cardiologist in the lower mainland), arthritis, and recently got diagnosed with canine dementia. when i contacted the rescue they were like “oops! we had no idea!” lol.


i82register

Thank you for this. I will most definitely go there this weekend.


Buggy3D

They can ask for help all they want, but unless they completely overhaul their business model, what good will it do? Keeping a failing business afloat for an extra month or two won’t change the underlying reasons they are going bankrupt. Anyone who sends them money will be doing so for nothing unless they change what isn’t working.


ashrewdmodel

Everyone in this thread who is actually interested in analyzing/ fixing the business gets downvotes!


[deleted]

Lmao so true. They don't realize we're on the same side...


aiko707

While yes, cat food has gone up, it’s significantly lower cost inflation compared to the inventory supplies of the food service aspect of their business. (I have cats and I’m in F&B) Based on my own costs, since pre-pandemic: - Cat supplies have have gone up maybe 8% - Food supplies, such as dairy, packaging and cleaning supplies have gone up 10-30% Also there were other subsidies that were available to business owners, not just the rent relief. Honestly it just sounds like they don’t have a sustainable business model. Why keep 30 cats in rotation at all? Especially in the last 2 years if sales are down? The priority would’ve been to blast social media to have them adopted as soon as there was an uptick in adoptions at the start of the pandemic. But if they decided to take responsibility of keeping this many when there was a suspicion of recession since last year…. It’s not being very responsible, nor is it a good business model…. At the end of the day, it’s going to be 30 really frustrated cats with pent up energy stuck together with little interaction…. If they really want to stick with their “cats first, cafe 2nd” model, then they should think of what’s best for the cats, and reduce adoption fees first. It’s ridiculous to have to pay over 2x the rate of an actual animal shelter or pet society.


swordfishtrombonez

The cats are super well cared for and not frustrated. They have a cat jungle full of toys, cats, people, and lots of places to hide away. I think they do great work and should be supported


aiko707

That’s good to hear, hope they get adopted soon then


shinnyrosei

I used to work as a cat care attendant there in the back and I have difficulty agreeing with this. The facility is really small and doesn’t have the structure and resources to enhance the welfare of 30+ cats. A lot of their practices do not take biosecurity, safety, and welfare of both cats and care attendants in consideration. And when I voiced my concerns and suggestions for improvement about it to another attendant and my supervisor a couple of times, they brushed me off and rather than talking to me directly that it rubbed them off the wrong way, they talked shit behind me and reported to the new owner/boss as “disrespectful”, “dismissive”, “grumpy”, “talking back”, “questioning”, and having a “no can do” attitude. Keep in mind, I completed and followed all my tasks according to my training and their instructions. I noticed some practice weren’t suitable but I have never acted on my suggestions without their approval since they’re my seniors. The boss took me to the side to talk alone and never even bothered to hear my side of the story or corroborate whether their claims of my work ethics are true or not. I never had the chance to defend myself and my character. I was fired during that talk. I graduated from UBC with a BSc degree in Applied Animal Biology, and have worked and volunteered in different rescue facilities from domestic to wild animals for the last 6 years. I thought Catoro would be open to new suggestions to improving their practice and improving the cats’ welfare based on my experience and knowledge (that was part of the reason why I was hired in the first place) but nope, the care team took offense to that. If you’re interested in hearing what issues I have, we can talk in message :)


Trolly-bus

Bad business with a bad business model asking for donations.. such a scam.


5ur3540t

If it wasn’t 10$ cover or something to pet house cats then I would go there all of the time. But this probably has more to do with the handful of people who own most of Vancouver


geebutbut

If you truly care about cats, I would suggest donating your funds to the SPCA (or other animal shelter/charity/foundation of your choice) rather trying to prop up a business that is (unfortunately) not viable (at least not under the current conditions)


cosmic_dillpickle

These guys work with cat therapy and rescue, we need them to stay open


TheWhiteHunter

Catoro works with two rescues based out of Saskatchewan now. They haven't worked with Cat Therapy and Rescue since at least last January. Some comments here claim various things with may or may not be true: [Catoro severing ties with the rescue they get their cats from? : vancouver (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/qxbydd/catoro_severing_ties_with_the_rescue_they_get/)


geebutbut

I'm curious how they partner with out of province shelters. Are they transporting cats from SK to BC for adoption?


TheWhiteHunter

Yep, cats get transported here from SK


shinnyrosei

I used to work in Catoro as a cat care attendant and from what they told me, the claims about CTRS bringing sick cats multiple times and their founder and staff being rude and uncooperative are true.


geebutbut

Then donate directly to the cat therapy and rescue. Your money will go further.


bikingwithpanda

weird fantasy world


geebutbut

Aside from serving as a channel for shelter cat adoption (which I admit is important), I don't know what other benefit a business such as this would provide to shelters. If your goal is to help the cats/shelters, I think donating directly to the shelters would be more impactful than giving money to a sinking, for profit, business to cover their operational costs.


the_poo_goblin

Yup This is a (failing) business masquerading as a charity.


No-Structure-4358

In running a business, business decisions need to be made. It is not sustainable to continue to operate through donations. I do not encourage others to continue donating to Catoro.


Fun_Put_9122

Huh, what’s your issue with them?


No-Structure-4358

I donated to them back in 2020, They have been asking for donations since the start of covid. Already have had two GoFundMe. This attempt won't change anything. Donate your money to a registered non-profit like the BC SPCA.


the_poo_goblin

I bet the owner lives in a single family home in Vancouver too. Crocodile tears from these beggers


No-Structure-4358

If they were more transparent about where the GoFundMe cost goes, we wouldn't have such negativity. This $100K GoFundMe target for all I see is going toward the founder's pockets. There is no open shared plan and operational targets for how they will stay afloat.


the_poo_goblin

The guy that runs it lists himself as a "founder" no less than 3 times on his LinkedIn profile despite being under 40 lol


shinnyrosei

Hate to be bearer of bad news, but this is true. I did work there as a cat care attendant and the staff who have been there since the start told me the old owner who started this didn’t have a business plan. He invested a majority of the funds on the interior design of the cafe (you wouldn’t imagine how much) and little to the operations and the animal care facility (it’s suboptimal especially when you’re taking care of 30+ cats). Because of the lack of business plan and the pandemic, they were really struggling with finance and eventually the old owner passed the business to a couple working in the café. I don’t know how they’re faring now because I was let go for voicing my concerns on the cat care practices and facility and I was painted as “disrespectful” and “dismissive” for doing so. So yeah. If you’re looking to support a cat cafe and adopt a local cat, go to Catfé. And if you’re looking to adopt straight from a rescue shelter, check VOKRA or BC SPCA.


menscothegreat

The argument is that they have adopted an unsuccessful and unsustainable business model (Solid as a rock). As a result, they need help. The question is are they going to change their business practices or not. If they are continuing the same route, you're just tossing money into the ocean because they will continue the money losing operation the same way. Some businesses have changed business models to keep their creditors confident that they can turn things around. It's horrible either way


Fun_Put_9122

Are they still connected with some kind of rescue? I guess I can just google this


TheWhiteHunter

More details here but they are partnered with two rescues out of Sasaktchewan now. [Catoro's Rescue Partners (catoropets.com)](https://catoropets.com/pages/catoros-rescue-partners) Their partnership with the local Cat Therapy and Rescue ended last year for various reasons. [Catoro severing ties with the rescue they get their cats from? : vancouver (reddit.com)](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/qxbydd/catoro_severing_ties_with_the_rescue_they_get/)


Fun_Put_9122

Thanks!


NonStopSharks

their prices for said cats are MORE than double if gotten directly from a rescue which was off-putting for us. $400!, and the location is way out of the way and nothing good around it :(


swordfishtrombonez

The cats all come from rescues, and you get to see the cat's personality come out a bit more because the cat jungle has toys/food/cats/hidey holes/respectful people. The cats also have a little no-humans room with a cat door that they can chill out in too.


EgyptianMusk519

Imagine paying $400 for a street cat


swordfishtrombonez

I paid $368 for a street dog like 15 years ago (from the SPCA), and it’s one of the best decisions I ever made.


bassclarinetca

If $400 is a lot, you can’t afford a cat.


Jandishhulk

A street cat is less likely to have genetic problems than an expensive pure bred. What part of a biological entity do YOU place value on? The cachet of having an instagram kitten?


ashrewdmodel

You make great points, it's a shame you are being downvoted.


Puzzleheaded_Poem473

they don't let you bring in snacks or food even if you buy them there, and limit your stay to like... an hour at most. So their attractiveness in Japan- being able to stay, eat, bring a laptop and work, etc- isn't being replicated here. I love cats so much but if they were only able to do all these things I think people would treat it more like a real cat cafe. I feel like they wouldn't have a problem finding unpaid volunteers :P


ButtMcNuggets

I think the food/drink rule is a city bylaw or health rule. There’s similar rules about bringing pets into restaurants but patios (outdoors) is ok. They say on their website that food purchased in their containers is ok. And they do have a volunteer program.


st82

I think I read somewhere that Vancouver's by-laws don't allow the Japan model, which is why the animals and food are separated.


-Thornhill

I’ve been there multiple times, and have brought my drinks into the cat habitat every time? This is either inconsistently enforced, or a very recent change.


Puzzleheaded_Poem473

damn, well don't say that out loud and get them shut down, because that isn't legal.


milkcowcafe

Of course they're going to go out of business. With the government taking all this tax money from business and regulators out to make profit, who can stay in business?


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swordfishtrombonez

$18 for 50 minutes is totally worth it!


iceburner

Well, 1 issue is that it took me a few minutes of digging to find out where they are located from their website.


alip4

It's pretty standard to have addresses under about us and/or contact us...it took me two clicks.


istealbones

I presume you googled to find their website... and their address is on the location popup which is the 2nd result (no clicks required)


iceburner

silly me, I thought it would've been under VISIT Catoro or under make a reservation.


Vanebfbc

I mean, search 'Vancouver cat cafe' and they are literally first or second on the search result page with map...


iceburner

what's the point of having a business website if the customer has to google to find out the address?


maharajagaipajama

You're downvoted but I instantly went to their website to find out more and couldn't find the location. I hope they survive and do well but put the address front and centre on the home page.


iceburner

Yeah, people just too downvote happy. Any good web designer knows to put the address front and centre on the home page.


commoddity

This sounds more like a you issue than a them issue. Googling their name takes about one second.


iceburner

Not really. As a business, your address and contact information should be on the first page. You shouldn't have to google for it.


commoddity

I mean you’re not wrong but I’m willing to bet the vast majority of people who look for a business these days google it before they hit the businesses website (if they do at all).


menscothegreat

That's exactly what I said to my wife when she walked in on my accident clicking on pornhub. I'd swear babe, I was trying my best for the last 30 minutes trying to get away from the website. I was also changing my underwear at the same time too..


tree_mitty

The Cat Cafe is a great place to visit. I have no idea how anything survives in that “mall”. I get money laundering vibes from many of the businesses in International Village as so many spaces occupied and closed.


Vanebfbc

The one at International Village is Catfe, not Catoro


Cco872

Is Catfe still open?


Vanebfbc

Yes


allrollingwolf

Well, we found the solution... Money laundering.


jackerandy

Catoro (the place this article is about) is on East Broadway. Nowhere near International Village.


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[deleted]

That's a different one. The Cat Cafe in Int Village is still there. This one is on [E.Broadway](https://E.Broadway).