PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2023

Lauri Meins plays with one of the felines at The Cat’s Meow Café in Bloomington. Owned by Meins, the business serves food and drink, plus the opportunity to visit with adoptable cats

Indeed, some guests come with the aim of adopting a cat. But for others, such as residents of apartments that don’t allow pets, the café provides a rent-a-cat opportunity. That’s pretty much the situation for Matilda Rogozinski of Bloomington. The 15-year-old said her parents don’t want to keep cats at home. So, she can get her feline fix at The Cat’s Meow Café. “Some of them are very friendly,” she said while stroking a black-and-white

cat. “Some of them like to cuddle. Some of them do not. They’re fun to hang out with and nice to be around.” Most visitors stick around for about 20 minutes. Bonding time helps cats socialize with people. “I think the cats love it,” Meins said. “I mean, it’s a wonderful opportunity.” Just don’t mix the food and the felines. “No, no,” Meins said. “No feeding the friends. Nope, they’re here for visits only — visits and cuddles.”

And keep your eye on your snacks and drinks. “Don’t leave your food unattended,” she said with a laugh. “They’re still animals.”

Phil Luciano is a senior writer/columnist for Peoria Magazine and content contributor to public television station WTVP. He can be reached at phil.luciano@wtvp.org

NOVEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 23