Scruffy’s Cafe in Fountain City, which opened in June 2020, provides a unique blend of cat adoptions and mental health support. Founded by Talisa Roach, who was inspired by her visit to a cat cafe in Denver during a stressful time in her life, the establishment has successfully found homes for about 1,200 cats by partnering with Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee.
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The cafe offers a daily array of adoptable cats, with a cover charge of $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends, contributing to the care of the animals. Roach aims to create a welcoming environment that doubles as a mental health resource. "I’m someone who has always wanted to help people," she said. The cafe features a project called “Codeword Blue,” offering a sanctuary for individuals in crisis, allowing them to stay for free and seek support without judgment.
Special events such as Catnip and Paint Night and cat yoga are designed to foster community engagement while also promoting mental wellness. Roach's initiative emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction, making Scruffy’s Cafe a safe haven for both cats and visitors.