Bonding with animals has long been a healthy way for many people to manage stress, dispel anxiety and even ease depression. While not everyone has a furry friend at home, they may find great comfort in visiting cat cafes. Cat cafes have been catching on throughout the years and become staples in communities. So, when the owners of the Ukrainian cat cafe, Cat Cafe Lviv , learned about the ongoing Russian invasion, they decided not to close their doors to the community in need. Their cafe is a home for those in Lviv to gather in peace and togetherness. After years of being grounded in their neighborhood, Cat Cafe Lviv isn’t going anywhere.
Cat Cafe Lviv has been open for six years.
Cat Cafe owner, Serhii Oliinyk, has had customers come in over the years and become some of his dearest friends. The tight-knit community he and his handful of staff helped develop is precious to the cafe. Both visitors and cats feel at ease there, which is something important to preserve.
They have 20 cats.
Each of the 20 cats at their Cat Cafe have their own unique personalities, and many love to play. Guests are happy to visit with the cats regularly and enjoy the serene environment of the space. They even have different breeds for those hoping to cuddle a particular cutie.
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Guests are still visiting.
As many continue to flee the Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion, the loyal customers of Cate Cafe remain. Oliinyk and his family cherish the home they have made and can’t see themselves anywhere else. Their biggest hope is to help others stay safe during such an unfortunate time.
Comfort from the cats is more valuable than ever.
During tumultuous times, comfort can often be scarce. Spending times with the cats at the cafe may be more than just leisure for some, it could be survival. The trauma and PTSD experienced during war and chaos takes a toll. Having a cat to snuggle with provides endorphins that create a calming effect with the possibility of relieving both physical and emotional pain.
People in need have arrived.
While regular guests continue to visit, new faces have come in need of more than a cute cat visit. People from other cities have arrived in need of warm meals, rest, and kindness. Oliinyk wants to make sure he and his family are there to help those in need.
They have areas to hide.
In the case of a raid, Oliinyk has ways to protect people at the cafe. They have two rooms located in the basement which will serve as shelter for everyone if there’s danger.
The cats are still having fun.
While the weight of the world may be on the shoulders of guests, the cats continue to be affectionate and loving. The kitties are used to having the run of the cafe, and that hasn’t changed. In many ways, they will always be the hearts of the operation.
Lviv is becoming a hub for refugees.
The largest western Ukrainian city of Lviv is known for attracting tourists, but now it’s noteworthy for being a place for people to escape Russian troops, which haven’t arrived there yet. While the Cat Cafe is known for having a small community, there may be an influx of newcomers with a desperate need for support, and cat cuddles.
They send money to the Ukrainian army.
On their Facebook page, the Cat Cafe writes, “As promised, 20% of all checks are recounted to the Ukrainian army.” For them, it’s not just about staying open for their own economic needs, it about protecting their country.
They’re open daily.
Oliinyk, his family and the cats don’t take days off and maintain their hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for those wishing to come by. They have the love and support of their customers, which will hopefully continue to thrive and grow.
Let us know what you think of Cat Cafe Lviv in the comments and if you feel inspired by Oliinyk and his family.
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