Our Story

On the 14th of February 2020, Lisa & Todd Cragle opened the doors to Purrs and Paws Cat Café located in Eastview Mall in Victor, NY.

Purrs and Paws was the very first cat café to open in the Greater Rochester area. Lisa & Todd were able to provide an invaluable resource to the local rescue community. There was now a safe and comfortable place for the invisible rescue kitties to have a chance at meeting their fur-ever families. People were now able to visit adoptable rescue kitties in a lounge space, set up to resemble a living room, where the kitties were acclimated and able to truly let their personalities shine through.

Adoptions soared as people were able to interact with the kitties and find one that would truly fit what they were looking for. Kitties that were adults, seniors, and special needs were suddenly adopted much more quickly than in a traditional shelter setting.

The lounge also functioned as a great resource to the rescues to socialize some of their more timid kitties and help them develop skills to become more adoptable. Most of the café residents came from truly unfortunate circumstances and in this space they were able to feel safe and learn to trust again.

Thanks to Lisa & Todd, the truly dedicated staff over the years, the hardworking rescues, and you guys – Purrs and Paws found homes for 593 kitties over the three years it was open. On the 1st of July 2023 Lisa & Todd passed the Purrs and Paws Mission on to Sarah Thorne and Lazy Cat Lounge & Café. Sarah, a local volunteer in the rescue community with over 10 years’ experience in the coffee industry hopes to continue Lisa & Todd’s legacy.