JAMES CITY COUNTY — Felines and humans both have a claw-some reason to celebrate this weekend as Schwartzy’s Cat Cove reaches its one-year anniversary with 232 adoptions.
“It will be one year on July 16 and that is a an especially significant day since that is Schwartzy’s birthday,” said Amanda Wilbourne, owner of Nautical Dog pet market and home to the cat cove.
Named after Wilbourne’s beloved cat, Schwartzy, the cove is a tribute to the original shop feline who would have been 22 this Sunday. The timing must have been meant to be, as Wilbourne says, “We just got lucky we were able to open the cat cove on that date!”
A collaborative project, Schwartzy’s becomes a foster home for adoptable cats through Heritage Humane Society (HHS). Once the cats arrive at Schwartzy’s, they are cared for exclusively by Nautical Dog while awaiting their fur-ever homes. Wilbourne states the cost of food, litter, toys and “rent” are covered by retail shop, allowing HHS to save those funds and volunteers for the animals awaiting adoptions at the shelter. All the cats are available for adoption.
“People always ask, what do we get from the adoptions? We don’t get anything,” explained Wilbourne, “We don’t ask for a fee to visit the cats like a cat café. It is a passion project for me. The retail store funds Schwartzy’s. Customers who shop here, support the cat cove and keep it running.”
Another unique aspect to having these animals at Schwartzy’s is the ability to allow cats with special needs a chance to find new homes. Wilbourne allows FIV-positive cats that some shelters euthanize saying, “This proves that FIV-positive cats can live with non FIV-positive cats.”
All the cats at Schwartzy’s are given the ability to roam free and socialize within the space. A huge glass window allows for people watching and bathing in the sun, while shelves and cubbies line the wall creating vertical spaces to lounge, play or observe from. The room is full of towers, toys and lots of laughter and love.
“It is the closet way to replicate a home environment without being in a house,” said Wilbourne. “It is a low stress environment. This help show their personalities more. Sometimes we get the older kittens, who are shy and hide under blankets while at the shelter and we bring them here and within a couple of days they seem to come out of their shells.”
The cat cove is open to visitors seven days a week. Guests 18 years or older are asked to sign a waiver and are limited to 30 minutes of snuggle or playtime. A limit of two children, accompanied by an adult, is allowed.
Schwarzty’s birthday bash and one year celebration at Nautical Dog will be July 15 and 16. The event includes 22% off cat merchandise and Heritage Humane Society will be offering a $22 discount on all adoptions done through Schwartzy’s.
