PURRsonal Space will be New Jersey’s first cat lounge
Local cat lovers won’t have to travel to Philadelphia to get their kitty fix anymore — Palmyra will soon call itself home to New Jersey’s first and only cat lounge.
Co-owners and engaged couple Lori Genstein and Daniel Rosenthal started developing plans to open the lounge — called PURRsonal Space — late last year. The pair faced some unexpected challenges but is planning to open the lounge soon. Genstein says they’re planning for a spring opening, and the space will have a “relaxing, unique ambiance.”
PURRsonal Space will be a place for animal lovers to enjoy the company of cats. The lounge will be partnering with Randall’s Rescue in Mt. Laurel, a no-kill, nonprofit animal rescue, and will house approximately eight cats at a time in hopes of helping them find their “fur-ever home.”
The concept will be similar to a cat cafe, but visitors will bring their own food or order from neighboring restaurants; PURRsonal Space will not be preparing food.
Nearby restaurants offer everything from sushi to pizza to vegan food, and the lounge will order it for customers as a courtesy.
In addition to places to eat and relax with free wifi, the lounge will also offer other activities such as tutoring, as Rosenthal is a local professor.
“This is an extension of my desire to help animals,” Genstein said. “What we’re going to serve is education, recreation, outreach and resources.”
Genstein believes the best way to make a difference is through spreading awareness and education.
“The reason that I chose Cindy is because we have a very similar philosophy. We’re one woman trying to save the world,” Genstein said on Cindy Randall, the owner of Randall’s Rescue.
“PURRsonal Space will allow us to network with the local community for volunteers, fosters, donations and most importantly find ‘furever homes’ for our rescues,” Randall said. “This will open foster space and allow us to save more lives, which results in less community, stray and feral cats in our neighborhoods as well as less cats euthanized in our shelters.”
Randall added the lounge will be a safe, fun and interactive home for the adoptable rescues.
“It will help the community get involved with rescue and other outreach programs,” Randall said, adding many people want to help but don’t know how to get involved. “It will also help people who are looking to adopt a cat but are worried about the temperament or fit — this allows interaction with their potential kitty.”
The lounge won’t just be for those looking to adopt, but those who enjoy the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals as well. According to pet therapy organization Paws for People, animal interaction can lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, release calming endorphins and decrease pain, depression, anxiety and loneliness.
Genstein says her goals include providing spay and neuter resources and working to end overpopulation by providing the education needed for families to keep their adopted cats.
“We want to promote love and respect and proper care. It all starts with education,” Genstein said. “People don’t realize that when they rehome an animal, it’s very likely that they’re going to be killed.”
Genstein also aims to enlighten her fellow residents on the beauty of owning a cat. A dog owner all her life, Genstein says her world was changed when she adopted her first cat.
PURRsonal Space is holding several fundraisers to help finance the renovations needed to open the lounge. Most recently, Expressions by Heather photography took professional Valentine’s Day pet photos. The next fundraiser will be a comedy night at greenplate in Cinnaminson on March 11. Each $30 ticket will include a meal from a select menu and a show featuring comedians Mark DeMayo and Mike Sicoli.
The lounge will be open primarily on the weekends to start and will charge an entrance fee. All money collected will be donated directly to Randall’s Rescue. Those who choose to adopt a cat will have their paid entrance fee applied to their adoption fee.
Genstein is looking to collaborate with local restaurants and other businesses and will also be accepting volunteers at the lounge. For more information or to donate, email purrsonalspacecatlounge@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/PURRsonalSpace.
