In late September, Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville and its neighboring towns, leaving a path of destruction that continues to be felt by the community. Homes were flattened, streets submerged, and lives forever changed. The devastation is profound, and we feel deeply for all who have endured so much in the storm’s aftermath.
Amidst the chaos, many in the Asheville community were also worried about their animal companions, particularly those in shelters and foster homes. For patrons of Cats at Play Café, the concern was immediate: What would happen to the foster cats at the café during such a catastrophic event? As the storm raged on, it became clear that the safety of both people and animals was at stake.
“After Hurricane Helene completely devastated the Asheville area, I was very worried about the cats at the café but was relieved to hear that all cats were safe,” says Meredith Adkisson, a frequent visitor and fan of the café. “Despite the tragic circumstances all around Asheville and neighboring towns, the team at Cats at Play Café is still caring for their precious feline fosters, as well as advocating for other rescues and needs in the area.”
A Lifeline for Cats and Community
Cats at Play Café has long been a unique and vital part of Asheville, offering a safe space for foster cats awaiting adoption. The café’s business model combines the calming atmosphere of a coffee shop with a mission-driven focus on giving shelter animals a second chance at life. Guests pay a small entry fee to enjoy the company of cats, creating a low-stress environment where animals can socialize and find their forever homes.
As Hurricane Helene approached, the café’s team made it their priority to ensure the safety of every cat. Thanks to their tireless efforts, all the foster cats were safe and cared for during and after the storm. “Thank you to all who have messaged to check on our team and foster kitties,” the café shared on social media. “We are all well, and the kitties have fresh bottled water, food, litter, TLC & enrichment every day.”
This was a relief not just for the staff but also for the wider community of Asheville, many of whom had been anxiously following the café’s updates. In moments of crisis, even small victories like knowing that beloved animals are safe can provide a sense of hope and stability.
Fostering During Crisis: More Than Just Shelter
Fostering animals is always a critical part of rescue efforts, but after a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene, it becomes even more vital. Shelters often become overwhelmed in the aftermath of such events, and fostering provides a crucial solution, allowing animals to receive the personalized care they need in less crowded, more peaceful environments.
For the cats at Cats at Play Café, this means not just food and water but also enrichment and love in a time of turmoil. “The enormity of the devastation we are seeing on social media when we are able to access Wi-Fi evokes the tears that we have been holding back,” the café wrote in a heartfelt message after the storm. “Our hearts continue to hurt for those who have lost so much. We have a long road ahead, but together we will rise.”
These words reflect the emotional toll of the storm and the determination of the café’s team to continue their mission of caring for animals in need. Despite facing their own challenges, the staff remains focused on the well-being of the cats in their care, knowing how much of a difference their work makes in the lives of both the animals and the community.
Rising Together: Rebuilding and Supporting Local Rescue Efforts
As Asheville continues the long process of recovery, the role of organizations like Cats at Play Café extends far beyond animal care. The café has become a symbol of resilience, offering hope to a community that has suffered so much. It continues to work with local rescue organizations, such as Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Heart of the Foothills, to ensure that no animal is left behind.
For many, visiting the café provides a brief escape from the overwhelming realities of post-hurricane life. Guests can sit with the cats, sip a cup of coffee, and find comfort in the knowledge that these animals, too, have survived. In this simple act, healing is provided for both humans and animals alike.
The café is also critical in advocating for the broader needs of animal rescue in the area. By raising awareness and offering a space for people to engage with the cause, Cats at Play Café ensures that the welfare of animals remains a priority, even in the face of human loss.
How You Can Help
There’s no doubt that the road to recovery after Hurricane Helene will be long and difficult, but there are ways that everyone can support both the people and animals affected by the storm. By visiting Cats at Play Café, you help fund the care of their foster cats and contribute to the larger rescue efforts taking place across Asheville.
For those unable to visit, the café accepts donations and encourages the community to support local animal shelters and rescue organizations like Brother Wolf and Heart of the Foothills. Every bit helps, whether it’s providing a foster home for an animal or simply spreading the word about the café’s mission.
In times of crisis, the collective actions of individuals and organizations allow us to rebuild and rise again. Cats at Play Café reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always room for compassion—for humans and animals that share our world.
