Pawsitively Purrfect Retreat: Potsdam’s Nonprofit Cat Café

Imagine a cozy nook in downtown Potsdam where rescue cats lounge in sunny spots, where Clarkson and SUNY students sip coffee while cuddling kittens, and where every visit helps a homeless cat find its forever home. Pawsitively Purrfect Retreat will be that place: a warm, welcoming haven where cats in need and caring community members meet. Here, the simple act of enjoying a cup of coffee with a furry friend will directly support our mission to save lives, one purr at a time.

Our Mission & Impact

Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate cats, help them find loving homes, and strengthen our community through animal compassion. We’ll partner with local shelters (like Potsdam Humane Society) to give cats a second chance at life. In fact, the Potsdam Humane Society strives that “an adoptable animal will never lose its life due to lack of space or cost of care” – a goal we fully embrace. Every cat we help adopt means a spot opens for another animal in need.

Even as shelters report about 2.2 million cats adopted in 2024, over 273,000 were still euthanized. By increasing adoptions and community awareness, we aim to change those numbers here in St. Lawrence County.

Our goals:

• Rescue & Rehabilitate: Provide a safe haven for local rescue cats needing medical care, spay/neuter, and socialization to become adoptable pets.

• Adoption & Forever Homes: Showcase adoptable cats in a relaxed café setting.

• Community & Connection: Host workshops, school visits, and volunteer programs to bring together students, families, and cat lovers.

Our $60,000 Funding Goal

We’re aiming to raise $60,000 to launch the café and ensure quality care for our cats. Here's the breakdown:

• ️ Facility & Construction – $20,000

Renovate a Potsdam storefront into a cozy, cat-safe space. Includes play areas, furniture, and safety features.

• ☕ Café Equipment & Supplies – $15,000

Purchase espresso machines, coffee equipment, tables, chairs, and initial inventory.

• Cat Care & Adoption Program – $10,000

Covers spay/neuter, vaccines, food, litter, beds, toys, and adoption sponsorships.

• Operations – $5,000

Training for volunteers, insurance, and licensing.

• Community Outreach – $5,000

Fund local events, flyers, educational programs, and school visits.

• Emergency & Supplies Reserve – $5,000

Keep us covered for unforeseen costs and ongoing care needs.

Donor Tiers & Rewards

We’re grateful for every donation and offer the following thank-you gifts:

• $25 – Furry Friend

Shout-out on social media

• ☕ $50 – Cozy Cat Supporter

Shout-out on social media + a free coffee or tea when we open.

• $100 – Feline Patron

Everything above + your name on our café donor wall.

• $250 – Cat Café Enthusiast

Everything above + exclusive invite to our private grand opening.

• $500 – Cuddle Crew Champion

Everything above + private cat cuddle session for you & 3 friends.

• $1000+ – Pawsitively Purrfect Sponsor

Everything above + sponsor a cat’s adoption + name plaque in café.

Spread the Word!

You don’t need to donate to help us succeed. Please share our campaign online and tell local friends, students, and coworkers. Every share brings us closer to opening our doors.

Thank You for Your Support

From the bottom of our hearts (and tiny furry paws), thank you for believing in Pawsitively Purrfect Retreat. With your help, we’ll create a warm, happy space where rescue cats and caring people change each other’s lives.