Cat Cafe Help Relocating! MugsNMittens Cat Cafe WV

Our Story

Hi, our names are Keith and Morgan. We are a young couple from northeastern West Virginia and together we run the Mugs 'n Mittens Cat Café in Fairmont, West Virginia. Since opening in October of 2023, we have helped 12 cats find new homes with the Marion County Humane Society. Our establishment prides itself on being a safe, comfortable environment where people can rest, enjoy the company of cats, socialize, and support local makers. In addition to our collaboration with the MCHS, we also work with a local baker and we continue to grow our gift shop, where local artists and crafters can sell their work. We house seven permanent cats but foster three to four cats from the rescue at a time.

Video credit: News report of our infancy filmed and produced by WVBOY.

Our Mission

Locals would agree that the cat problem in the area is nearly unmanageable. Rescues are full, colonies continue to multiply, hungry cats tear into trash cans and terrorize wildlife, and community members are past their wits' ends doing what they can to care for local strays. Cat problem aside, Appalachia also has a mental health problem: with dwindling infrastructure, economic hardships, isolation, and a growing lack of places outside the home to enjoy, it was vital to us that our space could be a soothing, comfortable space for all.

We believe that our café plays several important roles in the community:

We are a for-profit business and all funds are taxable income that we must report to the IRS.

Our Plans

The new building is over three times larger in square footage than our current building. At our new location, we will be serving hot and iced coffee, espresso drinks, Boba tea, and cat-themed bakery items. There will be a room dedicated to our gift shop and a separate cat lounge with an entry fee.

Our Finances

After our Kickstarter project did not receive its full funding, we reassessed our plans and cut costs where we could. Though it was difficult, we were able to cut prospective costs nearly in half. All funds raised between December and January will be used to pay for renovations, furniture, and equipment. Below is a breakdown of estimated costs, though we are saving money where we can on equipment and furniture.

Cat lounge furniture will be budgeted flexibly but we are looking to spend up to $1,500 on the rugs and furniture in there. In total, the entire project will cost no more than $7,000 and we will be applying for business grants and loans as well as using our own savings and income to pay for the project, though any financial assistance from crowdfunding is deeply appreciated.

Our Many Thanks

Because our Kick Starter did not receive the entire funding amount, this also means that our backers there were not able to receive their rewards. To continue to honor the people who support us, we will be carrying over the rewards from the Kickstarter to those who support us on GoFundMe between the months of December and January.

Much love and gratitude,

Morgan and Keith