By Jessica Dillon
Two small black and white kittens played on a toy-strewn mat while children giggled, and adults sipped coffee nearby. At the Purranormal Cat Cafe on Oct. 11, visitors to Nelson Kia’s Martinsville showroom mingled with adoptable cats in a relaxed, playful environment — the first pop-up cat cafe in the Martinsville-Henry County area.
The event was a collaboration between Clover Cat Rescue, the Henry County Animal Shelter, and Autos By Nelson, which provided its new Kia showroom during the dealership’s grand reopening.
“The grand reopening of Nelson Kia was a great event. Lots of the community showed up, and the interest in the two animal rescues was deeply appreciated. Clover Cat Rescue appreciates the community exposure and opportunity to advocate for animals in need,” said Kristin Walz, a volunteer with Clover Cat Rescue. Several kittens received adoption applications during the event.
Shyer cats, like Chubs McGraw, remained safely in kennels while more outgoing cats roamed the room. Toys and balloons encouraged interaction, and the cafe-style setup allowed attendees to enjoy beverages while meeting the cats.
A last-minute adopter took home two cats, Salt and Chubs McGraw. “We’ve had several people express interest and say they would come by,” said Henry County shelter worker Esme Golden, who added that she felt the cafe went well.
Many participants said the pop-up cafe offered a “unique” approach to pet adoptions, letting potential adopters “really see how they would bond with the cat” before committing.
On the other side of the Nelson building, the Subaru showroom hosted the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA and adoptable dogs for the Subaru Loves Pets event. Adoption fees were waived, and volunteers walked the pets around the outdoor area so attendees could interact with them.
The event also included 2,000 wings from Tammy’s Grill, free face painting for 45 children from Joyful Canvas, and a car giveaway won by Misty Harris. Organizers plan a fundraising campaign to support spay and neuter services at the Henry County Animal Shelter ahead of a major December adoption event.
