TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Just over a month after all of the cats were removed from Bajah’s Cat Cafe, the Tiverton business announced Monday that it will be fully operational this weekend, including the cat room.
Founded in 2021, Bajah’s became Rhode Island’s first and only cat cafe. Owner Amanda Souza-Viera created the space to provide shelter, veterinary care and adoption opportunities for cats while offering a place for the community to gather and spend time with the animals.
But what started as another typical business day quickly turned to heartbreak on Friday, Dec. 13, when, following an inspection requested by local officials, more than 20 cats were removed due to regulatory and compliance issues, according to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA).
BACKGROUND: RISPCA removes cats from Bajah’s Cat Café amid licensing issues
A week later, the business partially reopened its cafe area, and Souza-Viera told 12 News they would reopen the cat room once they received updates from officials regarding the cats…