Catpia is known for its sold-out pop-up dog cafe event, Dogpia.
Animal cafes are often promoted as fun experiences for animal lovers; richmond news A reader was left “disgusted” after visiting a popular cat cafe.
In October, Rory Johnson took her children to Catpia, a cat cafe on Minoru Boulevard between the Hilton and Marriott hotels near Richmond Center.
“There was cat poop on the walls and furniture, it was really dirty,” she recalls.
Johnson added that there were no washrooms available for customers to use during their visit, and although they could wash their hands in the sink, there was no soap or paper towels.
time news When I visited the cat cafe last month, I noticed a pungent smell coming from the entrance, which has two glass doors.
Customers had to change their shoes for slippers before entering the cafe through a second glass door, where at least eight cats were seen roaming freely.
Catopia charges $17 an hour to play with the cats and is called a cat cafe, but there is no food available on the premises.
However, you can still order drinks and cakes from the dessert shop First Bite Richmond next door.
The store is also known for its sold-out pop-up dog cafe events featuring the owner’s friends’ pets.
Catopia is listed on the City of Richmond’s Business Directory as a pet supplies retailer, and customers are charged based on the amount of time they “stay and play with their cats.”
Aside from hygiene concerns, Johnson also noticed during her visit that the cats were “not feeling very well.”
Most of the cats had disheveled fur, and one cat appeared to have an eye problem, Johnson said, adding: “One cat also had cat poop in its fur.”
She recalled having only one bowl of water and no food to feed the cat. Johnson said the cat “went crazy” when he offered her a Tune Puree treat he had bought from the store.
Concerned about business ethics and the way the animals were treated, Johnson eventually filed a complaint with the BC SPCA and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
Cat cafe denies abuse, BC SPCA investigating
When you are contacted by newsCattopia denied receiving any complaints about hygiene, the cafe or the treatment of animals.
According to Catpia, the entire store will be disinfected and cleaned before opening, including cleaning rooms and restrooms.
The store will be sprayed with a pet-safe deodorizer after cleaning, and the store will be disinfected with a solution of veterinary disinfectant and water after each customer leaves.
In addition to cleaning, staff members are also tasked with monitoring the health of the animals “on a daily basis,” Catpia said in a statement.
“I’m also going to take the cat to the vet for a physical exam and deworming.”
Although Cat Pier is not a regulated food facility, a VCH spokesperson confirmed that they have received complaints regarding food safety at Cat Pier.
“We are working with the owners to ensure that no food is served on the premises,” VCH’s statement said.
In a statement to newsCatopia confirmed that while customers can order their own food, staff will not be taking customers’ orders.
The BC SPCA, which manages the Richmond Animal Shelter, also acknowledged it has received complaints about Cat Pier.
“We are aware of past and ongoing concerns at Cat Pier and are currently investigating the facility,” BC SPCA Richmond Manager Krista Shaw said in a statement.
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