A queer-owned and operated café stocked with work by local LGBTQ+ artists and feline friends galore may sound like a fever dream to some, but for Nicole Farrell, that dream has become a reality with Whiskers & Wine, Akron’s first-ever cat café.
Farrell (she/they) is the founder and owner of Whiskers & Wine, which opened in the city’s burgeoning Kenmore neighborhood on July 15. The café partners with Just Cats Rescue, a 501c3 rescue organization, and is dedicated to overcoming pet adoption barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities and educating people on proper cat ownership and care.
Not only does Farrell lead with a love for these kitties, but they draw from their own feelings of exclusion within local LGBTQ+ spaces. They transformed those experiences into creating a safe haven that they themselves needed years ago.
Still awaiting their liquor license, the café currently offers snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in a bright, colorful space — featuring custom murals and dozens of friendly, adoptable cats.
The Buckeye Flame chatted with Nicole to learn more about the intention behind this unique space, what patrons can expect when visiting Whiskers & Wine and what exciting events are on the horizon for these kitties and cat lovers alike.
Hello Nicole! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! I’m sure you’ve been quite busy lately.
Oh, very! We have a lot going on here at the café at the moment, and actually, today is my birthday!
Oh my goodness, well happy birthday to you! We’ll get right into it. I’m curious to know, what was the inspiration behind opening a space like Whiskers & Wine, and what sets it apart from traditional cat cafés?
I began my career in animal welfare, working in shelter medicine and management roles. After losing my job due to the pandemic, I transitioned to grant writing, though I realized I missed animal welfare.
However, I was hesitant to return to the toxic culture that can exist working in animal shelters — and considered the idea of merging my passion for animals with a healthier, more controlled environment.
Drawing from my experiences traveling and facilitating educational opportunities for shelters and partnering with cat cafés/lounges, I founded Whiskers & Wine, aiming to bring a unique space to Akron. Our concept is distinct, as unlike most cat cafés in the U.S., we’ll offer alcohol (pending liquor license) and prioritize a focus on social justice, including LGBTQ+ and racial equity.
I view our cat café as an LGBTQ+ community hub, providing a secure space for queer individuals who lack inclusive gathering spaces here in Ohio.
There are a lot of limitations when it comes to existing queer spaces in the area, so we aim to be trans, non-binary and lesbian-inclusive, spotlighting often marginalized segments within the LGBTQ+ community while offering an atmosphere of safety, inclusivity and self-expression.
Can you describe the process of selecting the diverse group of rescue cats that patrons can interact with at the café, and what criteria you consider for these furry companions?
Our approach to selecting cats is notably flexible compared to most cat cafés.
Of course, we adhere to standards such as ensuring proper spaying/neutering, core vaccinations, deworming and regular care. However, what really sets us apart is that we are one of the only cat cafés that accepts FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) kitties, a condition much like human HIV.
There is a lot of stigma surrounding these cats, drawing parallels to past perceptions of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the ‘80s. About 20% of our cats are FIV positive, and they’re still being affected by homophobic stigma. While some advocate for putting these cats down due to fears of transmission, we advocate for their coexistence and demonstrate it in our space, ensuring that the stigma of a high risk of infection that keeps them from interacting with other cats is simply not true.
Our selection process also includes seeking friendly cats, which is essential for a thriving cat café environment. But we welcome cats with more timid personalities, as we have volunteers dedicated to spending time with them, helping them acclimate to the space and break out of their shell a bit.
I noticed the café features a variety of (very cute) vendor items, including cat-themed merchandise. Could you highlight some of the unique items that patrons can expect to find here?
Absolutely! We have an array of merchandise sourced from local artists who bring amazing creations to the space. Artists like Keerie Layne provide super cute items like the sold-out “kitty biscuit” shirt, and, recently, some Barbie-themed merch.
Athena Gough, from the organization Love Art House, offers kitschy, adorable pieces such as necklaces adorned with mini books of literary classics. Sarah Gaiter, a local disabled artist and music therapist, offers adorable cat succulents, necklaces and more.
Our aim is to uplift underrepresented creators, and we’re actively seeking more queer artists to join us. Alongside artist items, we have a curated selection of mugs, stickers, jewelry, T-shirts and other unique pieces available. We’re continually expanding our retail selection, with a goal of featuring about half of the storefront as queer-led merchandise.
Could you walk us through the adoption process at Whiskers & Wine? What steps are involved for individuals interested in providing a forever home for one of the rescue cats?
We follow the “Adopters Welcome” policy established by the Humane Society of the United States, and aim to eliminate barriers while creating a conversational adoption experience.
Our application takes only about five minutes, and the entire process is really focused on education, delving into potential adopters’ feelings about cats’ needs and their lifestyles. We believe in guiding conversations rather than shutting them down, understanding that each adoption is unique.
A typical adoption involves about a 20-minute discussion, followed by a quick application. Once you’re approved, there’s no waiting period – your cat can go home with you right away! And, if this kitty ends up not being the right fit for you, we offer the return of our cats without shame, ensuring the right fit for both the adopter and the cat.
We want the process to feel as positive and celebratory as welcoming a new family member, fostering a yes-based approach that brings joy to both adopters and the cats they bring home.
Opening Ohio’s only wine bar and cat lounge is quite a significant endeavor. Could you share some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
We recently had a drag storytime event that definitely presented the most significant challenge to date. Over the past two to three weeks, I’ve faced multiple death threats due to this event.
Unfortunately, some individuals didn’t receive the news about the event actually being rescheduled due to a case of ringworm at the café, and they arrived unannounced, hurling derogatory insults and accusing us of inappropriate behavior. These threats still continue, even with me being threatened to be doxxed the other day.
Despite this, I’m working through this with my community. When I told my community what was going on, the outpouring of support that came out was overwhelming. I had a friend with two decades of community-organizing experience who organized peace marshals to ensure safety during potential protests. Local organizations like the local American Legion chapter — which has one of the very first trans officers in the U.S. — volunteered their support to provide a safe environment and provide more strength in numbers.
The massive outpouring of community support has far outweighed the negativity, and reassured me that despite still receiving threats, I’ve overcome this hurdle with the backing of my community and the café’s strength as a whole.
Looking ahead, what exciting plans do you have for Whiskers & Wine? Are there any upcoming events or developments that visitors can look forward to?
We’ve got something lined up almost every week! For instance, we have our open mic night spotlighting queer performers, as well as our “RuPaws Drag Race,” where participants can bring in their cats all dolled up and ready for a red-carpet-style pageant.
We also host “Drag Queen Story Hour” three times a month to sync up with Kenmore First Friday in our neighborhood. Upcoming events also include “Purassic Park,” a dinosaur-themed cat party, and an “Austin Meowers” party (an Austin Powers-themed party, of course). We like to plan as many fun themed events as we can, so there’s always something exciting happening at the café.
Bridging adoption gaps
Finding inclusive spaces in Northeast Ohio can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when it pertains to animal adoption, and in speaking with Nicole, we learned that some rescues may, through their questions and requirements, make it harder for certain demographic groups — including queer people, neurodivergent people, BIPOC folks and even those deemed too old or too young — to adopt, creating major gaps in pet adoption.
Having observed a significant number of queer and neurodivergent adopters who were rejected elsewhere due to their identities or behaviors, Ferrell’s mission is to dismantle these barriers and systemic biases present in pet adoption, and welcome all potential guardians.
The aim of Whiskers & Wine is to not only create a fun, welcoming environment to enjoy the shared love of cats, but to ensure that these injustices are not forgotten and create an inclusive space for all.
Ignite Action
- Stay up to date with all things Whiskers & Wine via their Instagram or Facebook page.
- To book a visit with adoptable cats, head to Whiskers & Wine’s official website.
- To learn more about Just Cats Rescue, visit their Facebook page.
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