Beyond Pet Store Cats Near Me: Meet Cincinnati’s Shop Felines

Shopping locally often means building relationships with business owners, but sometimes, it also leads to making unexpected furry friends. While many people search online for “Pet Store Cats Near Me” when looking for a feline companion or just some kitty interaction, a unique charm lies in discovering cats who call local shops home. These aren’t just pets waiting for adoption in a typical store setting; they are personalities woven into the fabric of the businesses they inhabit. Join us as we travel around Cincinnati to meet some of the city’s most beloved shop cats, offering a delightful alternative for your fuzzy fix and showcasing the heartwarming bonds between felines and local commerce. Forget the usual search results for a moment and discover these unique feline residents.

Friendly ginger cat peers out from behind shop items, representing Cincinnati's unique store cats.

Gary at EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point

Patrolling an organic pet supply shop in Harper’s Point, you’ll encounter possibly the most dapper store manager around. He’s endearingly chubby, quite vocal, and boasts an impressive collection of stylish ties. Meet Gary, the resident cat of EarthWise Pet. While he may look like a typical feline, Gary is a true survivor.

Gary, the fashionable FIV-positive store cat at EarthWise Pet Harper's Point, wearing a blue patterned tie.

Gary’s journey at EarthWise Pet began as an adoptable cat from Ohio Alleycat Resource. The rescue found him chained to a porch, suffering from severe malnutrition. Potential adopters were hesitant due to his numerous health issues, including gastrointestinal problems and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). When a veterinarian suggested euthanasia, the store staff, who had already grown fond of him, intervened. Owners Dan and Lisa Woods dedicated themselves to nursing Gary back to health and officially adopted him as the store’s cherished pet. “He really came around and started mingling,” shares manager Emily Eilers. “He was so good with the kids. It was wonderful.”

His resilience was tested again during the December 2022 blizzard. A burst sprinkler system in the office above flooded Gary’s sleeping space. “He unfortunately was here,” Eilers recalls. “We got here in time but he was already learning to swim.” The Woods family took him home during the store’s rebuild, but his return wasn’t easy. “I brought him here a few times and he had some serious PTSD,” Lisa Woods explains. “He would just sit in the bathroom here and cry.”

With patience and support, Gary overcame this trauma too. Today, he’s a highly social and talkative cat, greeting customers with a welcoming meow. He might even follow you around, offering shopping assistance or leading an impromptu yoga session from the counter. Be aware of the occasional “Gary special”—a bag of food he’s sampled himself. He eagerly awaits your appreciative scratches!

EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point, 11328 Montgomery Rd., Symmes, (513) 469-7387, harperspoint.earthwisepet.com

Georgie at Wiedemann’s Brewery and Pub

The moment you arrive at Wiedemann’s Brewery and Pub, Georgie might just walk up to greet you. It’s hard to believe she was once a wary feral cat protecting her kittens at the brewery’s construction site back in 2017. Co-owner Betsy Newberry remembers Georgie wouldn’t approach anyone until they consistently left out food and water. She remained a largely independent outdoor cat until the harsh cold snap of December 2022. “She developed some kind of limp and her one paw was swollen,” Newberry says. “We nursed her back to health in the office upstairs and decided that’s where she should be every night.”

Georgie, the formerly feral brewery cat, lounging comfortably outdoors at Wiedemann's Brewery in St. Bernard.

Newberry admits Georgie converted her. “I was never a cat person,” she confesses. “I’ve always had dogs. But who can resist an independent woman?” And Georgie certainly charts her own course. Though residing at the brewery, she frequents the St. Bernard Eagles Club across the street. She’s also fiercely attached to her home; attempts to rehome her were met with resistance. Newberry recalls a former contractor trying to take Georgie: “When he tried to get her in the carrier, she took a big bite out of his burly hands. She wasn’t going to have anything to do with it.”

Customers need not fear, however. Georgie typically greets visitors by flopping over for scratches. She’s generally more comfortable with adults than children. Preferring the outdoors, Georgie is more social during warmer months but doesn’t interfere with patrons, avoiding tables and human food. She particularly enjoys sprawling on the porch during live music performances, seemingly enjoying the vibrations.

Georgie also embodies the spirit of the historic brewery, named after George Wiedemann, the German immigrant who founded Wiedemann’s Fine Beer in Newport in 1870.

Wiedemann’s Brewery & Taproom, 4811 Vine St., St. Bernard, (513) 482-6970, wiedemannsfinebeer.com

Addy at Suder’s Art Store

Meet Addy, a charming tortoiseshell who has graced Suder’s Art Store since January 2018. She’s as much a fixture in Over-the-Rhine as the century-old art supply shop itself. While undeniably cute, she possesses a distinct personality. “We call her Princess Addy, does that tell you anything?” quips owner Sharon Suder.

Addy, the tortoiseshell cat known as 'Princess Addy', relaxes on a plush chair in Suder's Art Store office.

Suder explains that Addy is the fourth cat to reside in the store over the past 30 years. The first two simply wandered in through the back door, the third was a rescue, and Addy came to them from the family of a previous owner who had passed away. “She adds a lot [to the store] for us, just because we get to have a pet here,” Suder reflects.

Addy has cultivated her own following. Students from the nearby Art Academy of Cincinnati often stop by to greet her while gathering supplies, and some visit solely for her company. Finding her requires keen observation; amidst the densely packed, wood-paneled store, Addy excels at blending in. A helpful tip: she often favors the easel section.

Suder’s Art Store, 1309 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 241-0800, sudersartstore.com

Sophia at Enchanted Moments

In the eclectic metaphysical boutique Enchanted Moments in Milford, you’ll find Sophia, a black and white cat often curled up near the register. Named after the goddess of wisdom, Sophia effectively reigns over the shop. Store founders Monica Vance and the late Robin Stapp rescued Sophia and her sister Inanna off the street as kittens. “She really is the owner,” Vance remarks with a smile.

Sophia, the black and white cat, curled up near the warm computer register at Enchanted Moments metaphysical shop.

Vance isn’t entirely joking about Sophia’s status. “We sort of became the neighborhood place for kids to visit,” she adds. “We’re the bribery for parents to get their kids to eat dinner so they can come see the cat. We used to joke about charging people for coming in just to say hi because we’d probably make more money on Sophia visits than sales.”

Sophia also seems to take her role at the register seriously. During colder weather, she cuddles up to the computer for warmth. In sunnier months, she prefers napping in the window display. When she’s mobile, however, caution is advised. “She is not graceful. She’s probably broken more than any customer ever could,” Vance jokes affectionately.

Vance and Stapp, who passed away in 2021, shared a deep love for cats, having spayed, neutered, and cared for numerous feral cats over the years. They always envisioned cats being part of their store. Vance believes Sophia infuses Enchanted Moments with love and positive energy. “She’s magic,” she states simply.

Enchanted Moments, 128 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-5508, enchantedmomentsshop.com

Aki and Bert at Growing Trade Pet and Plant

This pair of fluffy siblings reigns supreme in Northside. Napping amongst the potted plants or “inspecting” pet food bags at Growing Trade, you’ll find Bert and Aki, a feline duo defined by their contrasting personalities. Aki, a beautiful but shy tortoiseshell, often observes from higher shelves. Bert, a goofy and playful black cat, eagerly interacts with customers down below. Both are equally adored.

Aki, the shy tortoiseshell cat, perched high on a shelf among plants at Growing Trade Pet and Plant.

Aki, whose name means autumn in Japanese, was adopted over ten years ago by the previous owner’s sister and has been a store fixture since its inception. Bert (short for Bertram) was discovered in a dumpster – a habit he hasn’t entirely abandoned, according to manager Jason Knaley-Smitherman, who notes Bert still enjoys sampling trash. Their distinct personalities shine on social media. “[Aki] is the cat we use for more pictures and business stuff,” says store clerk John Morehose. Avril Thurman, another clerk, adds with a laugh, “Bert makes good funny faces. He sticks his teeth out.” Glamour shots of the pair even feature on gift cards and calendars sold at the store.

Bert, the playful black cat sibling to Aki, lounging on a store display seeking attention at Growing Trade.

While primarily indoor cats, they are adept hunters when they venture outside. “They’re known to bring in lizards, birds, mice, bats,” Knaley-Smitherman shares. “One morning I came in and I found two bat wings on the floor. I thought they were leaves at first.” They also interact with other animals; Bert particularly enjoys playing with visiting dogs.

Bert is currently on a health journey. A chart behind the counter tracks his weekly weight as part of a special diet initiated in June 2023 when he weighed 16 pounds. “He does not like that he’s on a diet plan,” Morehose reveals. “He’ll rip open bags of food.” While Aki remains more reserved, usually staying out of petting reach on high shelves, the outgoing Bert often lounges on the counter, welcoming attention from anyone nearby.

Growing Trade Pet and Plant, 3840 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, (513) 541-1321, growingtradestore.com

Junipurr at Indigenous Craft Gallery

Junipurr, the resident feline at Indigenous Craft Gallery, is so iconic she has her own merchandise line, featuring items created by local artists depicting her likeness. Owner Diane Christian-Budd recounts Junipurr’s origin story: found on a construction site 12 years ago during winter. “So we set up shop for her overnight and thought, OK, well, she can’t do too much damage just in one night. And then she was there for another night. And another night.”

Junipurr, the popular shop cat, sitting attentively on the counter at Indigenous Craft Gallery, ready to inspect bags.

Junipurr actively participates in daily operations, often lounging on the counter. During one visit, she casually walked across the register, managing to open the cash drawer. She also meticulously inspects merchandise, often sniffing customers’ bags during checkout. Junipurr’s popularity extends beyond human admirers; she has canine friends too. Christian-Budd notes, “There is a sheep dog in the neighborhood that comes in like every other day and he’s just fascinated by her. He just stares at her. And she looks at him like You’re OK as long as you’re not moving in.“

Certain human visitors receive special treatment. “There’s a few men that come in and carry her around,” Christian-Budd shares. “She’s really relaxed with those men in general. We all pick her up and carry her, but she doesn’t love it. But there’s a couple of guys where she just relaxes in their arms.”

The artists represented by the gallery hold a particular fondness for Junipurr. The gallery once hosted a show titled “Junipurr in June,” dedicated entirely to cat-themed art. Items like nightlights, ornaments, and mugs featuring Junipurr’s face are regular offerings. Christian-Budd proudly displays new ceramic cups declaring, “Junipurr says Indigenous Craft Gallery is the cat’s meow.” Visit the East Walnut Hills boutique to meet this feline celebrity and browse her merchandise.

Indigenous Craft Gallery, 1609 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills, (513) 321-3750, indigenouscraft.com

All Feline Denizens of Purrfect Day Cat Café

For any cat lover in the Cincinnati area, Purrfect Day Cat Café in Covington is a must-visit destination. Offering coffee, cocktails, pastries, and, crucially, a room teeming with cats available for interaction and adoption, it’s a haven for feline enthusiasts. Naming all the cats who have passed through would be impossible, as thousands have found homes via the café.

Multiple adoptable cats relaxing and playing in the cat room at Purrfect Day Cat Café in Covington.

Café “Purr-prietor” Chuck Patton transitioned from the advertising world seeking greater purpose. Discovering a cat café during a vacation in South Carolina sparked his new calling. “I ran into the concept and just said, This is it. This is what I want to do,” Patton recalls. “I was always an animal lover. I really felt as if this was my calling and I ran right into it.” He subsequently opened the first Purrfect Day location in Louisville.

The success of the Louisville café in facilitating adoptions led Kenton County officials to invite Patton to open a Covington branch. The café’s feline residents come from various regional shelters, including Kenton County Animal Services, Cincinnati Animal CARE, the League for Animal Welfare, and P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County. Since its opening in 2020, the Covington Purrfect Day has facilitated over 3,000 adoptions, averaging about 1,300 per year. According to Patton, this makes it the second-busiest cat café for adoptions in the U.S., surpassed only by its Louisville counterpart (around 1,700 yearly adoptions).

Patton sees the café as instrumental in promoting cat welfare locally. The high adoption rates through Purrfect Day have significantly reduced euthanasia rates at partner shelters. “Many shelters have traditionally put animals down or released them out. Now they don’t have to do that at all,” Patton explains. “They just call [our shelter contact] up and say, ‘I’m bringing you 10 or 20,’ and they say ‘Bring ’em on,’ because they know the café is going to immediately get them adopted.”

Beyond its vital role in adoption, Purrfect Day offers a charming and enjoyable experience. Visitors get 50 minutes of unrestricted time with approximately 20 cats and kittens, many eager to play. The café also hosts special events like yoga sessions, pajama parties, and trivia nights within the cat room. Enjoy a “meow-mosa” and immerse yourself in feline affection.

Purrfect Day Cat Café, 25 W. Eighth St., Covington, (859) 491-7877, purrfectdaycafecovington.com

Conclusion: Finding Feline Friends Beyond the Usual Search

While searching for “Pet Store Cats Near Me” is a common starting point for finding a feline companion, the stories from Cincinnati reveal a world of unique cat encounters waiting in unexpected places. From the resilient Gary at EarthWise Pet to the independent Georgie at Wiedemann’s Brewery, the regal Addy at Suder’s Art Store, the magical Sophia at Enchanted Moments, the dynamic duo Aki and Bert at Growing Trade, the celebrated Junipurr at Indigenous Craft Gallery, and the countless adoptable residents at Purrfect Day Cat Café, these felines enrich the local businesses they call home. They offer not just companionship to their owners and staff, but also moments of joy and connection for customers. Supporting these local businesses means supporting these unique feline residents too. So next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out – you might just find your new favorite furry friend welcoming you from a shop counter or a sunny window sill, offering a purrfectly charming local experience.