Over 40 cat lovers gathered on a rainy Saturday in May for the grand opening of the Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue Cafe (IBOK) in San Jose’s Cambrian Park Plaza. This unique venue, founded by Laurie Melo, offers a playful sanctuary for kittens and a chance for them to find their forever homes. Melo, who co-founded IBOK over 20 years ago, aims to save lives by raising funds through the cafe. Visitors enjoy beverages while interacting with kittens in beautifully decorated playrooms. The cafe, open weekends, charges $15 for adults and $10 for children, providing an engaging experience and fostering opportunities for adoption. Melo’s passion for rescue began in 2002 with a litter of kittens found by a creek, leading to the creation of IBOK. The cafe, supported by a successful GoFundMe campaign, has already facilitated nine adoptions. For many guests, including Jennifer Philips, the cafe offers a perfect blend of fun and a chance to find new feline family members.
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