Single? Date A Cat This Valentine's Day

SAYVILLE, NY — If you find yourself without a date this Valentine's Day, don't fret — one Long Island cafe can guarantee to have "felines" for you.

The Shabby Tabby Cat Cafe, located at 197 W Main St in Sayville, is hosting its fifth annual "Date A Cat!" event.

Melanie Wildfeuer, manager at the cafe, told Patch that when guests arrive, they receive a dating questionnaire, similar to what one would fill out on a dating app.

Employees then find the cat that best fits their profile.

The cat and its guest are then treated to a night of wining and dining. Employees serve items such as sparking cider, chocolates or candies for the cats, and charcuterie boards.

"It's under the string lights, so it's very cozy," Wildfeuer said. "It's nice and low key, and they get to see the cats true personalities."

She also said this event is perfect for anyone who may feel socially awkward on dates.

"You can date a cat instead of having the anxiety of having to talk to other people," she said.

If you're in a happy relationship, don't feel left out.

On Saturday, Feb. 12, the cafe will host "Date Night With Cats" — a similar event, but for couples or friends.

Pairs do not fill out the questionnaires, however, because they have already "found their human" she said.

"It doesn't have to be a couple, but it's for a group of two people to do the same thing where we do the chocolate and a little Valentine's from the cats," said Wildfeuer.

At these events, at least a few adoption inquiries are made.

"Each year, there's at least one or two that we match up, and at the end of the day they're like, 'Hey, so what's the adoption process?'" she said.

At the moment, Wildfeuer said the cafe has many cats who came from hoarding situations.

The Shabby Tabby Cat Cafe is a women-run business dedicated to giving adoptable cats a second chance by housing them in a cafe setting.

In addition to walk-in hours, the cafe hosts other events, such as drag bingo, painting, and late-night quiet hours, for cats to potentially find their forever homes.

Admission for "Date a Cat!" is $18 per person, and "Date Night With Cats" is $36 per couple.

To buy a ticket to "Date A Cat" or to view other events, click here.