Finnegan’s Whiskers cat café, in Sudbury, hails benefits of pet therapy as business marks one-year anniversary

Suffolk’s only cat café has thanked the community for helping to make the venture a success, as it celebrates 12 months since its opening.

Finnegan’s Whiskers, in Sudbury, is beginning its one-year anniversary celebrations today, having launched in November 2023 as a venue for people to enjoy food and drink in the company of cats.

To mark the occasion, a special painted window mural has gone on display in North Street, while a new Finnegan’s mascot will make its debut around the town centre.

The business is also selling raffle tickets throughout the week, with proceeds going to support its partner charity, Mel’s Rescue, an independent cat rehoming organisation.

Since opening its doors, Finnegan’s Whiskers has also introduced various regular events based around wellbeing and self-care.

These include a monthly book club, meditation and mindfulness sessions, and sound baths.

Café owner Shelley Smith said her mission from the start was to not only provide a safe home for cats in need, but also enable the community to experience the benefits of pet therapy.

She said spending time in the company of cats was ‘proven to ease anxiety, depression and loneliness and serve as a distraction from the stresses and strains of everyday life’.

“Sudbury has welcomed Finnegan’s with open arms this year and we have built up a wonderful community of regular customers,” said Shelley.

“We have visitors coming from all over Suffolk and beyond, with everyone telling us how happy and relaxed our cats are and how calm they feel after spending an hour in their company.

“We have customers who visit us for therapy, including cancer sufferers, young people out of mainstream schooling due to anxiety and adults with additional needs, who are in supported living and unable to have their own cats.

“I’m thrilled that, within our first year, we have built a reputation of being more than simply a cat café, but a safe haven and a form of therapy for our community.”

The café’s next event is a winter wellbeing workshop, in conjunction with Kathleen Merton Hypnotherapy, on Sunday, from 4pm.

Spaces on the workshop are still available and can be booked online.