MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Downtown Monroe is where important connections are made. From the outside, it seems like business as usual, but we’ve barely scratched the surface.

Coffee is always a good ice breaker when you’re trying to meet your match, even when that match is a fur baby.

“I think we try to create a nice meeting space,” says Michelle Vereckey, owner of Charlie’s Cat Café on North Main Street in Historic Downtown Monroe.

“I’m very much a cat person,” says Alison Van Bergen.

“I’m originally a dog person,” says Simon.

At the café, they find common ground, no coffee pun intended.

“You just get to come and experience all of the love that kittens have,” said Van Bergen.

There are close to a dozen cats at any given time. And soon, Charlie’s is unveiling a kitten room — which is exactly as adorable as it sounds.

“I mean, how can you not be in a good mood when you’re here,” says Jill Grigston, who comes with her kids a lot.

This isn’t just a place where felines give families the feels, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

“I’ve had a lot of people tell me it’s very therapeutic,” Vereckey said.

She created a spot where someone interested in adopting a cat doesn’t have to make a rushed decision.

As if she’s not busy enough, the local attorney launched the nonprofit Charlie’s Angels Animal Sanctuary and the cat café in the old space above her law office that’s been everything from a grocery store to a clothing shop over the years.

Vereckey tells Queen City News she was motivated by bad adoption experiences.

“They brought the cat in, they gave us like five minutes, came back and knocked on the door and said, ‘Do you want the cat?’ And I was just like, ‘I don’t even know this cat?’” Vereckey said.

She ditched the speed dating concept and allows prospective pet owners the chance to fall in love in a more relaxed setting.

Even if you’re not in the market for a cat, you’re welcome to book time with them in the café.

For the safety of the animals, guests must be at least seven years old.

“We have a dog, and he does not prefer cats. So this is our chance to cuddle and play with cats,“ Grigston said.

In Charlie’s Cat Café’s first year, 161 kitties were adopted.

“You’re just so happy to get them homes,” says Vereckey.

So, she’s not lying to them.

“I always tell the cats, ‘It only gets better from here,’” she said with a laugh.

Here, you can take your time before making that big judgment about whether to adopt. Also, even if you don’t take one home, you’re socializing it for whoever does.

“You have a stressed day and you come here and a cat loves all over you,” said Vereckey.

Charlie’s also helps bridge the age-old divide between dog and cat lovers.

Simon added, “I have to say, I really like this cat café. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I came here, but I definitely do not regret it.”

Every day at the café is like a laid-back meow mixer, with a few breaks, of course.

“I think Jacks is ready for his naptime. He has that look that says, ‘If you wake me up, I’ll get mad,’” Van Bergen said.

Thankfully, looks like they get plenty of rest. So they’re ready to mingle and meow.

“They’re all really friendly,” said Simon.

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