Muskegon's first-ever cat café, The Whisker Room, has officially opened its doors! But this cozy downtown spot is much more than just coffee and cuddles—it's a place where purpose meets paws.
A project led by The Arc of the Lakeshore, The Whisker Room was created to unite two powerful missions: providing inclusive job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities and helping adoptable cats find loving forever homes.
Located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, just across from the local college, The Whisker Room offers a welcoming space for all. Guests can enjoy locally roasted coffee from Magnum Coffee Roastery in Nunica, spend time in the cat room with feline friends, and support a broader mission of inclusion and compassion.
"Our vision for The Whisker Room is for the community to see that individuals with disabilities have a place in our society," said Chris Pickel, Executive Director of The Arc of the Lakeshore. "They make valuable contributions, have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else, and deserve to be included. We want to shift the narrative from 'they have a disability' to 'they have exceptional abilities.'"
In partnership with Big Lake Humane Society, the café hosts a rotating group of adoptable cats, each looking for a permanent home.
"We hope to find as many homes as possible for homeless cats in Muskegon County," Pickel added. "The Whisker Room provides a fun, safe space for people to connect with potential pets—and maybe even bring one home."
The café is thoughtfully designed with a divided layout: one area for enjoying your favorite beverage, and another for visiting the cats by appointment. The cat lounge accommodates up to 12 guests at a time, ensuring a calm and personal experience.
Whether guests are stopping in for coffee, scheduling some cat time, or simply supporting a meaningful cause, The Whisker Room offers a one-of-a-kind experience that's good for the community—and good for the soul.
Learn more by visiting The Whisker Room.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of The Arc of the Lakeshore.
