Last Updated on 30 May 2024 by Vanessa
Today, Traveling Cats invites you to discover The Shabby Tabby cat café in Sayville on Long Island. This establishment operates in close collaboration with a dedicated rescue organization that specializes in the rescue of cats from high-risk environments, including kill shelters, the streets, and challenging living conditions.
I recently interviewed Ryan Shea, the founder of The Shabby Tabby, to discover how the café got started, how it partners with a local cat rescue, and what sets it apart from other cat cafés.
Eager to gain deeper insights into this compassionate venture? Then grab a cup of cat-puccino and join me in exploring this unique cat café.
Interview with Ryan Shea, founder of The Shabby Tabby cat café on Long Island
When did The Shabby Tabby come into existence, and what inspired its creation?
In 2018, I suddenly lost my cat Brody. This loss prompted me to start volunteering with shelter cats, which opened my eyes to the overwhelming number of homeless animals in need of assistance. My desire to help these cats drove me to create The Shabby Tabby.
Why did you choose Long Island as the location for The Shabby Tabby?
I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life.
The Shabby Tabby moved to a different location at one point. Can you tell us about the initial place, and what led to the decision to move?
Our first location was in Sayville, about a block down from our current one. When our lease was up, we found our new spot, which allowed us to design the café exactly the way we envisioned. We now also have a ton of storage, which we lacked in our previous location.
How many cats do you typically have at the cat café?
We usually have between 30 and 40 cats at the cat café.
What inspired the name “The Shabby Tabby”?
The Shabby Tabby started with a lot of vintage furniture and “shabby chic” décor, so the name just fit perfectly.
We also LOVE the “imperfect” underdog cats, so it worked well.
How did you make the place cat-friendly while also appealing to cat lovers?
To make the place cat-friendly, we incorporated a lot of high and low spaces for the cats to climb on, such as cat shelves, perches, cat trees, cave beds, and more, ensuring they feel safe while also allowing the guests to interact with them.
What distinguishes The Shabby Tabby from other cat cafés?
We take cats of all ages, and we particularly love seniors and those with disabilities and emotional needs. We work with them so they can have the same chance at a forever home as any other cat.
Tell us about the events you host at The Shabby Tabby?
All of our events happen in the company of the cats.
During special occasions like Halloween and Christmas, we screen movies such as Pet Sematary and Elf.
This year, we will offer several pumpkin painting events, and we give guests the opportunity to take pictures with Santa and their pets.
We will also have sponsorships for the cats, allowing visitors to give them gifts or stockings to be opened on Christmas.
At least once a month, we also host events such as drag queen bingo, paint night, and yoga.
Can tourists from abroad or other states adopt a cat at The Shabby Tabby?
Yes, usually.
The Shabby Tabby primarily offers basic coffee, tea, and pre-packaged treats. Why did you choose this minimalist approach to catering?
I felt that there were enough food establishments in the vicinity, and I didn’t want the focus to be on the café portion. The cats are the whole reason I opened The Shabby Tabby, and I wanted to focus on them and their care.
What is the most rewarding aspect of running a cat café like The Shabby Tabby?
Finding the cats the perfect family members and hearing about their progress in their new homes. Especially the harder-to-adopt cats.
After visiting The Shabby Tabby, what other attractions or activities would you recommend in Sayville or Long Island in general?
Sayville has a lot of great restaurants and shops to browse, and the café is right in the village, so they’re all in walking distance.
Further East, there are a lot of nice places for pumpkin picking and wineries.
Ready to visit The Shabby Tabby? Here’s what you need to know.
Address: The Shabby Tabby, 197 W Main Street, Sayville, NY 11782, USA.
How to get to The Shabby Tabby?
If you’re coming from New York City, I suggest the LIRR. The journey takes around one hour.
The Sayville train station is just a couple blocks away, and the bus stops right next to The Shabby Tabby cat café.
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed (except holidays)
Tuesday: 11 am to 7 pm
Wednesday: 11 am to 7 pm
Thursday: 11 am to 8 pm
Friday: 11 am to 8 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm
Website: https://www.theshabbytabbyli.com
Thank you, Ryan Shea, for sharing your inspiring story with our readers. If you’re in the Sayville area, check out The Shabby Tabby cat café to unwind and enjoy some kitty time.
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2 responses
What a wonderful place to visit, and a great interview. I like that they look after the seniors and those who would find it more difficult to get their forever homes. I would love to visit, but unfortunately flying is no longer an option for me.
I would love to visit this cat cafe. So many adorable kitties in one place. 🙂