This Cat Café In Ukraine Is Surprisingly Still Open Despite The Ongoing War
Cat Café Lviv has stayed open in western Ukraine while the war continues to reshape daily life around it. Inside, 20 cats still wander between tables, and the café keeps serving locals who want a warm meal and a little comfort.
Owner Serhii Oliinyk has run the café for more than six years with a small team that knows the cats well. Even as many businesses have shut down and families have left the country, he and his family have chosen to stay, largely because of the animals they care for.
That decision has turned the café into something bigger than a place for coffee. Read on.
Cat Café Lviv has been bringing joy to cat lovers for over six years.
This is Serhii Oliinyk, the owner. He runs the café where 20 felines reside.
People can relax with cats while enjoying their coffee and dessert.
It looks like the cats are waiting for a moment to snatch some food.
The café has become a small pocket of normal life in an otherwise difficult time.
The café remains open to serve people even in the midst of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
The war has closed down many businesses and forced millions of Ukrainians to seek refuge in other countries, but Serhii, along with his family, has decided that it's business as usual.
In such challenging times, the most practical option is to leave. However, the family believes the opposite is true because they are concerned for the welfare of the 20 cats.
And if you’re thinking about family drama, this echoes the MIL who gave away her son’s cat early.
It's a haven for locals and travelers who love spending time with cats.
The café continues to be a safe spot for migrants and people in need of hot meals, providing a place filled with warmth and positivity.
The owner has prepared a space in the basement so that whenever there's an air raid warning, people and the cats can take shelter. He welcomes everyone into his café.
The people of Ukraine are incredibly brave in the face of adversity. Even the cats are brave!
Children enjoying the company of cats in the café.
Oliinyk considers these cats part of his family.
That's why he prefers to stay with them in the country. You can't help but admire him, his family, and his employees for remaining fearless in their commitment to the survival of these adorable felines.
The owner apologizes for the lack of updates on their Facebook page, as it is truly a dangerous time.
They are open for donations via their PayPal account, as noted by Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, who states, "In times of crisis, supporting community initiatives can foster resilience and hope." Half of the donations will go to their army.
Even the cats are hanging in there.
We hope and pray for the safety of Oliinyk, his family and team, and the cats they care for.
Users are sending their love and support through the comments on the café's social media page.
Others are admiring the bravery and dedication of the team behind the establishment.
The war has been ongoing for more than a week and counting, and we don't know what could happen next.
We hope that the family that owns the business, the employees, the customers they serve, and the lovely cats will withstand all the current challenges. Many people are looking forward to a brighter future and visiting the café during peaceful days.
For now, the café is still standing, and so is the team behind it.
Wait until you see the stray cat begging a store owner for help during a heatwave.
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