In the Railroad Square Art District lies a unique gem called Fat Cat Books. It blends a love for feline companions with a passion for reading.
The feline adoption center has a dual mission: promoting cat adoptions and offering a literary paradise for book enthusiasts.
Fat Cat Books, much like its name suggests, combines the joy of reading and the love for cats in a cozy and inviting space. Here, you can purchase used books and unique cat-themed gifts while sharing the space with adorable cats seeking their forever homes.
The store’s concept is simple yet heart-warming, creating a space where literature and feline companionship coexist in harmony.
One frequent visitor, Celine Harmond, a fourth-year business administration student at Florida A&M, says the cats are the main draw.
“I did not mind them roaming around. I enjoyed it; it was the main pull for me entering the bookstore,” Harmond said.
Harmond’s sentiment mirrors the opportunity to enjoy the company of cats as you browse through the store’s collection of books.
Harmond says that the feline residents at Fat Cat Books boast a spectrum of diverse personalities, making each visit an engaging and unique experience.
“You could tell some cats weren’t ‘people’ cats while others were,” Harmond said.
Beyond offering a space to relax, read and interact with cats, Fat Cat Books serves a deeper purpose. The funds generated from book and gift sales support the medical needs of the resident cats. Michelle Hartsfield, president of Feline Advocates of Leon County, acknowledges the positive impact of the store’s mission.
“It is all so heartwarming; it’s great that we can use our revenue for hospital bills because of the people who shop here. We check in with all of our doctors after the cats are adopted,” Hartsfield said.
The heartwarming story of Fat Cat Books underscores the significance of positive human-animal relationships in the well-being of both animals and humans. The presence of cats in the store not only attracts visitors but also creates an atmosphere of warmth and companionship.
According to “The Power of a Positive Human-Animal Relationship for Animal Welfare” (2020): “Without any apparent reinforcement, and because animals need to feel safe and have a basis from which they can explore their world, attachment can occur with familiar individuals such as the mother, peers, other conspecifics, and even individuals from other species such as humans.”
This study emphasizes the importance of attachment and familiarity in relationships between animals and humans.
Fat Cat Books serves as a testament to the positive impact of such relationships. The cats in the store find safety and comfort in the presence of human visitors. In turn, visitors experience the joy of spending time with these furry companions. This unique setting not only promotes feline adoption but also offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment to those who shop there.
Fat Cat Books has created a haven for feline enthusiasts and book lovers. The store’s mission, combined with the charm of its resident cats, exemplifies the profound impact of positive human-animal relationships, where both species can find solace and joy in each other’s company.
It is a space teeming with love, compassion, and the power of a positive human-animal relationships for animal welfare.