Imagine a professional workspace where you can work alongside adoptable cats—a concept that blends productivity with feline companionship. Welcome to Whiskers Workspace in St. Petersburg, Florida, the first cat co-working space in the state! This innovative space offers more than just the benefits of a typical cat café; it’s designed to create a harmonious, cat-friendly environment where creativity and relaxation flourish.
A Purrfectly Productive Atmosphere
Working with cats is known to be therapeutic, boosting morale and creativity. At Whiskers Workspace, you’ll find a “therapeutic feline atmosphere” that helps reduce stress and enhances productivity. Equipped with all the professional necessities like high-speed internet, various room setups, and modern conveniences, the workspace is designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. And for those who need it, there’s ample parking, too.
“We have a lot of parking at our building and high-speed fiber [internet]. Half the space is cat-free, and the other half is full of cats available for adoption. It’s really turned out quite beautiful,” says owner Diane Emery.
Whiskers Workspace and Rescue Partner CJ Paws
Whiskers Workspace is a partnership with the cat rescue CJ Paws, sharing the same address in a beautifully restored two-story brick building. Emery has been involved with CJ Paws since 2017, initially helping cats find homes through venues like a cat café or PetSmart charity. When the pandemic hit and remote work became the norm, the idea for a cat co-working space emerged, blending the need for workspace with the therapeutic benefits of working with cats.
Work Spaces for People, Play Spaces for Cats
At Whiskers Workspace, the cats have free roam, allowing them to choose how they interact with visitors. For those who prefer a cat-free zone, there are dedicated spaces, such as the Creative Studio. The workspace offers various themed rooms, each designed to cater to different needs:
- Whiskers Oasis – The main kitty playground and a place to unwind.
- Coworking Commons – A spacious lobby and collaboration area.
- Feline Focus Room – A private space for individuals and their feline supurrvisors.
- Purr Haven – A fully equipped workspace for three.
For larger groups, there are conference areas with video conferencing equipment and screens.
Cats Are Free to Find Their Human Servants
By allowing cats to roam freely, Whiskers Workspace provides a home-like environment similar to cat cafés. As visitors interact with the cats, they have the opportunity to find their future furry companions. If a connection is made, the adjoining rescue, CJ Paws, facilitates the adoption process.
“They’re very easy to take care of, and they’re very compassionate little animals, and they bring a lot of joy,” says Emery.
Below is a video by I Love The Burg – St. Pete about Whiskers Workspace, offering a tour of this unique environment.
The video highlights the serene and inviting atmosphere that Whiskers Workspace provides, making it an ideal place for both work and relaxation.
Whiskers Workspace and CJ Paws also play a critical role in supporting local shelters by providing safe spaces for pregnant cats and their kittens. They also host events like Yoga with Cats, similar to Tampa’s Cats & Caffeine cat café.
For more information, visit Whiskers Workspace on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Video via Facebook/Whiskers Workspace
