New Cat Lounge Opens in Berks County: A Purr-fect Spot for Adoptions

Published On: 9/22/2025
Last Updated On: 9/22/2025
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!

FREE CAT HAIR HACKS

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FREE CAT HAIR HACKS ⬇️

Joe Salender Jr., president of Berks Community Cats, and Nicole Mengel, co-founder of CatWorks, hold some kittens that need homes at the Cat Lounge in the 1400 block of Friedensburg Road in Pennside (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)

😻 Paws up, Berks County! There’s a brand-new spot in Lower Alsace Township where whiskers meet warm hearts, and it’s already changing lives. We’re talking about the Cat Lounge in Stony Creek Mills, created by the dream team of CatWorks and Berks Community Cats. Think cozy couches, purring lap warmers, and a chance to adopt your new best friend — all rolled into one.

A Homey Hideaway for Cats & Adopters

The new Cat Lounge on Friedensburg Road isn’t your average adoption center. The space — a former upholstery shop — has been transformed into a cat playground where adoptable felines roam free. Forget stressful cages. Here, potential adopters can sip coffee, lounge on comfy chairs, and meet cats in their natural element.

🐾 Why it matters: relaxed environments mean calmer cats, stronger bonds, and more successful adoptions.

As Nicole Mengel of CatWorks puts it: “People came in and just sat and paid attention to the cats. It was just a good thing.”

Upcoming Events at the Cat Lounge

The Cat Lounge is already buzzing with events:

• 🎉 Grand Opening: October 18th, 1–3 PM (food, drinks & baked goods for sale)

• 🎂 Squirtie’s Birthday Cookout: Sept. 20th, noon–3 PM (bring donations like Purina Kitten Chow & scoopable litter)

• 🎅 Photos with Santa: Coming this holiday season

👉 Pro tip from Seymour: “Bring a snack for you AND the cats. Trust me, it works every time.”

The Cat Lounge in the 1400 block of Friedensburg Road in Pennside. The feline rehoming station opened in the former B&D Upholstery building along Friedenburg Road in Lower Alsace Township. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)

Adoption Details

Adopting from the Cat Lounge is simple — and life-changing:

• 💵 Adoption fee: $150 per cat (includes vaccines, spay/neuter & deworming)

• 🐾 Two-for-$250 deal: because kittens climb curtains better in pairs 😉

• ✔️ Cats come from both foster families and community rescues, ready to thrive in forever homes

Joe Salender Jr. of Berks Community Cats explains: “We’re doing about 50 a month — getting cats in to be sterilized and out adopted. It’s phenomenal.”

Why Berks Needs This Cat Lounge

Berks Community Cats is best known for TNR (trap-neuter-return), helping community cat colonies. But many cats they rescue are socialized and adoptable. The Lower Alsace Township Cat Lounge now gives those cats a better shot at finding homes while giving residents a low-stress, fun way to meet them.

With Wi-Fi, cozy couches, and even space for remote work, it’s more than just a shelter — it’s a community hub.

How You Can Help

🐱 Adopt a cat (or two!)
💌 Donate supplies like Purina food & scoopable litter
🛋️ Volunteer to help keep the lounge open
📲 Learn more via CatWorks on Facebook

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🐾 Coming tomorrow on Stray Cat News

Ever wonder why cats go wild for catnip? 🌿😻 Tomorrow, we’re breaking down the science, the silliness, and the surprising benefits of this magical plant. From zoomies to zen naps, you’ll finally know what catnip really does — and why not every kitty is a fan.

👉 Stay tuned on Stray Cat News so you don’t miss the scoop!

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