PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Three Chester County-area businesses and organizations are opening a permanent space for adoptable cats in downtown Phoenixville later this month, combining rescue operations, retail space and professional photography in an effort to increase animals’ exposure to prospective adopters.
Calla’s Kitty Kingdom is expected to open in late August inside Maddie’s Castle, an independent pet supply boutique at 178 Bridge Street. The project brings together Maddie’s Castle, nonprofit Calla’s Critter Rescue and pet photography business BarkHop Studio.
Under the arrangement, Calla’s Critter Rescue will supply adoptable cats, Maddie’s Castle will provide space for visitors to meet them, and BarkHop Studio will photograph the animals for use in adoption outreach.
The collaboration gives Calla’s Critter Rescue a continuing public-facing adoption presence rather than relying solely on individual rescue events and other outreach. The nonprofit, founded by Calla Frame, cares for local cats while they await permanent homes and also works on stray-cat issues in area communities.
Maddie’s Castle already works with animal rescues through events and private visits for adoptable dogs. Those visits allow dogs to spend time outside their regular rescue environment and give volunteers an opportunity to observe their behavior in a different setting, according to the release.
The Kitty Kingdom extends that activity by establishing an ongoing space specifically for cats.
BarkHop owner and photographer Stacey Sherman will provide professional portraits of the cats that Calla’s Critter Rescue can use to market them to potential adopters. Sherman has previously photographed adoptable and long-term rescue dogs, including animals that rescues believe could benefit from additional exposure.
“We need this type of collaboration in our community that puts animals first,” Sherman stated, adding that she hopes the photography can help the cats “get seen” and move closer to adoption.
Maddie’s Castle owner Lindsay Olivier described the project as an extension of the store’s existing involvement with local rescues, while Frame said she expects the partnership to help the organizations make a difference together.
Maddie’s Castle sells pet food, treats, toys and accessories from its Bridge Street location and regularly hosts rescue-related events. Calla’s Critter Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with fosters, volunteers and community partners to care for cats and kittens until homes are found.
BarkHop Studio specializes in pet portraiture and works with animal rescues to photograph adoptable animals.
Additional information about the opening and the first cats available through Calla’s Kitty Kingdom is expected to be released closer to the launch.
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