Felius is Omaha’s only cat café and rescue. Founded by Bre Phelan in 2018, Felius works to help rescued cats and kittens find their forever home. Their mission is to “create meaningful, authentic connections between people and rescue cats” with their cat shelter and café. Since their founding they have helped over 1,100 cats find homes as well as over 800 with their Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNR) program.

Their TNR program is used to find cats on the street, humanely trap them and take them to a veterinarian to be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and either be returned to their cat colony or placed up for adoption. The café created this program in 2019 as a way to reduce the feral cat population in Omaha and improve the health and welfare of the felines in the area. Felius not only rescues homeless cats, but also operates what they call their Maternity Ward, where pregnant feral cats can safely have their kittens and care for them.

This coming May, the Felius Café is planning to move to a new, larger location in Dundee. Phelan believes this new location will “more than double the organization’s ability to rescue, care for, and find loving homes for Omaha’s cats in need.” They hope to create new programs that will help local felines, including a free supply pantry and a community engagement space. This new location will be at 5015 Dodge St.

“The move signifies a significant milestone for Felius, positioning the cat café and rescue organization to better serve rescue cats and engage with cat-loving community members” said the organization in a press release on their planned move. “The organization is dedicated to being a beacon of hope for homeless cats and fostering a compassionate community for all.”

Felius Café always welcomes support for the community; you can donate at their website at felius.org/donate. Donations are used to cover the costs for the cats’ care and medical treatments, as well as funding their TNR program. Felius also has a wish list on Chewy.com that donors can look through. They also offer ways to set up a donation drive as they are always in need of more cat food and other pet supplies.

Adults can also volunteer with the café and rescue. They’re always seeking people who are willing to help with cat feeding and monitoring, their TNR program, photographing, fundraising and events. Felius also offers a foster program for the cats and kittens unable to stay at the café.

The cats in the café are available for adoption and patrons can interact with them in their cat room. They offer 30-minute sessions for $7.50, one hour for $14 and two hours for $24. Cat-seekers and lovers can also schedule a private session for $100 an hour. Felius does allow for walk-ins if space is available as the cat room has a max capacity of five guests. Reservations are encouraged to secure a specific time. Kids must be 6 or older, and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

If you would like to learn more about Felius, make a reservation and find volunteer and donation options, you can go to their website at felius.org, or go to their Facebook or Instagram @FeliusOmaha. Felius Café is currently located at 522 S 24th St. They are open from Tuesdays-Fridays 10am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm.