Muskegon, MI — Muskegon’s first-ever cat café, The Whisker Room, will officially open its doors on Tuesday, August 12. But this cozy downtown spot is much more than just coffee and cuddles—it’s a place where purpose meets paws.
A project led by The Arc of the Lakeshore, The Whisker Room was created to unite two powerful missions: providing inclusive job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities and helping adoptable cats find loving forever homes.
Located in the heart of downtown Muskegon, just across from the local college, The Whisker Room offers a welcoming space for all. Guests can enjoy locally roasted coffee from Magnum Coffee Roastery in Nunica, spend time in the cat room with feline friends, and support a broader mission of inclusion and compassion.
“Our vision for The Whisker Room is for the community to see that individuals with disabilities have a place in our society. They make valuable contributions, have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else, and deserve to be included,” said Chris Pickel, Executive Director of The Arc of the Lakeshore. “We want to shift the narrative from ‘they have a disability’ to ‘they have exceptional abilities.’”
In partnership with Big Lake Humane Society, the café will host a rotating group of adoptable cats, each looking for a permanent home.
“We hope to find as many homes as possible for homeless cats in Muskegon County,” Pickel added. “The Whisker Room provides a fun, safe space for people to connect with potential pets—and maybe even bring one home.”
The café is thoughtfully designed with a divided layout: one area for enjoying your favorite beverage, and another for visiting the cats by appointment. The cat lounge accommodates up to 12 guests at a time, ensuring a calm and personal experience.
Whether guests are stopping in for coffee, scheduling some cat time, or simply supporting a meaningful cause, The Whisker Room offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s good for the community—and good for the soul.
About The Arc of the Lakeshore
The Arc of the Lakeshore is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, education, and essential services. Serving the West Michigan region, The Arc empowers individuals and their families by helping them navigate complex systems, access critical resources, and champion inclusion and equality. The Whisker Room is a reflection of their mission to create a society where all people are valued, respected, and included. To learn more, visit arclakeshore.org and thewhiskerroom.org.
About Big Lake Humane Society
Founded in 1972, Big Lake Humane Society is a nonprofit animal shelter and veterinary clinic serving Muskegon and surrounding communities. Their mission is to provide compassionate care, accessible veterinary services, and education to support both people and pets. Located on ten acres of land with walking trails and agility areas, the shelter prioritizes physical and mental enrichment for every animal in its care.
Together, The Arc of the Lakeshore and Big Lake Humane Society bring heart, purpose, and inclusivity to the Muskegon community—one cat and one cup of coffee at a time. To learn more, visit biglakehumane.org.
Resident cat at The Whisker Room
The Whisker Room
Comments