Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Lee
Hi Thomas, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From Streets to Serenity: How 9 Whiskers Lounge Came to Life
When asked about the journey of starting 9 Whiskers Lounge, Thomas Lee reflects on a heartfelt mission born out of compassion and a lifelong love for cats.
“It all started with rescuing cats off the streets,” Tom shares. “Seeing the overcrowded shelters in Houston and the growing number of adoption pleas on social media, I knew I had to help.”
For Tom, cats have always been more than pets—they’ve been a source of peace and healing. “Growing up with cats helped me cope with stress. They have this magical way of making you feel better,” he explains. After serving 20 years in the military, Tom wanted to create a space where people, especially soldiers, could relax and decompress. “I envisioned a place where my fellow soldiers could come after a long day, lay down, and unwind with cats. It’s amazing how much peace these animals can bring.”
Combining a desire to help rescue cats with the dream of creating a calming haven for people, 9 Whiskers Lounge was born. With the unwavering support of their family, Tom brought this vision to life, partnering with local shelters to help rescue cats find forever homes and giving people the opportunity to experience the joy of a friendly cat curling up on their lap.
However, making the dream a reality took time, effort, and dedication. “We had to find the perfect location, develop an operational plan, and design a space that worked for both the cats and our visitors. That meant installing vertical cat walls so cats could have their own spaces, training them to use a litter room with doggie doors, figuring out the best diet, and learning how to handle cat behavior,” Tom recalls. Feedback from visitors became an essential tool for continuously improving the experience.
Today, 9 Whiskers Lounge is more than a place to meet cats—it’s a community hub. “Visitors have called us the most interactive cat lounge around—some even say it feels like a cat petting zoo,” Tom says with pride. In addition to facilitating adoptions, the lounge now hosts board game nights, themed events, and arts and crafts workshops, bringing people together while raising awareness about cat care.
When asked about advice for others pursuing their dreams, Tom offers heartfelt wisdom: “You need passion and a plan. Just do it. You’ll never feel completely ready, but as you start, you’ll learn, adjust, and find clarity in your direction. Doing what you love while helping others—it’s truly the best feeling.”
For Tom, 9 Whiskers Lounge is more than a business—it’s a mission, a safe haven, and a vibrant community. It’s a place where the magic of cats transforms lives and brings people closer together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
Building something as unique as 9 Whiskers Lounge came with its fair share of challenges, but each obstacle taught valuable lessons along the way.
One of the first struggles was finding a space that allowed cats. It took patience and a lot of explaining to potential landlords about the vision for the lounge. “You just have to stay persistent and be willing to explain what you’re trying to do,” Tom shares.
Another major challenge was determining a diet that worked for all the cats. “It’s not as simple as picking one type of food,” Tom explains. “It involved a lot of trial and error, close monitoring, and adjusting based on their needs.”
Health issues also proved to be a hurdle. “If one cat gets sick, like with a respiratory infection, it can quickly spread to others. Partnering with a local shelter and having access to their vet was a lifesaver,” Tom says. “Even then, getting cats to the vet isn’t easy—it’s a process in itself.”
Training rescued cats to use the litter room was another task that required patience. “Some of these cats had never used a litter box before, so it took time and persistence to teach them. It’s definitely a process,” Tom recalls.
Sometimes, multiple problems would happen all at once, or new challenges would keep popping up. But through it all, the key was to remain patient. “No business gets a green light all the way,” Tom points out. “Everyone works hard behind the scenes, tackling one problem at a time.”
A big lesson learned was not to be afraid to ask for help. “There are so many people out there willing to lend a hand when you ask. And when you can, you pay it forward and help others in return. It’s an amazing cycle of support,” Tom reflects.
Despite the struggles, Tom sees it all as part of the journey. “Each challenge brought growth, and now I can look back and see how far we’ve come. Helping others and building a community through this lounge has been worth every bit of effort.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What Makes 9 Whiskers Lounge Different?
At most cat cafés and lounges in the U.S., all the cats are available for adoption, creating wonderful opportunities for visitors to meet potential pets. However, not all rescued cats are immediately ready for adoption. Some may struggle to adjust to being around other cats or people, making it challenging for them to thrive in a traditional café or lounge environment.
At 9 Whiskers Lounge, we’ve taken a different approach to help these cats succeed. Unlike other lounges, we have more resident cats than adoptable ones. These resident cats are not available for adoption but play a critical role in mentoring and guiding the adoptable cats. They demonstrate positive behaviors, such as how to interact with people, approach visitors, and coexist with other cats.
The resident cats help the adoptable cats learn that people are friendly, laps are safe, and affection is something to enjoy. To further build trust and foster interaction, we provide visitors with treats to feed the cats and toys to play with them. This helps the adoptable cats associate humans with kindness, fun, and positive experiences, creating a strong foundation for socialization. Over time, these adoptable cats become less anxious, more social, and ready to connect with potential adopters.
At the same time, our resident cats grow even more social with each passing day. They’ve become experts in giving our visitors who come for the experience plenty of attention. An hour at the lounge flies by as these cats climb onto laps, shoulders, heads, and even curl up on visitors’ backs or tummies, fully comfortable with snuggling and cuddling. Visitors often share how much they appreciate being able to relax with cats without feeling the pressure to adopt.
It’s truly a win-win: those looking to adopt can connect with friendly, socialized cats ready for forever homes, while those who just want to enjoy petting and playing with cats can have a heartwarming and interactive experience.
Our space is also designed with the cats’ well-being in mind. Vertical cat walls and elevated spaces allow the cats to retreat when they need personal space, ensuring they feel secure and in control of their environment. This setup encourages the cats to interact when they’re ready while maintaining their sense of safety.
At 9 Whiskers Lounge, we focus on more than just adoption—we focus on creating a positive, enriching environment for both cats and visitors. Our unique model ensures every cat thrives and every visitor leaves with a smile, whether they’re looking for a new companion or just the joy of snuggling a friendly cat.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The cat café and lounge industry has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, and I believe it will continue to evolve and expand over the next 5-10 years. People are increasingly seeking unique, therapeutic experiences, and cat lounges provide the perfect blend of relaxation, socialization, and meaningful interaction with animals.
Here are a few key trends I see shaping the industry:
1. Increased Focus on Mental Health and Wellness:
As awareness around mental health grows, cat lounges will be increasingly recognized as therapeutic spaces. The calming effect of interacting with cats can appeal to a broader audience, from individuals dealing with stress and anxiety to workplaces offering team-building or wellness activities.
2. Hybrid Business Models:
I see more lounges combining traditional café elements with unique offerings like yoga with cats, workshops, and events to engage visitors in creative ways. Expanding services like hosting private parties, corporate events, or educational sessions will make these spaces more versatile.
3. Community Engagement:
Cat lounges will deepen their roles as community hubs, connecting people through shared love for cats. Partnerships with local shelters, veterinarians, and rescue organizations will grow stronger, helping more cats find homes and raising awareness about adoption and animal welfare.
Overall, I see the industry becoming more innovative, inclusive, and impactful. Cat lounges like 9 Whiskers Lounge will continue to evolve, not just as places to interact with cats but as spaces that foster community, improve lives, and create opportunities to make meaningful connections—both for people and for cats.
Pricing:
- Admission Fee: $18 Per Person for 1 Hour Your admission fee helps us provide for the essential needs of caring for our cats, including food, medical care, and maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for them to thrive. Thank you for supporting our mission to help these cats live their best lives!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.9whiskers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9whiskerslounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/9-Whiskers-Lounge/61553719693702/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@9WhiskersLounge
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/9-whiskers-lounge-katy
Image Credits
Alex Flores
Nicolett Electra
