The Big Island’s Feline Therapy with Island Soul
In the heart of Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Kona Kat Café has turned feline therapy into a full-on island experience. Founder Jenny Hulen grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe surrounded by geese, horses, chickens, dogs, cats, and even the occasional lion. She was inspired after visiting a cat café in Ireland. Leaving behind her career as a physical therapist, she embraced a new kind of healing: the comfort, joy, and connection she found in cats.
Up to 20 resident cats greet café visitors as they enjoy chilled drinks and cat-themed treasures. Around 120 adoptions occur each year, many by tourists who simply can’t resist taking a little “aloha” home in the form of whiskers and purrs.
“I created this cafe for the cats, and for people too,” says Hulen. “It’s a sanctuary for all, a truly relaxing space, as well as an adoption center dedicated to animal welfare.”
Research supports the therapeutic role that cats play in our lives. Simply petting a cat can improve overall psychological health by boosting mood, lowering cortisol levels, decreasing blood pressure, and releasing “happy hormones” like oxytocin. The purring of a cat and a calming presence are powerful. A 2019 study involving university students found that petting cats and dogs for 10 minutes reduced cortisol levels in saliva. As hundreds of millions of cat owners worldwide can attest, cats and dogs are valued companions known for helping those dealing with isolation and loneliness.
Adoption Success
Not only is the Kona Kat Café a place to lounge and relax while enjoying a cup of coffee, but it is also a rescue organization. On the “Catio” (cat patio), visitors can spend some time with lovable feline friends and sometimes find a furry friend for life. Since opening in downtown Kailua-Kona in November 2023, the café has helped place hundreds of cats into loving homes.
“Humans offer cats love, care, and a secure home, fostering trust and emotional well-being for these independent felines,” says Hulen. “This reciprocal connection creates a harmonious healing dynamic, where both cats and humans find solace, companionship, and a sanctuary from the demands of the world, ultimately promoting mental and emotional well-being for all involved.”
Helping Cats in Need on The Big Island
Hulen is addressing an overwhelming need. The Big Island is facing an overpopulation of feral cats, with an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 in need of homes and human support. Several nonprofit groups across the island work to improve health and well-being, with many providing spay and neuter services to help control overpopulation. The Kona Kat Café works with these organizations to provide exposure for homeless cats and kittens.
“We provide a natural experience in a cozy and comfortable setting for people to come and meet the cats, see their different personalities out of a cage. No cat that comes to Kona Kat Café will ever be euthanized,” says Hulen.
At any given time, there are about 20 cats in residence. Recent stars of the show include:
Finn, the gentle giant Maine Coon–type; Davis, the café’s scene-stealing celebrity; Gigi, rescued from a beach area of North Kohala; and Piper, a rare Turkish Van cat with roots in the U.K.
Beyond lounging with cats, the café hosts Cat Yoga, where you might find a curious kitty balancing on your back mid-pose, and Purr & Paint nights, where Hawaiian landscapes always feature a feline flourish.
See for yourself. Long-running and award-winning show Animal Zone ventured to this special spot on the Big Island. Check out the episode to experience the Kona Kat Café, where healing happens one purr at a time.
You can watch it now at:
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