Photo credit: Peter Lyons Hall
By Peter Lyons Hall
A unique new destination is preparing to open its doors in Greenwood Lake, blending animal welfare, artistic expression, and community connection under one roof. Tails Up Cat Café & Creative Lounge, founded by local residents Brenda Wiley and Charlie Krack, is expected to welcome visitors later this year and will introduce a concept that has become popular around the world but remains relatively rare in the Hudson Valley.
The cat café phenomenon originated in Asia, where urban residents often lacked the space or ability to keep pets. The first modern cat cafés gained popularity in Taiwan and Japan before spreading throughout Europe and North America. Today, many cat cafés serve a dual purpose: providing a relaxing environment for visitors while helping shelter cats find permanent homes.
At Tails Up, adoption will be at the heart of the operation. “Rather than allowing visitors to bring their own pets, the café will feature a separate cat lounge populated by adoptable cats from the Warwick Valley Humane Society,” said Wiley. “All cats will arrive fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and medically screened before being introduced into the space. The goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment where potential adopters can interact with the animals in a relaxed setting.”
Visitors will be able to reserve time in the cat lounge, spending 30 minutes or an hour getting to know the feline residents while enjoying coffee, tea, or desserts. The founders hope that these personal interactions will help cats showcase their personalities and increase their chances of finding forever homes. The café expects to begin with approximately six to eight cats.
What sets Tails Up apart, however, is its emphasis on creativity and community. The adjoining Creative Lounge will host a variety of workshops and events designed to bring people together. Planned offerings include “Paint and Purr” art sessions, nature-inspired craft workshops, candle-making classes, Reiki sessions, portrait painting, and figure drawing. Wiley and Krack, whose backgrounds include art, design, and community involvement, envision the space as an evolving hub for collaboration and learning.
The partnership itself grew from a shared passion for animals and the arts. Wiley, who has extensive experience in animal rescue and adoption efforts, had previously explored opening cat cafés both locally and in New York City. Krack, an artist, connected with Wiley through a local Facebook community page, and the two quickly discovered common interests and complementary skills. What began as a conversation over coffee soon evolved into a joint venture.
Supporting local businesses is another key element of the project. The café plans to offer locally sourced teas, desserts, and specialty beverages, while also featuring merchandise created by regional artisans. Visitors who may not be interested in spending time with cats can still enjoy the creative lounge, browse local artwork, or attend workshops and community events.
For Greenwood Lake, Tails Up represents more than a new business. It offers a gathering place where art, compassion, and community engagement intersect. By combining animal adoption with creative programming and local partnerships, Wiley and Krack are creating a destination that promises to enrich village life while helping deserving cats find loving homes. The final permits were completed and preparations continue for the grand opening on Friday, August 7 at 3PM, at 729 Jersey Avenue. Excitement is already building for what may become one of Greenwood Lake’s most distinctive and heartwarming new attractions.
