Finnegan's Whiskers
East of England
Start Up Loans
In 2023 Shelley Smith, founder of Finnegan’s Whiskers, has opened Suffolk’s only cat café and feline foster home based in Sudbury. Shelley has partnered with local cat rescue centre, Mel’s Rescue, to home cats at the café and alleviate pressure on animal rescue centres.

Visitors to the café also have the option to participate in animal therapy sessions and adopt cats they interact with. These are arranged by the café on an ongoing basis, along with events such as crafting and a book club.
In a bid to support other small businesses, founder, Shelley Smith, is also be working with local suppliers to offer cakes, brownies, savoury pastries and a range of hot and cold drinks for customers.

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