Who rules the world? Cats. 🐈 They own the place, we’re just living in it. Or at least that’s what they think. In reality, humans have destroyed ecosystems across the globe, seriously endangering many of our feline friends. Tigers, lions, leopards and hundreds of other species of animals could go extinct if we do not do anything to prevent it.
And — just as we saw in Netflix’s "Tiger King" — people can cause a lot of harm to exotic big cats by using them for financial gain and not properly caring for their needs.
Big cats born in captivity generally can’t be released in the wild, so sanctuaries across the globe work to provide healthy, safe homes for them. Luckily for us, a few of these are within driving distance of Kansas City. 🐅
And even closer to home, the humble house cat is getting a big break as local coffee shops bring the Taiwanese trend of cat cafes to the Kansas City metro. 😸
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Whiskers Cat Cafe & Coffeehouse
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Clearly, a 600-pound tiger won't make a good house pet. If you're looking for a more domesticated feline friend, Whiskers Cat Cafe & Coffeehouse is the perfect place to get your fix. It’s a lush coffee shop on one side and a cattery/cafe space on the other.
Enjoy some kitty kisses 😽 and play with some of the coolest cats and kittens around during your timed reservation at the only cat cafe in Kansas City. Or, if you want to get even more hands on, join the cats for yoga or a painting session. 🧘
The cats and kittens at Whiskers are adoptable (which is dangerous, you’ll want to take them all home), courtesy of the KC Pet Project, and 100% of proceeds from the coffeeshop go back to the cats. 😻
📍 Whiskers Cat Cafe & Coffeehouse: 3705 Southwest Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri
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Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe & Cattery
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Located in Liberty, Missouri, Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe & Cattery is also loaded with adorable, adoptable kitties you can play with and pet. Studies show that spending time with cats can reduce stress levels and improve your mental health, so why not give it a try? 😸
Sugar Kittens not only has some sweet cats, but also a sweet menu, too. There are several desserts and drinks to choose from, including bubble teas, coffee, cookies and cupcakes.
Book your cuddle-sesh at Sugar Kittens here.
📍 Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe & Cattery: 603 Route 291, Liberty, Missouri
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Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
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First off, it's important to note that in order to keep big cats safe from exploitation, a true cat sanctuary will not allow visitors to touch the animals. Sanctuaries also do not breed, buy or sell their animals. The nonprofits we feature here abide by those rules and are certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
If you’re going to go to Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, you might want to make it an overnight stay. Located four and a half hours from Kansas City, Crown Ridge is the only big cat sanctuary in Missouri that's accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) — a difficult standard to meet. Only 15 facilities in the nation are GFAS-accredited, which is considered the gold standard in the industry. ⭐
One of Crown Ridge’s perks is that it has onsite lodging — so you can book your own “Tiger Den” to stay overnight. That way, you’re in earshot of the tigers all evening, increasing your chances of hearing them roar! 🐯
Crown Ridge is home to three tigers: Thor and Gracie are sister Bengal Hybrids, and Izzy is a male Siberian Hybrid. You can learn more about the tiger trio and how they found their way to Crown Ridge by taking one of three tour options.
Animal caregivers at Crown Ridge say the best time to visit is in the morning, when the tigers are more lively. 🐅 Or, if you’d like to watch caregivers feed the tigers a treat, book a VIP tour. You can book a morning, VIP or general tour here. Crown Ridge is wheelchair accessible.
📍 Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary: 19620 Crown Ridge Rd., Sainte Genevieve, Missouri
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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge has lions, tigers and bears. 🐻 Though it focuses mainly on big cat rescue and has multiple species of big cats, black bears, brown bears and a hyena also call Turpentine Creek home.
Currently more than 40 tigers live at Turpentine Creek. Guests can get to know the animals from a distance by taking tram tours, which are manual-wheelchair accessible, or head over to the Discovery Area to see artifacts such as skulls and animal furs up close.
Turpentine Creek is located in northwest Arkansas, about a four-hour drive from Kansas City. 🚗 The sanctuary is also GFAS-accredited and offers several different types of lodging, including cabins and RV spaces.
📍 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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What are the hidden gems of Kansas City?
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Today's Creative Adventure email was written by Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga.
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More Adventures in Kansas City
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A People's History of Kansas City Live
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Do you love barbecue, podcasts and local history? Then this event is for you! Join A People's History of Kansas City podcast host Suzanne Hogan and producer Mackenzie Martin on Thursday, Sept. 1 for a behind-the-scenes look into the James Beard-nominated episode, Kansas City's Barbecue King. VIP tickets include a reception and barbecue dinner before the program begins at Gem Theater.
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In The Yard: Outdoor Concert at 18th and Vine
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Celebrate the American Jazz Museum's 25th anniversary with an outdoor concert and Charlie Bird birthday bash on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 4-10 p.m. The celebration includes family-friendly activities, food trucks, yard games and live music featuring Jackiem Joyner and the Shedrick Mitchell Trio with Christie Dashiell. Tickets start at $10 or guests can upgrade to VIP for $25.
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Photo Credits:
1. Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga
2. Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe
3. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
4. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
5. Carlos Moreno | KCUR 89.3
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