AbouT CATSBURY PARK

Catsbury Park began in July 2016 in Asbury Park, NJ -  not as a cafe, but as a small, foster-based rescue run out of the home of DJ Bornschein, a Jersey Shore native with a lifelong passion for helping animals. What started as DJ caring for a handful of kittens quickly grew into a community movement dedicated to giving cats and kittens the chance they deserve.

In 2017, we opened the doors to New Jersey’s first cat cafe, transforming that dream into a space where people could meet adoptable cats in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The cafe became more than just a place to enjoy coffee and tea -  it became a hub for adoption, education, and connection, where hundreds of cats found their forever homes and countless visitors discovered the joy of rescue.

In 2018, we expanded our efforts with the launch of the Catsbury Park Cat Convention (CPCC) - a two day celebration of all things feline that brings together cat lovers, artists, rescues, and advocates from across the country. The convention not only raises vital funds for our rescue work (and other organizations) but also strengthens our network of like minded organizations and supporters.

Although our cafe location closed in 2020 due to Covid, our mission never stopped. We continued rescuing, fostering, and conducting TNR (trap neuter return) programs throughout the Jersey Shore and beyond. Through the dedication of our volunteers and foster families, we’ve saved thousands of cats and kittens - many of whom came from dire situations and are now living happy, healthy lives.

Today, Catsbury Park operates from a dedicated facility that includes a rescue space for ongoing intake and medical care, and an adoption lounge where visitors can meet our cats in a comfortable, free roaming environment. 

We also continue to host pop up adoption events, educational programs, and, of course, the annual Catsbury Park Cat Convention, now held at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.