If you enjoy camping in the summer and love cats, we’ve got something special for you! Picture yourself sitting by the campfire with friendly cats and other cat lovers. It might seem like a dream, but it’s a real place. And with improved tents, it’s more like glamorous camping (glamping).
Glamping at Purradise Springs
Model and Miss Supranational 2015, Kelly Kirstein, posted a cute video of Purradise Springs. It’s known as the world’s first cat glamping sanctuary, just a short drive from Ichetucknee Springs State Park (30 minutes from Gainesville, Florida).
Visitors can reserve a cozy air-conditioned tent where the cats live in a natural environment. It’s their home, and they’re free to roam around as they like. While guests sleep, the cats might even snuggle up on the blankets.
And if you really like one of the adorable cats, many of them are looking for new homes. So, there’s a great chance you could meet a lifelong friend too. What an interesting way to find a cat you really bond with! There are also some cats here who live here permanently and aren’t available for adoption.
“I’m not being paid to say this; I just want everyone to know that Purradise Springs is a real place!” Kirstein said.
A Fun Way to Camp and Help Cats
The nonprofit Purrapy Inc. works with the C.A.T. model, which stands for Cats Are Therapy. They believe that cats can provide comfort and companionship to people who need it. But their main focus is on helping the cats, which includes a program called TNR (trap, neuter, return).
“The most important thing is that this is a Cat Sanctuary. It’s a place for cats that have been mistreated, abandoned, or are older,” their website says.
As a rescue, they are very careful about keeping their cats safe:
“If someone hurts an abandoned animal, it can be a serious crime.”
Their Airbnb camping idea has already helped lots of cats find new homes. It’s like an outdoor cat café where you can camp out and cuddle with over 150 cats.
Below, you can see what it looked like before they started using fancy air-conditioned tents for camping.
@purrapy.com #CampingWithTheCookiePuss #WaitForIt… #PurradiseSprings #CatsOfTikTok ♬ original sound – Purradise Springs
Caring for Cats in Purradise
Taking care of cats, while it seems perfect, is always hard. Vet bills can be very expensive. For instance, something terrible happened when some loose dogs attacked the camp and got into an enclosed area where the cats were kept safe.
Like any rescue, they need donations to keep going. They also welcome volunteers who want to help out.
Purradise Springs is a dream come true for Denise and her husband Thom, who is a veteran. He supports her to make sure their amazing sanctuary stays open and does well.
A Private Retreat for Cat Lovers in Nature
While taking care of the cats, Purradise Springs is also a private retreat for people who love cats. During the day, there are beautiful places nearby to hike, go tubing, and kayaking in the State Park. Yes, there might be alligators around, but they usually stay away from people.
Purradise Springs isn’t like the Fyre Festival for cats, where you’d be stuck in the heat. It’s been open for three years, and they’ve upgraded their tents, called Purrts, to have perfect climate control.
“Each tent is a cozy place to relax, with air conditioning for hot summer nights and heating for chilly ones. Imagine falling asleep on a comfy memory foam mattress with a cat snuggled up next to you – now that’s the best way to sleep!” the website says.
There are three cozy tents called Purrts that can sleep up to 3 people each. But they fill up quickly, so you have to book early. If you love cats and the outdoors, this little piece of cat paradise might be perfect for you.
You can find out more on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.