TOMS RIVER – Downtown Toms River is becoming the place to go if you love animals, with two locations and a third on the way.
A cat adoption center has existed at 34 Main Street (Route 9), Suite 1B for years. It is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals.
Inside, at least 15 cats live in a free-roaming playroom. The open area gives them freedom to roam, play, and forge friendships with their roommates. It also allows visitors to see cats in an area where they are comfortable, to get an idea what their personality is like. The center has special events, like Yoga With The Cats
They are open weeknights 6-8 p.m. and weekends 1-4 p.m. These spring and summer hours will last until August 31. Other times are available by appointment. No appointment is needed and there’s never a fee to visit.
They can be reached at 908-910-2522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @lida_rescue.
A new tenant is K’s Catnip Corner Cat Lounge which is located in what used to be the drive-through office of the bank. It’s accessible from the Irons Street entrance to the former bank.
The cat lounge is operated by K’s Kitten Rescue, a foster based rescue, and no cats live at the lounge. Fosters bring their cats to the lounge and then pick them up to go home later in the day according to their schedules.
“Our rescue’s past president passed away in 2024. She used to have a ‘cat room’ on the Georgian Court University campus where students would help socialize cats she picked up while (doing trap/neuter/release) on the campus,” according to the rescue. “The cat room proved to be a much needed reprieve for students wanting a break from the pressures of college life. K’s Catnip Corner Cat Lounge was inspired by that cat room.”
The lounge offers people a way to enjoy cats even if they don’t want to adopt or can’t adopt. Additionally, the lounge gives the cats a way to be socialized.
There are open lounge hours as well as scheduled events for all ages, from children’s storytime to adult craft nights. They just started a book club. They are available for private parties and events such as birthdays, showers, team building and more. They can be reached at 732-475-0222 or kscatnipcorner@gmail.com
Meanwhile, the Bunny Haven Café will soon find a home at 28 Main Street (Route 9). It promises to be a unique, reservation-based experience centered around rescued rabbits, said Christine Hordeman.
“Guests will be able to book guided sessions to spend time in a calm, supervised environment with social, temperament-selected bunnies,” she said. “Our goal is to create a relaxing, educational space where people can connect with these animals in a safe and respectful way.”
A café-style front area will have prepackaged drinks and snacks. This is all kept separate from bunny interactions for cleanliness and safety reasons.
There will be standard sessions, as well as private bookings, birthday parties, and small group events.
All of the rabbits come from their partner, Kind Heart Rescue. “We do NOT breed or sell animals. Through this partnership, we aim to help educate the public on proper rabbit care and support responsible adoptions for those who are interested and prepared,” she said.
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