Bajah's Rescue

05/14/2025

Hi everyone,

We wanted to give you a transparent update on where things stand with Bajah’s Rescue. As many of you know, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get our rescue space officially reopened at 137 Main Road (rear) in Tiverton. So far, we’ve paid $13,000 of the $20,000 we owe to our architect to begin the design and planning process. This is a big step forward, but there’s still more to do.

Right now, our main hurdle is at the town level. Tiverton does not currently have a zoning ordinance that allows for a rescue or shelter in our district. I’ve been in communication with the Zoning Revision Committee and submitted a detailed outline of similar rescues throughout Rhode Island that are located in comparable zoning districts. While the committee was super supportive, there is no finalized ordinance or clear timeline yet.

I received a follow-up email from the town that outlined three potential paths forward:

1. Wait for and work with the Zoning Revision Committee on a possible amendment.

2. Propose my own zoning amendment for the property.

3. Apply for a use variance and present a development plan to the Planning Board.

None of these options are quick or simple, and while I wish things were moving faster, we’re staying committed to the process. I’ll be speaking with a lawyer today at 4:00 p.m. to get some guidance on which route will make the most sense for us.

To be clear: the rescue is not gone, and we’re not giving up. We’re just working through town-level logistics right now. The café side of things remains fully open and thriving, and we are so grateful for our long-standing partnership with Forever Paws Animal Shelter , who continue to support us with adoptable cats and have been incredible to work with for nearly four years.

We appreciate all of you who have stood by us, believed in us, and continue to ask how you can help. Our mission remains unchanged—we want to help as many cats as possible, and we are doing everything we can to make that happen. If you have questions, I’m always here and happy to answer.

Thank you for continuing to support Bajah’s Rescue. We’re not done yet—we’re just fighting a little harder behind the scenes.

With gratitude,
Amanda Souza
Bajah’s Cat Cafe & Rescue

04/09/2025

Today, we received a generous $100 donation in memory of James Hall. We are incredibly honored to be thought of during such a meaningful moment, and our hearts go out to his loved ones.

This donation will go directly to supporting Bajah's Rescue, helping us continue our mission of giving cats a second chance at life. Every contribution—especially those given in memory of someone special—makes a lasting impact. Thank you for helping us carry this mission forward in James’ honor.

04/09/2025

Rescue Update & Why Kiki’s 7th Birthday Fundraiser Matters More Than Ever

Hey everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to update you all on where things stand with officially building out Bajah’s Rescue. As many of you know, we’ve been working hard to establish a permanent and legal home for the rescue portion of our mission. Recently, I received a letter from Tiverton’s Zoning and Building Department, and unfortunately, due to current zoning laws, we’ve hit a bit of a roadblock.

Right now, the only way forward is to apply for a use variance—a complex process that’s a bit beyond my expertise. Because of this, we’ve brought in some amazing professionals to help us navigate everything. We’re now working with Mark Morse of Morse Law Offices in Providence and Paul Rico of Starck Architects. With their support, we feel confident we’re moving in the right direction. But it’s a big process, and one that comes with significant legal and planning costs.

That’s why Kiki’s 7th Birthday Fundraiser is so important this year. We’re more committed than ever to our rescue mission. Over the past three years, Bajah’s Rescue has helped hundreds of cats in our local community, and we know there is still so much more good we can do. But we can’t do it alone.

We truly need your support to keep this going. Every ticket purchased for Kiki’s fundraiser helps push us one step closer to a fully recognized, legal, and sustainable rescue operation.

You can get your tickets:

At the door the day of the event

On our website: www.bajahscatcafe.com

Or in-person at the café

Please consider attending, donating, or sharing this with your friends and family. This work is so important—not just to me, but to every single life we’ve been able to save, and to those we hope to save in the future.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in our mission.

Love,
Amanda
Bajah’s Cat Cafe & Rescue

07/23/2024

Each year MyGivingCircle gives $1,500,000

04/10/2024

I guess our home-based rescue is now in need of an architect?! Anyone have any recommendations? The size of the apartment is approximately 600 sqft.

Anyone else in RI have this issue with their home-based rescue?

09/29/2023

Mishi mama ❤️

09/27/2023

Think you have the best name for our 9 kittens? Enter our fundraiser raffle and win the chance to name our babies!

09/25/2023

Wow! What a day! Emerald (black and white) had 4 beautiful babies today 😻 Pumpkin to the right had 5 babies 3 weeks ago! How lovely are these 2 ladies 😻

09/07/2023

Plethora of Available Reservations for Today, Tomorrow, and the Weekend. Please make a reservation at www.BajahsCatCafe.com

07/24/2023