In a bid to protect her business and the welfare of her feline residents, the owner of a popular downtown Saskatoon cat café has announced a relocation. Sydney Sylvester, proprietor of The Purrfect Cup Cat Café, says persistent vandalism, public drug use, and encounters with unruly individuals outside her establishment have forced her to seek a safer location.
Ongoing Challenges in the Core
Sylvester described an escalating series of incidents that have plagued her business. Smashed windows have become a recurring and expensive problem, requiring costly repairs. Perhaps more distressing are the accounts of open drug use directly in front of the café and confrontations with disruptive individuals, creating an unsafe environment for customers, staff, and the cats in her care.
"It's been an ongoing and costly issue," Sylvester stated, highlighting the financial and emotional toll the situation has taken. The decision to move, while difficult, is seen as a necessary step to ensure the café's long-term viability and to provide a secure, welcoming space for the community that supports it.
A Hopeful Move for a Fresh Start
The planned relocation, announced in early January 2026, is a direct strategy to curb these safety and vandalism concerns. By moving to a new area, Sylvester hopes to leave behind the specific challenges of her current downtown storefront. The primary goal is to find a space where patrons can enjoy the unique experience of sipping coffee in the company of adoptable cats without the looming concerns that have recently overshadowed the business.
While the exact new location has not been publicly disclosed, the move signals a proactive approach by a small business owner facing urban safety challenges. The café is known not only as a cozy spot for coffee lovers but also as a foster home for cats seeking permanent adoption, making its stability and security paramount.
Broader Context for Downtown Businesses
This situation sheds light on the broader experiences of some small businesses operating in urban cores. Issues like property crime, public disorder, and vandalism can have a disproportionate impact on independent retailers and hospitality venues. The Purrfect Cup's move underscores the difficult calculations business owners must make between location, customer access, and the safety of their premises.
Sylvester's hope is that the new location will allow her to refocus energy on the café's core mission: connecting cats with loving homes and providing a peaceful retreat for animal lovers. The community response to the announcement has largely been one of support, with many loyal customers expressing their intention to follow the café to its new home.
