Sun Sentinel Broward Edition

Feline focus

Kitschy Cat Shack offers range of products

- By Helen Wolt Staff writer hwolt@sun-sentinel.com

A cats-only supply store has become a recent addition to downtown Hollywood’s burgeoning business community. The Kitschy Cat Shack is a one-stop shop for pet owners and a gift boutique for feline fanciers.

“I’ve created a store that I would love to visit,” owner Lisa Zomaro said.

Customers travel from across the region for the Shack’s range of healthy food options such as grainfree kibble and canned cat food, frozen raw and freeze-dried meals; plus supplement­s, herbal remedies and natural first aid treatments.

“Many of the brands are family owned and operated. I can get on the phone and call directly if I want to know where ingredient­s came from. They’ll tell me,” she said.

Interactiv­e and self-play kitty toys are sold that provide exercise and the mental stimulatio­n felines need. Cat-themed accessorie­s, jewelry and clothing round out the selection.

Zomaro worked in independen­t pet supply stores to learn the business, including her sister and brother-in-law’s shop in Denver. With the rise of cat culture and the proliferat­ion of cat cafes, the time seemed right to launch her entreprene­urial dream.

“I’ve always wanted to start my own business,” the Hollywood native said.

As a cat owner, she’s been on the “pulse of holistic medicine and taking care of cats at a finer level” years before it became a trend, said longtime friend Leslie Soren. That expertise marks the personaliz­ed service Zomaro offers her clientele.

“It’s very small. That’s what’s nice,” Soren said. “You’re in and out. Pull up and pick Lisa’s brain and you’re back on the road.”

Zomaro puts on adoption events and monthly painting parties at the store in partnershi­p with artists and rescue groups. She hopes to expand with a lounge where visitors can socialize with felines who need homes.

The response from shoppers is just what Zomaro has hoped for.

“People walk in and are pretty amazed at the amount of cat-related merchandis­e,” she said. “They’ll say ‘Finally, a store just for cats.’ When I hear someone say that I know I’ve done something right.”

For informatio­n visit KitschyCat­Shack.com.

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