A New “Pawsitive” Space in Lincoln: Goodwill’s Cat Connection Opens Its Doors

Something special is coming to Downtown Lincoln, and it’s full of whiskers, purrs, and second chances.

Goodwill Industries is teaming up with the Capital Humane Society to launch Cat Connection, a cozy, home-like space where community members can connect with adoptable cats in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Officially opened on March 10th, this unique initiative blends animal welfare with community engagement in a way that’s both heartwarming and impactful.

After years of planning, the vision is finally becoming a reality. 

Unlike traditional shelters, Cat Connection is intentionally designed to feel like a real home. With comfortable secondhand furniture, enrichment toys, and open spaces to roam, the environment allows cats to relax and show off their true personalities. Whether they’re curling up for a nap or sprinting through a case of the “zoomies,” visitors get to see these animals as they would be in a home setting.

This approach isn’t just about comfort, it’s about connection. When cats feel at ease, potential adopters can better understand their temperament, making it easier to find the right match.

Visitors can book time to spend with the cats, creating a more meaningful and interactive experience than a quick visit to the shelter. 

For visitors, a 30-minute session costs $12 and an hour-long session costs $20 per person. 

For those ready to adopt, information is readily available onsite to guide them through the process. As cats find their forever homes, new feline residents will rotate in, ensuring that more animals have the chance to be seen, loved, and adopted.

There have been six adoptions since opening on March 10th. 

But you don’t have to adopt to make a difference.

Even visitors who aren’t in a position to adopt play an important role. Simply spending time with the cats helps socialize them, making them more comfortable around people and increasing their chances of adoption. In return, visitors gain something too: a chance to unwind, de-stress, and enjoy the well-documented mental health benefits of interacting with animals.

In a fast-paced world, Cat Connection offers a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and maybe share a quiet moment with a purring companion.

At its core, Cat Connection is about more than cats. It’s about creating a space where people and animals benefit from each other. It’s about partnerships that strengthen communities. 

As the doors open this March, one thing is certain: Cat Connection isn’t just a place to visit. It’s a place to make a connection.

So whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer your time, or simply take a “paws” from your day, this new downtown spot is ready to welcome you.

Cat Connection is located at 1731 O Street and is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.