Meet the Humans!
Cat Daddy, Tom Raymond
Founder & General Manager
Tom is the visionary and leader behind Springfield’s first cat café. With a deep passion for community engagement and emotional well-being, he founded The Cats’ Pyjamas to create a welcoming space where people and adoptable cats could find comfort and connection. With a background in government and nonprofit work, Tom continues to shape the cat café into a thriving hub of comfort, companionship, and connection.
The idea was born during Tom’s recovery from colon cancer in late 2018. After undergoing surgery to remove his colon and enduring intensive chemotherapy, he longed for a peaceful retreat from an overwhelming world. At the same time, the local pet population was surging, highlighting the need for more foster opportunities and adoption awareness. This inspired Tom to build a space where people and cats could support each other in such a time of need.
Since launching the project in 2021, Tom has guided its growth, forging partnerships with local organizations, and establishing the café as a public foster home for the Animal Protective League. Despite initial skepticism from local leaders, he remained steadfast, proving that cat cafés are not only viable but important spaces for community development.
In early 2024, Tom finally realized his vision, opening The Cats’ Pyjamas in the heart of Downtown Springfield to help revitalize the area he loves. Within four months, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the café and left little to salvage. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the everyday community members, Tom reopened in a new location within two months. Choosing to stay downtown despite the challenges, he remained committed to being a beacon of hope for his struggling community.
Whether managing the café’s online presence, planning exciting events, or personally engaging with guests, Tom ensures every visitor has an unforgettable experience!
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Mother of Cats, Samantha Enz
Co-Owner & Café Manager
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Samantha is a lifelong advocate for animal welfare and the essential driving force behind The Cats’ Pyjamas. With a deep passion for feline care and creating a nurturing environment, she ensures that every café cat receives the support they need as they transition from shelter life. While often working behind the scenes, her dedication is evident in every aspect of the café’s operations. You’ll frequently find her representing The Cats’ Pyjamas at local markets or leading events like Chapter Chats with Cats, the café’s monthly book club.
Beyond the café, Samantha is a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader. As a licensed real estate agent with the Deb Sarsany Team at The Real Estate Group, she helps people find homes in our community to help them the feel comfortable and thrive. She also co-hosts The Reader’s Quadrant podcast, where she shares her enthusiasm for literature and The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. If that's not enough, Samantha serves as an elected trustee on the Lincoln Land Community College Board, advocating for education and representing the college at the Illinois Community College Trustees Association.
With her expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment, Samantha plays a vital role in shaping The Cats’ Pyjamas into a welcoming home where people and cats can form meaningful connections.
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Together, Tom and Samantha have built more than just a café, they created a vibrant, welcoming space that celebrates the joy of companionship, supports local businesses, and creates meaningful connections.
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