That is what is going on here at The Cat Cafe. We make progress, but during the process, we uncover something that needs to be fixed. I am constantly having to remind myself that two steps forward, one step back is still moving forward.

Here’s the latest on what happened. The building inspector came over to look at what we had done with the framing. He liked what we had done, and while he found one minor flaw, he said that it was something that could be corrected quickly so he wasn’t too concerned with it.

This issue has been addressed and we’re ready to bring the inspector back to look.

Then he started looking around and found some issues that needed to be fixed. First, he noted that there wasn’t enough clearance for the toilet to be ADA compliant. Not a problem, we said. We’ll fix that for you. But then we opened up the wall and found a mess. That resulted in us having to open do this to expose the problem and fix it.

Yet another challenge in getting The Cat Cafe open. Now a plumber has to come in to fix the pipes, and then we need to pour cement over it. Then after that, we need to put in a code compliant wall. That’s not really an issue, and the people working on the build out of The Cat Cafe can do it quickly and easily once the concrete dries. But we need to wait for it to dry.

Why do we need to make sure it’s a code compliant wall? Because The Cat Cafe will not open with walls made of wood like this.

You don’t have to be a construction expert to know that wood is not suitable for anything, much less holding up a wall.

I will get The Cat Cafe open, but I will do it the right way.

I appreciate all the kind words and thoughts, and your continued patience. I promise you that when we are open, it will all be worth it.

If you have any questions, please email or call.

I was hoping to give you a much more positive update today. I was hoping to tell you that the inspections went well, and that The Cat Cafe was going to open on a specific date.

But sometimes, life doesn’t allow you to say the things you want to. And all I can do is apologize.

I know that there are a lot of people who have been counting on me to get this place open. And I’m sorry to disappoint them.

One of the things you learn when you are running a business, especially one that involves construction in a previously occupied older building, is that there are lots of things that were done in the past which now no longer comply with building codes.

And that is what has happened. Some of the work done previously does not comply with code, and it has to be fixed in order for The Cat Cafe to get an occupancy permit. And I will not open without one.

I’ve stressed all along how I want The Cat Cafe to succeed as an ethically run business. How can I say that if I cut corners on city inspections?

So I won’t.

Yes, this means a delay. Yes, it means I’m going to incur more costs. But you know what? I’d rather do it right and take more time and spend more money than do it quickly and wrong and have to spend the money later to correct it anyway.

I do apologize for the delay, but know this. Nobody is more anxious than I am to get The Cat Cafe open. It is a huge milestone for this business, and I am working very hard to get there. It is taking longer than I anticipated, and I do apologize for that.

But know that I’m going to work hard to get The Cat Cafe open as quickly as I can. Over the past few weeks, I’ve left right after I gave my cat Bagheera the insulin shot he needs for his diabetes, and returned just in time to give him the evening shot. I haven’t taken a day off. And I’ll keep on doing that as long as I need to in order to get this place up and running.

If you have any questions, please call or email. Thank you so much for your support and thank you for your continued patience. It will be rewarded.

If you’ve been following us on social media lately, you know that we’re getting close. The Cat Cafe passed the first inspection, for the plumbing. How much does it cost to install a commercial grade sink and faucet? Don’t ask.

One of the downsides of an old building is that you have no clue what is inside the walls until you open them up to do your work. When the plumber you hire to do the work takes a look and his jaw drops, and he has to call in a far more experienced plumber to tell him what to do, you know it’s going to be bad.

And it was. He was here working very hard for pretty much a full day. But in the end, we got our ADA compliant, commercial grade bathroom sink and it passed inspection.

We also got the coffee cart installed, and we’ll have that inspected tomorrow. Right now, we’re still doing a lot of drywall work, so I’m only going to give you a little teaser because I don’t want drywall dust all over it.

Then on Tuesday, we get the glass put in, and one of the three doors. The remaining doors come on Friday, and then we will have the build out completed. There will be an inspection after that’s done.

I know you have two questions. How long will this take, and how long until the cats come in?

Well, once the doors are installed, then I’ll be able to put in the cats. That’s looking like Friday or Saturday, because I want all construction to be completed before they come in. Cats, an unfamiliar environment, and construction noise at the same time? Bad combination, and something I don’t want at The Cat Cafe.

Then it will be time for the final inspection and we can open our doors. I am looking at whether I am allowed to open the doors for business pending the final inspection to move things along a little. We’ll see.

But The Cat Cafe does have one resident cat right now. He’ll be joined by eight cats from the San Diego Humane Society. I’m going for special needs cats so that I can highlight how these guys can be wonderful and loving animals.

Soon, San Diegans and visitors will be able to enjoy a locally roasted cup of coffee and the company of adoptable cats at The Cat Cafe.