Kathy Guo and Sam Xie, like many pet owners, wanted to spoil their rescued cat, Waffle. But they took their love for their orange tabby to a whole new level, transforming her into an internet star with her charming Starbucks barista-themed attire. As Waffle’s online popularity skyrocketed, so did the demand for her unique costumes. Recognizing this trend, Xie began selling aprons inspired by Waffle’s outfits.
To promote their venture, the couple has invested over $20,000 in enhancing Waffle’s look, including props, coffee accessories, aprons, and even a custom Starbucks-themed cat tree worth $2,000. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Xie explained that Waffle’s online persona, ‘Waffle – The Barista,’ was created to market the aprons on Instagram. “A lot of people out there love coffee, and we thought, ‘Why don’t we use Waffle’s paws to do it, so it looks like she is the one making the coffee,'” she said, adding that they started dressing up their cat as early as 2016. “We just did it for fun and giggles back then. We started with really easy things like collars, bandanas, capes etc., and we gradually increased to more difficult costumes like the ones that would require her paws going through,” Xie explained.
The couple has also shared a heartwarming and humorous rescue story of their cat on Instagram. The video reveals that Waffle, along with her siblings, was found abandoned on the streets. 4 Paws Strong, a rescue organization, rescued them from their plight. When Kathy and Sam saw Waffle’s picture online, they felt an immediate connection and decided to meet her. They adopted her immediately and welcomed her into their home.
Waffle didn’t just settle for lounging around; she embraced a life full of activities and developed a passion for coffee. The cat now finds joy in “working” at a cafe named ‘Meowbucks,’ proving that even a rescued feline can live a life filled with purpose and charm.
