From overcoming hardship to building one of the most unique and heartfelt destinations in Midland, Crystal Burditt’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder of Cozy Cats Cafe, Crystal has transformed her personal story of survival into a haven for rescued cats, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone seeking comfort, connection, and community.

Six years ago, Crystal arrived in Midland from Ohio with just one dollar to her name. A survivor of both domestic violence and cancer, she found herself starting over—alone and uncertain. It was in a shelter, with the companionship of a cat named Calcifer, that the early vision of Cozy Cats Cafe began to form. Crystal saw firsthand the therapeutic bond between animals and people, particularly among women and children recovering from trauma. That spark of inspiration eventually turned into a dream worth fighting for.

Without grants or large financial backing, Crystal poured everything into her vision. She raised money from small investors, taught herself construction basics, and partnered with volunteers to renovate a 4,700-square-foot building into a combined cat cafe and registered animal shelter. She even fought for a zoning variance—attending every town hall and planning meeting herself—just to make it legally possible.

Today, Cozy Cats Cafe is more than a business—it’s a movement. In just over a year, the cafe has adopted out 124 cats, many of them seniors or bonded pairs that are typically hard to place. One-third of their adoptions are black cats, a group often overlooked in traditional shelters.

Crystal collaborates with organizations like the ESA, Arnold Center, and Arc of Midland to provide work opportunities for autistic individuals. The cafe also hosts birthday parties, game nights, domestic violence support groups, and therapeutic sessions for seniors and neurodivergent guests. Inside, you'll find a relaxation room, local art from over 40 artists, and a deep-rooted sense of compassion.

And the vision keeps growing. With the addition of a food permit and stone pizza oven, Cozy Cats Cafe will soon offer vegan and gluten-free menu options—something Crystal is developing in collaboration with local bakers. She also plans to launch self-defense classes in partnership with area instructors and expand her work with the Girl Scouts.

“We’re a place for people who don’t have a place,” she said. “If it wasn’t meant to be, it wouldn’t be.”

The story of Cozy Cats Cafe isn’t just about cats or coffee—it’s about perseverance, healing, and the power of community. As Crystal says, failure was never an option.

Continue to follow the Midland Business Alliance as we share more stories of purpose-driven businesses and community changemakers in our region.