Our Story
Where creativity meets compassion — committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our guest chandlers and our foster kittens alike.
How It All Started
It started with a simple question: "What do you want to do?"
Kristine Perry's answer was instinctive: "I want to make candles." A week later, while passing a vacant shop en route to dinner, she envisioned a candle bar — and within thirty minutes over that same dinner, the concept crystallized: candles and kittens.
Candle-making interest took hold during the 2020 lockdown. Initial attempts revealed just how complex it really is — fragrance load ratios, over-wicking disasters, cold throw that fell flat despite looking perfect. What seems straightforward is anything but. Through months of research and burn-testing, Kristine mastered candle chemistry and developed a simplified methodology that lets anyone — our "chandlers" — create a beautiful, professional-quality candle in a single session.
The result? A place where creativity meets compassion, and where every visit supports something bigger than a candle.
Why Kittens?
"Overcrowded rescues and shelters break my heart. There is nothing sadder than kittens in cages."
Kristine knew she couldn't take every kitten home — but she could give them something better than a cage. Wicks & Whiskers dedicates space in every location to foster kittens, providing a home-like setting where they can play, socialize, and charm their way into visitors' hearts (and forever homes).
The concept works beautifully: guests get an unforgettable experience, kittens get exposure to potential adopters in a loving environment, and the rescue partners get help with overwhelmed foster networks. By dedicating shop space to fosters, Wicks & Whiskers enriches kitten socialization through daily visitor interaction — which is way better than a cage at a pet store.
With dozens of successful adoptions and counting, your visit makes a real difference. Every kitten that finds a home opens a spot for another rescue in need.
What We Believe
Everyone is Creative
You don't need to be an artist to make a beautiful candle. We guide you through every step — from choosing a vessel to blending the perfect scent. There are no mistakes, only happy experiments.
Every Kitten Deserves a Chance
A warm play space with daily human interaction gives foster kittens the best shot at finding their forever home. Our Kitten Klubhouse proves that rescue and retail can coexist — and thrive together.
Experiences Over Things
The best gifts are shared moments. A birthday party, a date night, a spontaneous Tuesday afternoon — the candle is the souvenir, but the memory is the real takeaway.
Community Matters
We source locally when we can, partner with rescue organizations, donate a portion of retail sales, and design every experience to bring people together in San Francisco.
Our Rescue Partner
Golden Gate Rescue
Every kitten at Wicks & Whiskers is a foster from Golden Gate Rescue. All kittens receive full medical exams, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations before arriving at the Kitten Klubhouse. Adoptions are facilitated entirely by the rescue — they approve applications and coordinate the adoption process.
We do not charge our partner rescue for space, food, or supplies, and we do not take any portion of the adoption fee. 10% of all pre-made candle sales are donated directly to the rescue.
Ways to Support (Even Without Adopting)
Book a Kitten Experience
Your $15 fee helps with klubhouse upkeep, food, and litter for our fosters. We do not charge our partner rescue — your visit directly subsidizes kitten care.
Buy a Pre-Made Candle
10% of proceeds from all pre-made candle sales are donated to Golden Gate Rescue. We also carry candle care tools, rechargeable lighters, and branded merchandise.
Donate In-Store
Scan the QR code in the Kitten Klubhouse to make monetary donations directly to Golden Gate Rescue. Every dollar goes to the rescue — we don't take a cut.
In-Kind Donations
We accept unopened kitten food, litter, supplies, and toys at our location. Anything we can't use goes directly to Golden Gate Rescue for their other fosters.
Share the Word
Follow us on social media and share your Wicks & Whiskers experience. Every post helps more people discover the Kitten Klubhouse — and more kittens find their forever homes.
The Craft Behind the Candle
Every candle poured at Wicks & Whiskers uses Golden Brands 464 soy wax — all-natural, produced from US-grown soybeans. Our collection of 60+ fragrance oils are 100% phthalate-free. We test every fragrance for hot throw, cold throw, and burn performance before adding it to the bar.
The vessel, the wax blend, the wick size, the pour temperature — we've dialed in the science so you get to focus on the fun part: choosing your scent and making it yours. Your chandler guide walks you through the process and makes sure every candle comes out beautifully.
The result: a professional-quality candle that you made with your own hands, scented exactly the way you wanted. No two are alike.
Come See for Yourself
The best way to understand Wicks & Whiskers is to experience it. Book a visit and see why our guests keep coming back — and why our kittens keep finding homes.
Community Partners
Local businesses and organisations that share our values and community spirit.
Killer Kitties Rescue
rescueKiller Kitties Rescue is a non-profit based in Oakboro, NC dedicated to rescuing and rehoming kittens. Every foster in our Kitten Klubhouse comes from Killer Kitties — fully vetted, vaccinated, and ready to steal your heart. Ten percent of every pre-made candle sale goes directly to supporting their mission.
GoodVets Plaza Midwood
veterinaryGoodVets Plaza Midwood is the trusted veterinary partner for our Kitten Klubhouse. Their compassionate team ensures every foster kitten is healthy and thriving before joining our lounge, and provides ongoing care for our resident kittens throughout their time with us.
Feline Fabulous
retailFeline Fabulous is a cat-first pet boutique carrying premium food, enrichment toys, and stylish accessories for the discerning cat (and their humans). Stop in before your visit to grab a little something for a future furry family member.