Retirement often conjures images of quiet mornings, warm coffee, and time to relax after decades of hard work.
But for 79-year-old Jaeshin Ha, retirement became the start of a completely new adventure.
After closing his men’s clothing shop in 2019—a business he ran for more than 40 years—Jaeshin could have spent his days quietly at home.
Instead, he found a calling that combined creativity, compassion, and the joy of helping animals.
Discovering a New Passion
The spark came unexpectedly during the pandemic.
When Jaeshin and his wife, Youngsook, joined their daughter Christina and her husband to make protective face masks, they soon found themselves with piles of leftover fabric.
“We had so much material, and it felt wrong to let it go to waste,” Christina explained.
That surplus became the starting point for an entirely new idea: what if they could create something useful and joyful for rescue cats?
Christina, cofounder of New York City’s first cat café, Meow Parlor, and president of its nonprofit, Meow Parlour Cats, Inc., suggested using the fabric for cat beds.
What began as a small experiment soon turned into a daily mission.
Jaeshin, with his steady hands and quiet focus, started crafting each piece meticulously, ensuring that every stitch met his high standards.
For him, this was not just sewing—it was a way to give back and make a difference, one cat at a time.
Perfecting the Cozy Bed
Jaeshin’s attention to detail quickly became apparent in the bed-making process. “He notices everything,” Christina said.
“Even small gestures, like how a cat would always sit in the middle of a laid-out piece of fabric, inspired the designs.”
This observation led to flat, comfortable beds that cats actually preferred, unlike many store-bought alternatives.
@whiskstowhiskers It makes me so happy to see how my dad spends his retirement. I hope one day, I can have days that feel like it's purposeful, but also includes mid-day naps, K-dramas, and cat time. #catdadha #dad #cats #dayinthelife ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
The family tested multiple prototypes, giving them to foster cats and adoptive families.
They observed how the animals reacted, washed the beds repeatedly, and even moved them to different parts of the house to see which spots the cats chose.
Each round of testing brought them closer to the perfect design: a bed that was durable, soft, and truly inviting.
The work was patient and methodical.
Jaeshin would sit for hours, cutting, stitching, and adjusting each piece. Youngsook helped with finishing touches, and Christina documented the process, sometimes sharing it online.
The family laughed at little surprises—a cat curling up in the wrong bed, or a bed being ignored at first but eventually becoming a favorite.
These small moments of discovery became some of the most rewarding parts of the project.
@whiskstowhiskers I'm so thankful that my parents have been able to spend their retirement busy and emotionally fulfilled. You've all been a part of that and you should feel proud that you've given my dad a purpose and helped cats like Cha Cha Cha, Ladybug, Hanner, and Sweet Potato Fries. ❤️ #catdadha #catdad #adayinthelife #dad #dadtok #cat #kittens #fosterkittens #fathersday #father ♬ A Day in My Life – Soft boy
“It’s incredible to watch him,” Christina said. “He may be quiet, but every gesture shows how deeply he cares. He’s creating more than a bed—he’s creating comfort, safety, and love for animals who have experienced hardship.”
Beyond Beds: Bringing Joy with Toys
Beds were just the beginning.
Jaeshin and Youngsook expanded their creativity into toys, making whimsical shapes like starfish, ladybugs, turtles, and even miniature kimbap rolls.
Many of the designs had an ocean theme, inspired by Jaeshin’s playful theory that cats are drawn to fish. Christina laughed, “I don’t think any cat has ever met a seahorse or clownfish, but seeing my dad’s joy as he made them was priceless.”
These toys, like the beds, are sold through Meow Parlor’s café, website, and WhisksToWhiskers.com.
A portion of every sale supports the nonprofit, helping more rescue cats find homes, while another portion recognizes the dedication of Jaeshin and Youngsook.
More than just products, these projects have given Jaeshin and Youngsook a renewed sense of purpose.
Retirement, which some see as slowing down, has instead become a period of creativity, contribution, and connection.
Christina reflected, “Seeing my parents so alive and invested in something that helps animals reminds me that life can always have new meaning, no matter your age.”
@whiskstowhiskers Making this video made me cry. 😭😭 Say hi to my dad #catdadha #smallbusiness #backstory #asiandad #fosterkittensoftiktok #fosterkittenfamily #kitten ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic
For the family, the joy is in the details: a cat kneading a plush toy, curling into a soft bed, or purring contentedly beside a handmade creation.
Each smile, each satisfied cat, is proof that their work matters. Their daily labor of love touches not only the animals who benefit directly but also the people who adopt them and support the nonprofit.
Even in retirement, Jaeshin demonstrates that a life devoted to caring and creativity never really ends.
Through careful stitching, thoughtful design, and quiet dedication, he has turned leftover fabric into havens for rescue cats.
Every bed and toy carries a piece of his love, creating a ripple effect that reaches across homes, shelters, and hearts.
To see more of Jaeshin and Youngsook’s work, and the cats who enjoy their creations, follow @whiskstowhiskers and @meowparlour on TikTok and Instagram