Ian Collins Reveals Why Christmas at the Catnip Cafe Captures Hearts

Hallmark’s *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* is purring its way into the hearts of holiday movie lovers everywhere. Actor Ian Collins is ready to spill the catnip on what makes this cozy flick stand out from the rest.

Known for his roles in *Snowpiercer*, *So Help Me Todd*, and a long list of Hallmark favorites, Collins sat down with *TV Fanatic* to talk about his latest festive project alongside Erin Cahill and Paul Campbell. The film—set to premiere November 30 as part of Hallmark’s beloved *Countdown to Christmas* lineup—blends the warmth of community, the magic of the holidays, and a whole lot of feline charm.

From the lightning-fast 13-day shoot to working with a cast of trained cats, Collins shares what made this production a uniquely heartwarming experience. It’s a movie that really captures the spirit of togetherness we all crave during the holidays.

The Magic Behind *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe*

At its heart, *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* is a story about connection—between people, pets, and the communities that bring them together. Collins plays Frank, a character he describes as the embodiment of comfort and calm, the kind of person who reminds everyone to slow down and savor life’s simple joys.

*He’s like a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter morning,* Collins explains. Frank represents the grounding presence we all need during hectic times.

The film centers around a quaint café inherited by Olivia (Erin Cahill) and Ben (Paul Campbell). They find themselves at the heart of a tight-knit town that rallies around love, compassion, and, of course, cats.

The café isn’t just a setting—it’s the soul of the story. It’s where laughter, love, and second chances brew as easily as the coffee.

Collins notes that the Catnip Cafe serves as a community hub, a place where characters rediscover what it means to belong. The film also weaves in an adoption storyline that adds emotional depth and reinforces the theme of unity.

Why This Hallmark Movie Stands Out

Even in Hallmark’s crowded holiday lineup, *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* manages to shine. The secret ingredient? Cats—and lots of them.

The production partnered with a professional animal training company to bring in a group of scene-stealing felines, each with its own personality and Hollywood résumé. One standout is a sphynx cat who’s already graced the screen alongside A-list stars and appeared in the series *Wild Cards*.

Collins admits that working with so many four-legged co-stars was both delightful and challenging. *Cats have their own schedules,* he laughs, *and they don’t always care about your monologue.*

The feline cast adds an irresistible charm to the film. Their antics, paired with the human cast’s chemistry, create a cozy, whimsical atmosphere that feels tailor-made for a December night in.

Inside the Fast-Paced World of Hallmark Filmmaking

Fans might be surprised to learn just how quickly Hallmark’s beloved holiday movies come together. Collins reveals that *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* was shot in only 13 days—a whirlwind schedule that required precision, professionalism, and plenty of caffeine.

For a 90-minute movie, that’s an impressive feat, especially considering the logistical hurdles of working with animals and ensemble casts. *We did 17 pages of dialogue in a single day,* Collins says, a testament to the efficiency and skill of Vancouver’s thriving film community.

Collins, a veteran of more than a dozen Hallmark projects, credits the Vancouver talent pool for making these quick turnarounds possible. *We’re pros at this kind of movie-of-the-week format,* he explains.

The Hallmark Family: Familiar Faces, Familiar Warmth

Part of the charm of Hallmark’s holiday universe is its recurring cast of familiar faces, and Collins is proud to be part of that extended family. He’s worked on numerous productions with fellow Hallmark regulars, including Alison Sweeney and now Erin Cahill and Paul Campbell.

The camaraderie among cast and crew helps create the genuine warmth that audiences feel on screen. *We all want to make something that feels like home,* Collins says, *and that starts with how we treat each other on set.*

Despite the rapid schedule, the cast of *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* bonded quickly. Collins credits Cahill’s infectious positivity and Campbell’s sharp wit for setting the tone.

*Erin brings this bright, joyful energy that lifts everyone’s spirits,* he says. *Paul’s experience as both an actor and writer gives him a deep understanding of how to make every moment count.*

Together, they created a set environment that mirrored the film’s central message: kindness, respect, and community matter most.

Finding Home—On and Off the Screen

For Collins, the themes of *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* hit close to home. Beyond his acting career, he’s also an acting coach who values the importance of safe, supportive spaces for artists.

*Community is everything,* he emphasizes. *In this industry, you hear ‘no’ more often than ‘yes,’ so having a group of people who lift each other up is vital.*

He compares his acting class environment to the Catnip Cafe itself—a hub of creativity, compassion, and shared growth. That sense of belonging is what makes the film so relatable.

Whether it’s a café in a small town or a studio full of aspiring actors, the message is the same: we’re stronger together. Collins hopes audiences walk away from the movie feeling inspired to nurture their own communities, to slow down, and to appreciate the people (and pets) who make life meaningful.

The Cats Who Stole the Show

No discussion of *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* would be complete without celebrating its furry stars. The cats were more than props—they were full-fledged cast members.

From the regal sphynx with mesmerizing eyes to the playful orange kitten that melted hearts on set, each feline brought its own spark to the story. Collins admits he couldn’t resist snapping photos between takes.

*They were the real divas of the production,* he jokes, *and we were all just their supporting cast.* Working with trained animals required patience and adaptability, but it also added authenticity to the film’s cozy, community-driven vibe.

The cats’ unpredictable nature brought spontaneous moments of humor and tenderness that couldn’t have been scripted. *That’s the beauty of it,* Collins reflects. *You can’t fake that kind of magic.*

Why *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* Is the Feel-Good Movie of the Season

In a world that feels rushed and a bit disconnected, *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* quietly reminds us of what really matters. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, connecting with people, and finding warmth in the least expected places.

This film wraps you up in a metaphorical blanket. It hands you a mug of cocoa and maybe even a purring kitten—if you’re lucky.

Collins thinks that’s exactly why folks will fall for it. *It’s cozy, it’s funny, and honestly, it’s got heart—everything a Christmas movie ought to have.*

Hallmark’s known for romance and holiday cheer, but *Christmas at the Catnip Cafe* manages to stand out. It’s a little love letter to community, both on the screen and in real life.

The cast is a delight, the charm is quick, and, sure, the cats steal more than a few scenes. This one’s probably headed for seasonal favorite status.

So, grab your blanket, call your cat over, and tune in when it premieres November 30. Who knows—maybe the best gift under the tree this year is a bit of feline magic.