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I recently took my two girls to Cat Town in Oakland, California, and it was such a great experience that I had to share it. If you’ve never heard of Cat Town and you have kids, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a calm, kid-friendly spot that gives families a chance to spend time with cats—especially helpful if you’re not ready to adopt but still want that kind of experience.
Our girls love animals, but since we don’t have a pet at home right now, we’ve been looking for ways to help them learn how to interact with animals gently and respectfully. Cat Town was a perfect fit. The space was quiet and welcoming, and it gave them the chance to meet a range of cats with different personalities in a way that felt safe and comfortable.
Coffee and Cat Art
Cat Town is connected to Souvenir Coffee on 29th Street, and we were advised to arrive about 10 minutes early to grab refreshments.
That turned out to be a great tip! The coffee was delicious, and we had time to admire the whimsical cat artwork lining the walls before our session started. It set the mood perfectly.
Meeting the Cats
Once our time began, a friendly volunteer greeted us, explained the rules, and had us sanitize our hands before entering the cat lounge.
The space is large, open, and thoughtfully designed. Cats roam freely, and the vibe is cozy and calm, unlike a traditional shelter.
Our girls were instantly drawn to the cats—big and small, black, white, tabby, and tan. Some cats were sleepy and lounging in cubby holes, while others were curious and eager to play. There were plenty of toys scattered around to help break the ice.
Cat Town organizes the cats into different areas based on their needs. There’s a main playroom for sociable cats, and separate quieter rooms for more vulnerable or shy cats. Some doors are marked with colored tags to indicate how much interaction the cats are ready for:
- Green tags mean you can enter the room and interact freely.
- Yellow tags are for more reserved cats. They are still friendly but maybe a bit shy.
- Red tags indicate that a cat is either being treated for health issues or needs space and is not ready for visitors.
The Mission Behind the Cat Town
What makes Cat Town so unique—and inspiring—is its mission. As the first cat café in the U.S., it was founded to help cats who are often overlooked in traditional shelters: the elderly, stressed, injured, or shy cats who don’t show well in cages.
By removing cages from the equation and giving cats time to adjust in foster homes or the cage-free adoption center, Cat Town helps these kitties show their true personalities and find loving forever homes.
They also run special programs like the Forgotten Kitten Project, which supports socialization for kittens four months and older, helping them build trust at their own pace. Volunteers, including trained Case Managers, help guide adopters through the transition process so everyone feels supported.
Making a Difference
Since opening in 2011, Cat Town has helped reduce the euthanasia rate for cats at Oakland Animal Services by over 70%. And just this year, they’ve already helped 46 cats find their forever homes.
With rising medical costs and a surge in complex cases, community support has never been more important. Every visit, every donation, and every adoption truly makes a difference.
Before You Go
Here are a few quick tips if you’re planning a visit:
- Reserve in advance to ensure you get a spot.
- Arrive early to grab a drink from Souvenir Coffee and check in.
- Morning visits tend to be livelier, especially with energetic kittens.
- Supervise young kids closely—Cat Town asks for one adult per two children under 12.
We ended our visit by picking up a few souvenirs—a T-shirt and a cute coloring book—to remember our time there and support the cause.
The volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about every cat in their care. It’s not just a café—it’s a sanctuary.
Booking the Visit
We reserved a 50-minute session online, which was super easy to do. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are highly recommended because spots fill up quickly.
Admission is $12 per person (kids under 2 are free), and the proceeds go toward caring for the cats. If you’re thinking about adopting, good news—adopters can visit for free after completing a short form online.
Visit Cat Town
- Address: 2869 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
- Phone: (510) 747-9064
- Hours: Wednesday–Saturday: 10 am–7 pm; Sunday: 10 am–5 pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Admission: $12/hour (kids under 2 free)
If you’re an animal lover—or just curious about cats—Cat Town is a wonderful place to visit. Whether you’re thinking about adoption or simply want to spend time with some adorable cats, it’s a joyful, meaningful experience your whole family will love.
