Cat Town

Cat Town is the nation's first cat cafe, established in 2014 in Oakland as a foster-based rescue designed to serve the city's most vulnerable, overlooked cats. Founded by Ann Dunn in response to a 2011 crisis when Oakland's open-admission shelter lacked resources to support scared, sick, elderly, or emotionally withdrawn cats, Cat Town specifically focuses on rescuing at-risk felines that other rescue organizations often overlook. The organization recognized that for many shy or fearful cats, the cage environment of traditional shelters created barriers to adoption—but when placed in calm, home-like foster environments, these same cats could relax, reveal their true personalities, and connect with adopters who would never have discovered them in a shelter setting. The cafe itself is a spacious, cage-free adoption center where older, shy, and recovering cats can relax, play, and meet potential adopters in a peaceful environment. A partnership with Souvenir Coffee Co—a Berkeley-roasted, conscientious, low-waste coffee company—provides visitors with quality beverages while supporting community engagement.

Visiting Cat Town costs $14 for both adults and children; children under two are free. The organization strongly recommends advance reservations, as the space fills quickly and walk-in availability cannot be guaranteed. The main lounge features a large room for more playful, confident cats, with additional private studio spaces designed for cats with specialized needs—shy residents, seniors, or those recovering from illness or injury benefit from these quieter, more intimate environments. The layout allows shy cats to observe more outgoing companions, facilitating their own socialization while also providing visitors with opportunities for personalized, peaceful interactions. Staff members are knowledgeable about each cat's personality, preferences, and approach style, offering guidance to help visitors determine which cats to approach and which prefer distance. The space is meticulously clean, well-stocked with toys and seating areas, and features thoughtful decor and cat amenities.

Cat Town's adoption philosophy prioritizes matching over speed. Prospective adopters complete an Adoption Inquiry form, and adoption counselors conduct a matchmaking process that considers the adopter's experience with cats, home environment, and what they're seeking in a feline companion. The organization schedules free adoption appointments and provides comprehensive support before, during, and after adoption. Adoption fees start at just $50 for single cats or bonded pairs, making companionship accessible to as many people as possible. The foster program is central to Cat Town's model, with the organization actively recruiting experienced fosters—particularly those with experience with fearful cats, cats who may nip or swat, or those requiring medication. By limiting the fostering radius to Oakland and adjacent cities, Cat Town ensures their volunteer team can provide robust support to every foster family. Through fostering, medical care, patient rehabilitation, and specialized programming, Cat Town has pioneered an approach to rescue that transforms how other organizations serve at-risk cats across the country, proving that every cat deserves a chance to thrive.