MeowTown

MeowTown is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cat café in Alton, Illinois, born from a serendipitous moment: founders Kristine and Marc Ressler, along with their daughter Lily, discovered the cat café concept and instantly knew they wanted to bring that experience and awareness to the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis area. Opening on December 15, 2023, MeowTown exists for two interconnected purposes—to benefit cats and to benefit people.

The space is warm, inviting, and well-organized, featuring adorable adoptable cats from the Metro East Humane Society, in-house baked cookies in multiple delicious flavors (carrot cake with real carrots is a guest favorite), complimentary beverages, and a retail space filled with cat-themed items. Cat lounge visits cost just $11 per person for 50-minute sessions starting on the hour, with all proceeds going directly back to cat care and facility maintenance. Online booking is strongly encouraged to guarantee your spot, though walk-ins are accepted if space is available. The cats are well-cared-for, healthy, playful, and obviously loved by staff—many showcase personalities that make guests immediately want to adopt.

Since opening, MeowTown has facilitated the adoption of 300 cats, a remarkable achievement reflecting the cafe's genuine mission and community impact. The adoption process through the Metro East Humane Society is easy and painless; if you fall in love with a cat during your visit, you can begin the adoption process that same day. Staff are exceptionally kind, welcoming, informative, and deeply invested in ensuring the best matches between cats and families. MeowTown also offers customizable birthday party packages with cookies, beverages, and interactive cat playtime, creating unforgettable celebrations surrounded by adorable feline friends.