Staying Together: Carlo, Theo, and Bimini's Story

In 2024, your support helped us bring 378 cats into happy and loving homes, and ensured we can continue focusing on supporting the cats who need us most.

While we’ve already shared many of our team’s favorite adoptions with you from the past year, we have one more to share. This is Belle’s story of Bimini, Carlo, and Theo:

Carlo and Theo were strays at OAS who joined Cat Town last winter through our Feral or Fearful program. For the first month, we assessed growly, swatty Carlo and the shy, strong Theo daily for signs that they would enjoy life in a home, rather than returning outside in a working cat placement. After graduating from Feral or Fearful, they moved into the Cat Zone to await their future adopters.

Carlo in his safe space learning to trust humans. Photo by David Yeung.

Theo in our Cat Zone after graduating from Feral or Fearful! Photo by Teresa Wood.

I watched them grow daily in confidence, becoming leaders of playtime, then sneaking off to the Quiet Zone to accept the occasional pet during nap time. It was there that Carlo and Theo met their future brother, Bimini — a shy, sweet colony cat from Full Circle Cats. These boys became a trio when their cat-savvy adopters came ready to provide the patience and safe space all three needed to thrive.

Bimini met Theo and Carlo in the Quiet Zone. Photo by Nicole Dial.

A few months post-adoption, their adopters’ housekeeper accidentally left a window open just a few inches. Theo — all 12 pounds of him — squeezed through the crack and was back on the streets of Oakland. When indoor-only cats get outside, their immediate instinct is to hide and then try to get back inside the way they came out. Theo couldn’t get back in, so he found a safe hiding spot amid the backyard bushes. Unlike lost dogs, most cats will not come running when their names are called, especially not fearful cats like Theo. Not even the trail of his favorite treats could tempt him back.

Within hours of Theo sneaking out, his adopter reached out to borrow a live trap, knowing this was the surest way to get Theo back to safety. For not the first time this year, Cat Town’s Lost Cat Team (me, Bill, and Andrew) set off with a trap, trail camera, and stinky, fishy wet food bait. Theo’s adopter had scouted the bushes where Theo was watching in wait, so we just set up the trap, pointed the camera, and waited for nightfall. After a couple nights, we got the text we were waiting for: Theo had taken the bait! For the second time in his life, Theo was trapped — before as a fearful, stray cat on his way to the shelter, and now as a beloved member of a family who were overjoyed to welcome him home.

Theo and Carlo came out of their shells at the Adoption Center!

At Cat Town, we are always available for post-adoption support. During every adoption appointment, I remind adopters, “Once a Cat Town cat, always a Cat Town cat.” From Gotcha Day photos to helping to find escaped cats, we’re committed to the Cat Town community for life. I’m so proud to have been part of Theo, Carlo, and Bimini’s story from intake to adoption to reunion. Hopefully their next chapter features a long and happy (indoor only) life!

Cover photo by Nicole Dial.

Who Did You Save This Year (Part 3)

In this final look back at our most inspiring adoptions of 2024, we’re reminded that no matter how challenging a cat’s journey may be, every one of them deserves — and can find — a loving home with the right care and support.

From overcoming medical hurdles to patiently rooting for our shyest cats, and supporting adopters through tough moments, we’re here for every cat, every step of the way. Thank you for standing with us, making these transformations possible, and changing lives!

Andrew’s PICK: Davis

When Davis arrived at Oakland Animal Services in February, he was already facing an uphill battle. By March, when he transferred to Cat Town, and I brought him into my own home to foster, I could tell right away he was a special cat. Davis was diagnosed with pododermatitis — a painful condition affecting his paws — and we started treatment right away with our veterinarian. But as we soon discovered, there was more to Davis' story.

Andrew fostered Davis and monitored his health.

Not long after bringing him home, we noticed something unusual: Davis would experience paroxysms in his sleep — sudden jerking episodes that often left him urinating where he slept. Over the next several months, Cat Town worked closely with our veterinarian and a veterinary neurologist to get to the bottom of what was happening. We ruled out infectious causes and tried several anticonvulsant medications, hoping to ease his symptoms. None of the treatments worked, but through it all, Davis stayed his sweet, affectionate self.

Davis is a happy lap cat. Photo by David Yeung.

Davis quickly became one of the most memorable cats I’ve ever fostered. He was a lap-warming professional — always ready to curl up for a snuggle. And when he wasn’t in a lap, he was clumsily chasing after toys, making everyone smile at his goofy determination. We knew he needed a very special adopter — someone who could manage his condition and love him for exactly who he is.

In October, Davis got his chance. A kind adopter agreed to a trial adoption, fully understanding the care he needed. With Cat Town's support, they worked out a routine to manage Davis' sleepy-time episodes and incontinence. Seeing him happy, loved, and thriving is the kind of ending that makes our work meaningful.

Davis’ story reminds me why we do what we do. Every cat deserves a chance, no matter how complicated their care might be. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported Davis on his journey — and especially to his adopter for seeing the incredible cat we saw in him.

Davis. Photo by David Yeung

Suzanne’s PicK: TOBLERONE

Toblerone came to Cat Town scared and avoidant. Photo by Teresa Wood.

It was a rainy night in early February when I first encountered a pair of striking chartreuse eyes with the most worried expression I’ve ever seen. They belonged to Toblerone, a 9-year-old male from a home with 16 other cats whose guardian had passed away. Peering out at me from under a blanket in the darkest corner he could find, Toblerone was clearly fearful and shell-shocked over his recent transitions, and spent weeks hidden underneath his companions, almost invisible. 

Toblerone had a serious respiratory illness upon arrival, and there was a long road ahead to help him learn to trust new people. He’d squish himself out of reach behind the other cats, and was so deferential and hesitant that they would often swoop in and take the treats intended for him.  I had to distract them so he could receive direct attention, and found him eager for affection, leaning heavily into cheek pets, craning his neck for chin skritches, and pushing his head firmly into my hand. We knew it would take a very special, very patient person to see what we could see in him.

Suzanne gaining Toblerone’s trust. Photo by Nicole Dial.

Then, one afternoon in late September, I got the call that would change Toblerone’s life forever. One of Cat Town’s monthly donors and her 17-year-old friend Kiki had attended a Cat Town event where Kiki spent a large portion of the evening visiting with our handsome panther. She fell in love with his big green gold eyes and rumbly purr, and that was all it took. Kiki’s family understood he would require time and patience, which they’d had already learned as the guardians of another senior cat from Cat Town, who had passed away around the time Toblerone had originally arrived at the Adoption Center.

Toblerone learned to overcome his fears. Photo by Nicole Dial.

Now whenever anyone asks, “Where’s Kiki?”, the answer is usually, “Oh, I think she’s under the bed with Toby!” When the two aren’t under the bed, Toberlone (now Toby) can be found performing hallway acrobatics late at night. The family reports that he accepts head kisses with a great deal of dignity, too. Hearing this made my heart soar, and was a potent reminder of why I love my job so much. 

Toby’s journey is emblematic of the Cat Town mission: he is proof that with time, patience, and lots of love, cats like him can have their lives turned around.  It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of an organization that can see the potential behind a pair of wide, fearful eyes peering out of the darkness and into the light.

Dilara’s PICK: Magic & Pixie Dust

Cat Town is a magical place: We watch cats transform from fearful to not, from sick to not. We watch them blossom, yet sometimes there are hiccups along the way. This is a story of a cat aptly named Magic who, as it turned out, just needed a sprinkle of Pixie Dust.

Magic. Photo by David Yeung.

Pixie Dust. Photo by Suzanne Hollis.

Magic was a gorgeous confident young black cat, turned into Oakland Animal Services as a stray, then adopted and returned within a few days for destructive  behavior and vocalization. When we saw that, we thought, no biggie — he just needed more time to settle in. We brought him into our Cat Zone, a veritable playground for young active cats like him.

Magic playing in his studio. Photo by Nicole Dial.

While Magic loved every human he met, he struggled with other cats — so much so that we had to house him solo. Again we thought, no biggie. Such a wonderful boy, we will find him the right home. And we did! A great home with a child and a dog, both of whom he got along beautifully with, and a parent who was cat-savvy. But within days we had a call: He was wreaking havoc even with enrichment, attention, and another pet to play with — crying nonstop, and even pulling down the TV. We gave advice on feeding, enrichment, wand play, routine… but the behaviors continued, and the adopter reluctantly returned him.

At Cat Town we try very hard to make good matches. And even so, returns can and do happen. We don’t see returns as failures — we see them as opportunities to learn from, for all parties. We have more information now, and we prep the adopters for all the behaviors we know they may see. We do extra screening and counseling, and set Magic and the adopters up for success. 

But this happened twice more, both with good adopters committed to seeing it through, who nonetheless realized they were in over their heads after Hurricane Magic landed! We decided we needed to try something different for him.

Pixie Dust helped soothe Magic’s energy. Photo by David Yeung.

Something from our usual playbook is to carefully pair high-energy cats with other cats, as they get so much exercise, enrichment, and social interaction. 

Enter Pixie Dust! This little lady was a stray that had, through no fault of her own, ended up in quarantine. But this perky kitten was so sweet, social, and cat-friendly, that I knew she would be Magic’s best chance at having a friend. After a very slow introduction (our studios are great for that!), and eventual integration, Magic’s behavior shifted to calmer. As one staff person said, he was a changed man after he got married!

His next adoption, together with Pixie Dust,  was a success! The two now live with a dog and two wonderful humans, who send us regular updates. Magic never displayed the behaviors he had displayed in (at least) 4 other homes.

I love their story because it both shows Cat Town’s perseverance towards making things right, and also serves as a humbling reminder: We humans are not the be-all for cats. Sometimes, it is another cat who makes the difference, and we serve only to set the stage and allow for that magic to happen.

Best friends Magic & Pixie Dust. Photo by David Yeung.

Want to read more of these stories? Here’s Part One and Part Two in this blog series!

Cover photo by Nicole Dial.

Who Did You Save This Year (Part 2)

At Cat Town, we don’t force cats to trust, love, or thrive — we simply create the space for them to let their guard down, build trust on their own terms, and be wholly accepted and seen for who they are.  Time and again, we’re reminded of the magic that emerges when misunderstood and overlooked cats are given the freedom to be their true, authentic selves — and the transformations are always extraordinary to see.

In Part 2 of our team’s most memorable adoption stories from this year, we reflect on the power of connection: the bonds between cats, the trust they build with us, and the love they bring into their new homes. We see these stories as more than just adoptions, but as connections to you — our community of adopters, volunteers, and supporters who make all of this magic come to life.

These stories exist because of you. Thank you for supporting our work and these cats.

ADELINE’S PICK: NEBLINA

Neblina. Photo by David Yeung.

When Neblina arrived at Cat Town, her round face and big, bug-like eyes immediately caught my attention. I’ve always had a soft spot for black cats, and I was instantly enamored with her.

Neblina making a new friend. Photo by David Yeung.

Neblina came to Oakland Animal Services as a one-year-old stray, and despite spending time in a foster home, she was still very fearful. She came to Cat Town so she could have a more social environment around confident cat role models and people who knew how to care for scared kittens like her. At first, was incredibly shy and easily startled by any noise or movement, but with the help of our patient volunteers, she started opening up.

One of my favorite moments with her was the first time I got her to purr. She was wary of me, but she walked up to sniff my hand. I gave her some chin scratches, and although cautious, she leaned into it, and soon enough, started purring and flopping around. After that, I felt like we had a bond, and she always stayed sweet with me. Then she got ringworm.

I was so worried this would undo all the trust she’d built, especially since the treatment (weeks of sulfur dipping) isn’t easy for any cat. But Neblina was so resilient. She stayed sweet through it all, and after the treatment, she picked up right where she left off.

What stands out to me most about Neblina’s story is how much progress she made despite everything she went through. She remained a quieter cat who preferred her safe zone, but it was wonderful to see how much she’d opened up. I worried the ringworm treatment might make her shut down again, but she came out on the other side just as curious and sweet as ever. Watching her grow into a more confident version of herself will always be one of my favorite memories.

Neblina found comfort and safety at Cat Town. Photo by David Yeung.

KRISTIN’s PicK: KENSHI

Kenshi in his foster home.

Kenshi is a special kind of warrior — hence why I named him after a blind Mortal Kombat character! I met him at the shelter when one of their vet techs told me about him. He came to the shelter at 10 years old with very bad eyes that they deemed were non-functional and painful, so they removed them. The shelter sent him to one of their to  foster homes to while recover, but the foster noticed that he didn't like their other cats and seemed unhappy there, so he went back to the shelter.

Kenshi loving the adopted life.

I’m so glad the shelter’s vet staff put him on my radar — Kenshi is a very sweet boy who loved getting pets from everyone! I found him a wonderful foster (with no other cats in their home) who helped him get acclimated, and very shortly after that, we knew he was ready for adoption.

The next part warms my heart so much. The very first person interested in Kenshi had adopted from us twice before — both times they fell for senior cats with some medical issues (who had passed away by this point). They came to an adoption meeting with Kenshi and fell in love immediately. I know he is with a loving, caring, special person and living his best life.

Kenshi’s story shows how patience and the right match can change everything. Although he faced challenges early on, his sweet personality always shined through, and the care he received gave him the space to heal and grow. Then, when the perfect adopter who understood and valued Kenshi’s unique journey came along, everything clicked into place. Now he’s thriving in a home where he’s not only loved but also deeply appreciated for who he is!

JULIE’S PicK: SHRIMP & TUNA

Tiny Shrimp and Tuna love to play!

When Tuna and Shrimp arrived at Cat Town’s Pet Food Express adoption space, they were just two months old — so tiny, so adorable, and such charmers! I was still a new volunteer at the time, and these two were the first kittens to really steal my heart.

Shrimp and Tuna at Pet Food Express.

I had two or three shifts a week, and the siblings were with us for a couple of months, so I had the joy of watching them grow from tiny kittens into small cats. It was amazing to see their personalities emerge: their quirks, their likes and dislikes, and all the funny little things they did that made them them. They were obsessed with playing, so much so that everyone commented on it. They could tumble, leap, chase, and pounce non-stop for hours before starting to slow down. Then, they would curl up together for a quick nap, or find a lap to purr on, before diving into playtime again.

Theese kittens adored playing with volunteers.

The two kittens weren’t adopted as quickly as we hoped. They faced the common challenge of being older black kittens, and adopters who may have been put off by their wild energy didn’t get a chance to see their softer sides. But Cat Town‘s volunteers and staff gave them all the time, love, and exposure they needed to find their perfect match, and after two months in our care, they found a home with adopters who were happy to welcome the brother-sister duo’s energy.

Tuna and Shrimp will always have a special place in my heart. They taught me so much about kittens, cat care, and the joy of helping cats thrive. What started as volunteering — helping kittens that deserved all the extra time, patience, and love — led me to join Cat Town as a Cat Care Attendant later that year. I’ll always be grateful for the role these kittens played in shaping my road to Cat Town.

Bill’s PICK: Miramar & Morro Bay

Miramar and Morro Bay bonded while recovering from ringworm together. Photo by David Yeung.

The instant these cats got adopted, I knew I wanted to make them my picks for this blog series because I love them so much! Morro Bay is hilarious — the goofiest boy who ever lived, he was always trying to climb up stuff in the worst way possible. Miramar is simply the prettiest girl who ever lived.

Morro Bay.

Miramar.

When the two started showing symptoms of Ringworm, a contagious rash like athlete’s foot, they became roommates during treatment. Between quarantine, lime sulfur baths, testing, and careful cleaning, ringworm can be a logistical nightmare that can take weeks or even months to eradicate; I feel incredibly grateful Cat Town has the space and resources to help cats through challenges like this. 

Miramar and Morro Bay always found each other in the open Cat Zone. Photo by David Yeung.

What began as a marriage of convenience for their treatment turned into a deep friendship. They comforted each other after their baths, even helping to clean the lime sulfur off each other’s fur. By the end of the treatment, they were inseparable. Then, we moved them from their own studio to the big Cat Zone. They played and got along well with the other cats, but even with 10+ cat roommates, they always found their way back to each other, snuggling in the same cubby or playing together throughout the day. They also got more and more comfortable asking for attention, with Morro Bay using his squeaky little voice to ask for pets, and Miramar strutting up to lean on people she met.

They waited months for their adopters to find them, but when they did, it was worth the wait. On adoption day, we placed Morro in his carrier first, and Miramar immediately draped herself over it, as if to say, “Don’t leave without me!” They settled in beautifully in their new home, chasing and playing with each other, and, as always, finding each other to curl up and take naps together throughout the day.

When we get cats like Miramar and Morro Bay, who had so much to overcome, they instantly claim a piece of my heart. I’m so happy we could help them overcome every obstacle in their way.

Morro Bay and Miramar snuggling in their new home!

Want to read more of these stories? Here’s Part One in this blog series!

Cover photo by David Yeung.

Who Did You Save This Year (Part 1)

When our team looks back at this year’s adoptions so far, we recognize the impact you’ve made on each of the 399 cats who found support at Cat Town. From overlooked fearful cats to shy and misunderstood seniors, each cat’s journey to adoption was made possible because of your generosity and support.

Every success started with you in our corner, giving us the time, resources, and belief that these cats can be celebrated and deserve a second chance. Each life transformed is a story of trust and growth, and none of this would have happened without you making sure that these cats didn’t just find homes — they found safety, care, and whole-hearted belonging. 

Here’s what your support made possible this year:

• 179 cats in bonded pairs could stay beside their best friends

• 152 sick and injured cats got the treatments they needed, from surgery and diagnostics to medications and dental care

• 103 stressed and overlooked adult cats felt a sense of safety to let their personalities shine

• 72 senior cats found peaceful comfort in their golden years

• 64 black cats could put their winning personalities front and center

• 35 especially at-risk cats found the support they needed to continue thriving in their new homes thanks to our volunteer Case Managers

• 25 fearful and hissy kittens grew braver, and learned to trust people for the first time

• 11 cats with FIV overcame the stigma of their diagnoses and found loving and safe homes.

Because of you, these cats are more than just numbers — they’re the lives you’ve transformed. Here are just a few of the incredible adoptions you helped make possible this year.

GENEVIEVE’S PICK: KissKiss

I’ve met thousands of cats in my years working and volunteering in animal welfare. Early on, I thought I’d remember each and every one, and though I realized my brain wouldn’t hold that much information, I knew KissKiss would be unforgettable.

KissKiss in her foster home. Photo by David Yeung.

In late 2022, the beautiful calico was found as a 15-year-old stray limping on the street. She was diagnosed with arthritis, hyperthyroidism, a heart murmur, high blood pressure, and possible cancerous masses. She maintained a regal demeanor as befitting such a beautiful lady, capturing hearts among Cat Town’s staff and volunteers. We found a loving foster home for her, and made her available for adoption as a hospice cat. Her fosters kept up with her medication, and our Cat Care Coordinator, Belle, made monthly visits to check KissKiss’s blood pressure.

KissKiss in her loving home.

After more than a year, former Cat Town adopter Marsha, who had adopted another hospice cat named Marilyn Monroe, asked to meet KissKiss. I had a strong feeling it would work out. Marsha was looking for another senior female cat to share her love with, and when she met KissKiss, she fell in love. Holiday travel delayed the adoption, so KissKiss stayed with me over the holidays, and I took her to Marsha’s home in January. From the moment she stepped out of her carrier, KissKiss was clearly at home, cuddling Marsha and bringing a tear or two to my eye. 

We didn’t know how long she’d have, and recently, Marsha shared that after a brief illness, KissKiss had passed away. She made it to 17, with her last 9 months of her life filled with love and care from the human she chose as hers. Sad, yes, but clearly a story of joy and hope. Part of our commitment when we adopt an animal companion is knowing we will likely outlive them. Adopting a hospice cat isn’t for everyone, but it’s deeply rewarding as you make every wonderful moment count. I’m proud to work for an organization like Cat Town for giving cats like KissKiss a second chance, and opening opportunities for adopters to make a profound difference in their lives.

KissKiss. Photo by Erica Danger.

KRISTINE’s PicK: Benny

Benny still finding his footing. Photo by David Yeung.

Benny arrived at Cat Town on Valentine’s Day, just a few weeks after I started this job. He stood out to me because most of the cats I’d met here were either confident, happily seeking affection, or shy, fearful, and avoidant of people altogether. Benny was something in between.

Benny playing at Cat Town. Photo by David Yeung.

Benny transferred from Cat Garden Rescue because the sweet boy was too terrified during adoption events to attract adopters. When he first got here, he would mostly hide and vigilantly observe his surroundings. Occasionally, he’d venture out cautiously, but sudden movements and loud sounds would send him back to his safe space. After a couple of weeks, he was still easily startled, but recovered quickly, showing a resilience and courage I couldn’t help but admire. I remember calling his name and seeing him emerge from his pillow cave purring, then scurry back when something clattered nearby. But after a little coaxing, and despite some hesitation, he reemerged almost immediately, purring and seeking affection again. What a brave boy.

Benny’s story is classic Cat Town: a shy, fearful cat finds the trust and courage to let his personality shine and bond with humans. But what makes this story special is how our team made sure Benny went home with the best companion for him. As he gained confidence, Benny became friends with every cat, moving comfortably among the shy, spicy, and social. He needed a home with a cat buddy, and was about to be adopted with a kitten when our team noticed he had a particularly special bond with a new arrival named Skillet. Our Lead Cat Care Attendant, Bill, noted, “I’ve seen Benny play with a lot of cats, but not like this.” We shared footage of Benny and Skillet playing and cohabitating, and the adopter agreed to adopt them together.

Seeing Benny and Skillet (now Jet) thriving in their home together shows the dedication and insight of Cat Town’s volunteers and staff, who not only supported Benny’s growth, but also saw beyond just any pairing to find the perfect friend for him — a gift we strive to give hundreds of cats like him. Special thanks to Genevieve, our Adoption Coordinator, for kindly informing an overly eager new employee who wanted to adopt Benny (me) that no, my 3-month-old pitbull puppy wouldn’t fit the bill as Benny’s “cat buddy.” 

Benny found his confidence at our Adoption Center!

QUINN’S PicK: Lucy & Ethel

When Lucy and Ethel arrived at Cat Town in 2018, they were Forgotten Kittens still learning how to trust people. I remember watching them evolve over months from girls who tried their hardest to hide, making themselves small, into cats who weren't afraid to take up space, be seen, and be touched. Their adopter was ready to take on a challenge, and worked with the girls to continue building their confidence in their home. 

Lucy at the Adoption Center, before the two headed to a foster home. Photo by David Yeung.

Five years later, their adopter's life became too overwhelming for them to keep the girls, so Lucy and Ethel came back to us. They needed help with matting in their long fur, and needed support overcoming some new litter box habits. Thankfully, their foster was incredibly patient and understanding about their accidents and worked with us, trusting that a simple approach could fix a stressful problem. With a veterinary screening to rule our medical causes for litter box avoidance, a sanitary shave, and our gold standard for a litter box setup (unscented clay litter and an uncovered box in a low traffic area of the home), the two were soon back on track. 

The love they'd received in their previous home made the transition to life in a foster home easier for them, and after just a few months, their foster made it official and adopted them. Once again, they were part of a family. Now Lucy and Ethel greet guests at the door with a raised tail. Lucy cuddles and sleeps on the bed, and Ethel loves perching on her cat tree. 

Ethel in her foster home.

I loved this adoption because so many cats get surrendered to shelters due to litter box avoidance, yet Lucy and Ethel prove it can be a truly simple fix. So many people feel guilt over returning a pet, yet their first adopters doing so (even though they were so sad!) meant those girls will be cherished in another good home rather than simply surviving. I love that Lucy and Ethel got a second chance at life full of love back when they were terrified kittens because Cat Town helps scared cats thrive, and a third chance when they needed a safety net — because their foster-turned-family stepped up. I love that this adoption was a kind response to challenging circumstances, and that everyone worked together to look out for these girls, no matter how hard it felt in the moment. To me, the compassion and consideration that went into helping Lucy and Ethel — and the people who love them — is Cat Town's standard for each cat in our care. That makes me feel really proud.

ARIELLE’S PICK: ROSA & BERGER

When I first met Rosa on my volunteer shift at the city shelter, she had a scratched up face, one broken and one missing tooth, and was covered in scabies, lice, and ringworm — the last of which meant that at the shelter, her best option was a life as a working outdoor cat. Even though she had come in as a stray, this little cat LOVED human affection, rewarding volunteer visits with instantaneous purrs and overzealous head butts.

I had been wanting to try fostering cats with ringworm through Cat Town for some time, so I decided to create a quarantine space for her in my apartment to give her a chance at living a comfortable indoor life. With the support of my knowledgeable coworkers, I was able to tough out 6 weeks of twice weekly dipping, deep cleaning, and medicating.

Rosa on quarantine in Arielle’s bathroom for her ringworm recovery.

I did my best to make sure Rosa had enough attention while quarantined in my bathroom and gave her plenty of solo play toys and food puzzles while I was away, but I still worried when she got lonely and cried for more attention at night. I found comfort in imagining her meeting all the other cats at Cat Town, soaking up all the natural light she could want. When Rosa could finally join the rest of the rambunctious young cats in the cat zone, I was excited for her to have all the fun in the world, but also nervous her lack of social skills would get her into trouble. 

As it happened, she did have trouble reading the other cats and respecting their boundaries. Now that she could really run, she would speed after toys; barrelling right into the other cats. Fortunately at Cat Town she had all the time she would need to adjust, and eventually young Berger moved to the cat zone. Over time, he and Rosa spent more and more time together, and eventually they became inseparable; always occupying the same window bed in the afternoons. 

Rosa. Photo by David Yeung.

Berger. Photo by Teresa Wood.

When I first met Rosa, it was all I could ever hope that she would eventually be able to spend her evenings curled up on the couch with a human companion. For her to have also found a feline best friend for life makes me feel immensely grateful to Cat Town for affording her that opportunity. It was one she could have so easily missed out on just for being unlucky enough to have gotten a ringworm infection while trying to survive outside. I’m grateful that Cat Town has a space where cats who may have missed out on a comfortable kittenhood can learn to safely navigate new relationships, human and feline alike. And I’m also grateful for all the instances I got to see of her playing with guests and volunteers, and of course her BFF Berger! Just living their best life! I hope they continue to be the happiest, healthiest of cats with their new family.

Rosa and friend. Photo by Teresa Wood.

Cover photo by David Yeung.

Celebrating 10 Years

LaPawz was just one of the cats who got adopted this year. Photo by David Yeung.

In October 2014, Cat Town made history by opening America’s first cat cafe, right here in Oakland. We launched this adoption center with a big dream and radical vision: to help older, shy, and sick cats have their chance at adoption, and prove that cats least likely to be adopted could find a home with the right support. In our first year of operating, we saved 467 cats — more cats than in our previous three years of work combined.

As the country’s first cat cafe, we were learning as we went. Our passionate volunteers helped lead much of our work, from creating new procedures and roles to mopping the floors. Our small core staff worked tirelessly to do everything else — all so we could create a community space where cats, who had so often been invisible to the public, could stand front and center. We had a big dream, and thankfully, our vision was shared by many people like you.

A decade later, we’ve helped transform what’s possible for shelter cats in our community, rehoming high-risk cats with our cat-first facilities, rehabilitation programs, adoption services, and most importantly, with your support.

Because you supported our dream, we’ve:

Found loving homes for over 3,500 cats — many who would have been considered “unadoptable” when our work began, and continue to be at risk to this day.

Provided a cage-free environment where shy cats feel relaxed while connecting with nearly 10,000 guests and potential adopters every year, doubling the number of cats we could help in foster care alone.

Launched our Forgotten Kitten Project, making strides in socializing older kittens who missed early human contact, setting them up for happier futures.

Leveraged our low-stress environment to launch a new pilot program, Feral or Fearful, that can let us quickly identify the best path forward for cats who present mixed signals in a caged setting.

Shared the lessons we’ve learned in helping high-risk cats find homes with more than 80 apprentices from more than 30 states.

Welcomed Souvenir Coffee as our new cafe partner, celebrating their grand opening on our anniversary weekend, October 24-27th, to bring more guests and supporters into our space and mission.

Our impact is possible because of compassionate supporters like you — people believe in the spirit and worthiness of every cat. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary as America’s first cat cafe, we invite you to help us lay the foundation for another decade of helping thousands more cats find a place to call home. 

You can help us celebrate this milestone, and give thousands more cats the second chance they deserve, by making a donation today!

Cat Town on our opening weekend, 10 years ago.

P.S. Right now, our adoption center is supporting cats with extreme medical needs — including Davis, Alabama, and Goose. It’s helping shy cats, like Orchid and Butterfly, find courage. It’s a place where cats like Paddington and Gentle Ben, who were so stressed they were once thought to be feral, can relax and play. Community support for the past decade has given these cats a future they can look forward to!

Goose in his favorite place: a lap. Photo by Nicole Dial.

Cover photo by David Yeung.