We were very sad when we heard that the Cat Museum of San Francisco closed its operations as of 2021, after 11 fruitful years. The museum’s dedication to “exploring the relationship between people and their feline friends” enriched and soothed the lives of so many. So, here we are, with this guide— an ode to cats and the people who love them, everywhere!
Cat Town and RAWR Coffee Bar
The nation’s first “cat cafe” was founded in Oakland in 2014, the outgrowth of an organization dedicated to helping adopt out cats who have trouble getting picked at the local animal shelter—elderly, sick or injured cats who are at danger of being euthanized. Cat Town is a cage-free adoption center where these kitties can roam freely and meet potential adopters. The organization has reportedly helped reduce the euthanasia rate in Oakland by more than 70%. Located within Cat Town, RAWR Coffee Bar offers coffee, vegan treats, cat-themed swag and all-natural cat food and treats. Since the pandemic began, Cat Town’s hours of operation have been reduced to Fridays through Sundays.
KitTea Cafe
San Francisco’s first cat cafe and sanctuary was founded in 2015 in Hayes Valley, but it was forced to close during the pandemic due to the high cost of rent. The community pitched in and helped KitTea relocate to the Mission District in late 2020. Like Cat Town, KitTea rescues hard-to-adopt cats from the local animal shelter and provides them a permanent home or the chance to find an owner. KitTea doesn’t sell food but visitors are welcome to bring in outside food and eat it there. However, they do sell lots of amazing cat swag, and also offer private events, movie nights, and even a “Purrlates” (Pilates with cats) class!
Cheshire Cat Clinic
Cheshire Cat Clinic is a feline-exclusive veterinarian located in the largely residential Glenview neighborhood. As we all know, cats hate traveling and being removed from their home environment, and going to the vet is particularly stressful, on them and their poor owners who have to try and get them into carriers without getting scratched or bitten! Apparently cats are taken to the vet much less often than dogs because it’s so stressful. Cat-only vets help reduce their stress by not forcing them to deal with overly excited dogs in the vet’s waiting room.
First Caturday San Francisco at Dolores Park
First Caturday is an event taking place in different cities that involves cat owners bringing their kitties to the park on the first Saturday of every month. Cats can be brought on a leash or in a stroller or carrier. Some may love it out in the open air, others may not be so thrilled.
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