Pasadena’s Tail Town Cats has slated Jan. 17 to reopen its popular Tail Town Cat Café following the promising containment of the Eaton Fire. The 2,000-square-foot facility features a relaxing space to get away from the stress of the past week, interact with 30-40 adoptable cats, enjoy filtered air and make new feline friends.

Located on the border of Altadena and Pasadena, Tail Town survived the massive fire that started Jan. 7.  As the fire gained size, the cat café’s staff and volunteers immediately evacuated the 30+ resident cats to foster families in areas outside fire zones. Although substantial destruction occurred in the blocks around Tail Town, the cat café was spared damage.

“Studies have found that petting cats for even 10 minutes decreases stress, and we’re grateful that we can reopen to provide a place where the community can come in, breathe easy and take a few minutes to take their mind off of the events with new kitty friends,” said Gwendolyn Mathers, acting executive director of Tail Town Cats. “Tail Town Cat Café has been very lucky and survived the Eaton Fire, and we’re ready to provide cat fans with a place to relax as well as potentially join us to help cats, their families and the entire community that has been displaced as a result of this horrific event.”

As part of its overall recovery efforts, Tail Town has launched two activities to help the community and organization. As the largest nonprofit cat café in Southern California, all donations are tax deductible.

Tail Town is asking the public to join in supporting pets in need across affected communities by donating pet supplies. Items include: bottled water, cat food, litter, blankets, eye rinse, medical tape and gauze. A complete list is posted on Tail Town’s Instagram feed. Donations can be dropped in person between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1780 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. 

Those displaced by the Eaton Fire needing cat food and supplies can contact Tail Town Cats via @tailtown.cats on Instagram or at info@tailtowncats.com.

The second initiative is an Eaton fire recovery campaign that will directly help Tail Town Cats replace lost revenue, cover operational and evacuation expenses, as well as help the cat café’s cleanup activities. There are multiple ways to support:

• A donation of any amount through the TailTownCats.com site (click the “Donate” button).
• Purchase a gift card or monthly membership for yourself, family or friends.
• Purchase original artwork from Tail Town’s art exhibits online, as well as merchandise onsite.
• Purchase essential cleaning, air filter and canned cat food products for onsite cat café use through Tail Town’s wishlists on Amazon and Chewy, as well as locally at Glendale’s Off the Leash.
  

Tail Town Cat Café opened in 2021 to welcome guests from Southern California to socialize with rescue cats, promote adoptions and support animal rescue. The facility provides cats with an open space where up to 40 cats can roam freely. It’s an enriching and playful home for cats to interact with potential adopters, those looking for a kitty fix for cat cuddling or a great spot to work remotely.

Tail Town is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays — and has weekend adoptions events in the lobby and after-hours events where visitors do a fun activity surrounded by cats. The location also hosts art exhibits and private parties in the cat lounge. All things Tail Town are at www.tailtowncats.com and the cat café can be followed on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for the cutest cats and latest information.