Meowtown

MeowTown Cat Cafe, located at 301 W. Elm Street in Alton, Illinois, is the city's first cat cafe, opened on December 15, 2023, by founders Kristine and Marc Ressler and their daughter Lily, inspired by a visit to another cat cafe. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners with the Metro East Humane Society to offer a cuddle-worthy experience with adoptable cats, all spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, in a cozy lounge where visitors can enjoy freshly baked cookies and shop cat-themed merchandise. Sessions are $9 and can be booked online or taken as walk-ins if space permits, with all proceeds supporting the cats' care and the facility. MeowTown fosters adoptions through a thorough process including applications and interviews, creating a welcoming community space in the Metro-East region of Greater St. Louis where smiles and purrs abound.