Saturday 17 August 2024

THE BEST PLACES FOR CAT LOVERS IN LOS ANGELES

Bailey the Lion | Photo: LA Kings
The special relationship between cats and humans is as old as civilization and stretches back more than 9,500 years. Cats have figured in the history of many nations, were worshiped as gods, and continue to be a favorite subject of artists and writers.

Cat lovers in Los Angeles will discover that their feline friends are everywhere in the city. From kitty adoption centers to close encounters with big cats, read on for the best cat places in LA to visit on International Cat Day (August 8), National Cat Day (October 29), or right meow!

1) BAILEY THE LION - LA KINGS

1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90015
213-742-7216
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The official mascot of the LA Kings, Bailey the Lion wears number 72 "because it's always 72 degrees in Los Angeles." Originally introduced in 2007, Bailey has cheered on the Kings through their first two Stanley Cup championships. Bailey is named in honor of Garnet "Ace" Bailey, the team's Director of Pro Scouting, who was aboard United Airlines Flight 175 on 9/11. Ace Bailey's legacy is honored through his namesake's work with the community and the nonprofit Kings Care Foundation.

Fans can request Bailey for their events - the 30-minute appearance includes a meet & greet and photo ops.
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2) BELLABOT - KOURAKU

314 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles 90012
213-687-4972
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Opened in 1976, Little Tokyo's Kouraku is renowned as the first ramen restaurant in the U.S. The late Hiroshi Yamauchi, who took over Kouraku in 1986, attracted a late night crowd with Japanese comfort food like Tenshin Chahan Ankake - a shrimp omelette on pork fried rice with gravy.

Kouraku's current hours aren't really for the night owls - stop by for lunch or dinner, admire the vintage Japanese posters, and order favorites like Kouraku Special Ramen and Katsudon from the adorable BellaBot. When the kitty robot delivers your order, she instructs you to be careful when you pick up the dishes from her trays. So kawaii and thoughtful!
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3) THE BLACK CAT

3909 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90029
323-661-6369
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The Black Cat in Silver Lake is a warm and inviting bar with attentive staff, handsome design, good food and cocktails. But The Black Cat is much more than a bustling neighborhood tavern. The Stonewall Inn in New York is widely regarded as the flashpoint that gave rise to LGBTQ pride. However, the original Black Cat was the site of a peaceful demonstration that took place on Feb. 11, 1967 - two and a half years before the 1969 Stonewall riots. A plaque mounted on the exterior of The Black Cat declares it as "the site of the first documented LGBT civil rights demonstration in the nation." In 2008, the City of Los Angeles recognized The Black Cat as Historic Cultural Monument No. 939. The demonstration that’s commemorated by the plaque stemmed from police raids that took place on New Year’s Eve 1967 at The Black Cat and other gay bars in the area.
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4) CATCAFE LOUNGE

1736 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90025
323-645-9113
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Located on Sepulveda Boulevard in West LA, the nonprofit CatCafe Lounge is a cat lover's "purradise." All of CatCafe Lounge's cats are rescued by their rescue partner, Kitten Rescue. Every cat at the cafe is spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

At any given time, up to 30 adoptable feline residents enjoy natural light, lots of vertical space options, creative solutions for scratching, plenty of nooks and crannies for napping, and toys for simulated hunting and chasing.

The tax-deductible $35 donation includes access to the indoor Cat and Kitten Lounges; and the outdoor Catio (not covered) for an hour, plus a free freshly brewed coffee or tea. Ages 7 and up. Guests 7-11 years old must be accompanied by a chaperone over the age of 18. Private parties are available.
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Bangers & Mash with mushy peas at The Cat & Fiddle | Photo: @thecatandfiddle, Instagram

The Cat & Fiddle was originally opened in 1982 by London native, Kim Gardner and his New Orleanian wife, Paula. A bassist and integral part of the British Rock invasion of the 1960s and '70s, Gardner played in bands such as Quiet Melon (with Rod Stewart) and The Birds (with Ron Wood). Music eventually brought him to Hollywood, where he opened a British pub in Laurel Canyon "because there wasn't one." The small nook was Gardner's personal playground and became a favorite watering hole for the entertainment industry. In 1985, the Cat moved into a larger location on Sunset Boulevard that featured one of the best patios in LA and counted Morrissey among the regulars.

After closing in December 2014, the beloved pub moved once again and reopened in June 2017 at the former Mud Tavern space on Highland Avenue. The latest incarnation of the Cat is more intimate than its previous location, but long-time patrons will appreciate the dog-friendly garden patio. Kim passed away in 2001, and today Paula and their three daughters run the Cat & Fiddle with the same welcoming spirit. The menu features British staples such as Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, Homemade Savoury Pies, and Traditional Sunday Roast. The Cat offers an extensive selection of craft, imported and domestic beers, wines and fresh signature cocktails.
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