The 5 Best Places for Cat Lovers in Los Angeles

The Black Cat | Photo: OpenTable

Los Angeles may be famous for Hollywood, beaches, theme parks and sunshine, but there is another side to the city that will appeal to travellers with a passion for cats.

From historic venues and a larger-than-life lion mascot to a futuristic robotic cat waiter and places supporting feline rescue, Los Angeles offers some wonderfully unexpected experiences for cat lovers.

Whether you are visiting California for International Cat Day on 8 August, National Cat Day on 29 October, or simply because you cannot resist a cat-themed stop on your travels, these five Los Angeles experiences are worth adding to an itinerary.

1) The Black Cat: A Historic Silver Lake Landmark

In the Silver Lake neighbourhood, The Black Cat combines dining, drinks and local history in a venue with an important place in Los Angeles history.

Located on Sunset Boulevard, the venue occupies the site of the original Black Cat bar, which became the focus of a significant LGBTQ+ civil rights demonstration in February 1967.

The peaceful protest followed police raids at The Black Cat and other gay bars in the surrounding area on New Year's Eve. The demonstration is commemorated by a plaque on the building, which identifies the location as the site of what is described as the first documented LGBTQ+ civil rights demonstration in the United States.

In 2008, the City of Los Angeles designated The Black Cat as Historic-Cultural Monument No. 939.

Today, visitors can experience the modern venue while discovering an important chapter in Los Angeles social history.

For travellers interested in combining food, nightlife, architecture and history, The Black Cat provides considerably more than a cat-inspired name.

Address: 3909 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029, USA
Phone: +1 323 661 6369
Website: www.theblackcatla.com

2) Bailey the Lion: Meet the LA Kings' Feline Mascot

Bailey the Lion | Photo: LA Kings

Cat lovers who prefer their cats considerably larger will find a famous feline at the home of the Los Angeles Kings.

Bailey the Lion is the official mascot of the National Hockey League's LA Kings and has been entertaining 

hockey fans since his introduction in 2007.

Named in honour of Garnet "Ace" Bailey, the Kings' former Director of Pro Scouting, Bailey has become a familiar figure at games and community events.

His jersey number, 72, is a playful reference to the commonly associated Los Angeles temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bailey is more than an entertaining mascot. Through appearances and community activities, he is also connected with the Kings Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the LA Kings.

Visitors attending an LA Kings game at Crypto.com Arena can keep an eye out for Bailey, while organisations can also request mascot appearances for eligible events.

For sports-loving cat enthusiasts, it is an entertaining way to experience one of Los Angeles' best-known professional sports teams.

Address: 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Phone: +1 213 742 7216
Website: www.cryptoarena.com
LA Kings mascot information: www.nhl.com/kings/fans/bailey

3) BellaBot at Kouraku: When Your Ramen Comes with a Robot Cat

BellaBot | Photo: Kouraku

Little Tokyo provides another surprising experience for cat lovers at Kouraku, a long-established Japanese restaurant known for its ramen and Japanese comfort food.

Kouraku opened in 1976 and has developed a reputation as a Little Tokyo institution. The restaurant has also been described as the first ramen restaurant in the United States.

But the feline attraction here is not a living cat.

BellaBot is a robotic cat waiter that delivers meals to customers on her trays before politely reminding diners to collect their dishes.

The combination of Japanese dining, vintage atmosphere and robot technology makes Kouraku an unusual stop for visitors exploring Little Tokyo.

For travellers fascinated by Japanese popular culture and technology, BellaBot provides a memorable twist on the traditional restaurant experience.

Address: 314 East 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Phone: +1 213 687 4972
Website: www.kourakula.com

4) Catnip Coalition: Shopping That Helps Cats

In Burbank, Catnip Coalition offers a different kind of feline experience.

The vintage shopping destination brings together independent vendors, with a portion of proceeds supporting cat rescue partners.

The concept combines vintage shopping with a mission to assist cats in need, making it an appealing stop for visitors who enjoy discovering independent businesses while supporting animal welfare.

Cats at the venue can also be part of the experience, with adoptable cats having previously roamed through the vintage marketplace. The resident shop cats, Franklin and Nigel, have already found their permanent homes.

For visitors who enjoy vintage treasures, independent retailers and animal rescue, Catnip Coalition provides an opportunity to shop with a purpose.

Address: 3412 1/2 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
Website: www.catnipcoalition.com

5) Crumbs & Whiskers: Spend Time with Rescue Cats

For travellers wanting a more traditional cat experience, Crumbs & Whiskers on Melrose Avenue offers the opportunity to spend time around cats in a dedicated cat café environment.

The Los Angeles location was created from founder Kanchan Singh's goal of helping shelter cats find permanent homes.

The café works with local rescue organisations and provides a temporary home for cats waiting to be adopted.

Rather than simply visiting a café decorated with pictures of cats, guests can spend time in an environment where real rescue cats are the stars.

Crumbs & Whiskers Los Angeles

The experience is particularly appealing to travellers who would like to support animal welfare while enjoying time with feline companions.

Advance reservations are recommended, and visitors should check the current booking requirements, age restrictions, session lengths and prices before visiting, as these details can change.

Address: 7924 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Website: www.crumbsandwhiskers.com/cat-cafe-losangeles

A Different Way to Explore Los Angeles

These five destinations demonstrate just how varied a cat-themed Los Angeles itinerary can be.

The Black Cat connects visitors with an important chapter of the city's social history. Bailey the Lion brings feline fun to the world of professional hockey. BellaBot combines Japanese dining with robotics, while Catnip Coalition brings together vintage shopping and cat rescue.

Crumbs & Whiskers, meanwhile, provides the opportunity to interact with cats who are looking for permanent homes.

Together, they offer something considerably different from the usual Los Angeles sightseeing itinerary.

Cat Lovers Can Explore Beyond the Famous Attractions

Los Angeles is a sprawling destination, so visitors should allow plenty of time when combining these experiences with the city's better-known attractions.

The Black Cat is in Silver Lake, Catnip Coalition is in nearby Burbank, Kouraku is in Little Tokyo, Crumbs & Whiskers is on Melrose Avenue and Crypto.com Arena is in Downtown Los Angeles.

Their locations make it possible to incorporate feline-inspired experiences into different parts of a Los Angeles holiday rather than treating them as one single excursion.

A cat-themed itinerary can also be combined with neighbourhood dining, shopping, museums, entertainment and the city's many cultural attractions.

A City with Plenty of Cat Character

Los Angeles has always attracted people with distinctive passions, so perhaps it is no surprise that cat lovers can find their own collection of unusual experiences here.

The city's feline attractions range from historic and cultural landmarks to animal rescue initiatives, professional sport and futuristic technology.

For visitors travelling with a love of cats, these locations provide a fun way to discover a different side of Los Angeles.

And while the city may be associated with movie stars, palm trees and Hollywood glamour, its feline residents and characters prove that there is plenty of room in Los Angeles for a little cat magic too.

Plan Your Cat-Loving Los Angeles Adventure

Travellers should check each venue's official website before visiting for the latest opening hours, admission requirements, reservations, menus and event information.

Some experiences, particularly cat cafés and special mascot appearances, may require advance booking or have age and participation restrictions.

With a little planning, cat lovers can create a unique Los Angeles itinerary combining animal welfare, food, history, sport, shopping and entertainment.

Discover Los Angeles

Website: www.discoverlosangeles.com
Address: 800 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 305, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Phone: +1 213 624 7300

Discover Los Angeles provides visitor information, travel inspiration, neighbourhood guides, attractions, dining recommendations and planning resources for visitors to Los Angeles.

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