Meowtown

MeowTown Cat Cafe, located at 301 W. Elm Street in Alton, Illinois, is the city’s first cat café, opened on December 15, 2023, by founders Kristine and Marc Ressler and their daughter Lily, inspired by a visit to another cat café. 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. Open Wednesday to Sunday with varying hours (typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM), the café charges $9 for 50-minute sessions—bookable online or available for walk-ins if space permits—with all proceeds supporting the cats’ care and the facility. Aiming to benefit both felines and people, MeowTown fosters adoptions through a thorough process including applications and interviews, creating a community space in the Metro-East region of Greater St. Louis where smiles and purrs abound.