The Hatching Cat of Gotham

If you follow my blog, than you are no doubt a cat lover and probably also someone who is interested in New York City history (at least a tiny bit). That is why I am “feline groovy” and thrilled to let you know about my latest venture: Cats About Town (CAT) historical walking tours of Brooklyn and Manhattan!

I have partnered with Dan Rimada of Bodega Cats of New York, a popular community dedicated to celebrating the city’s beloved bodega cats, to bring our followers and other cat fans guided tours for cat lovers. Through our tours, we’ll explore the city’s history and share amazing stories of heroic and hard-working cats of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Launching this August, our first Cats About Town tour will take participants on a captivating journey through Brooklyn Heights, uncovering the hidden stories of the legendary felines of America’s first suburban neighborhood.

Cats About Town Brooklyn Heights Tour Highlights:

• Ned, the Brooklyn Bridge Cat: Learn about the stray cat that bravely crossed the Brooklyn Bridge one month before its official opening, symbolizing the adventurous spirit of NYC’s cats.

• Jerry Fox, the Hero of Borough Hall: Discover the story of Jerry Fox, a 28-year-old blind cat who saved Brooklyn Borough Hall from burning down, showcasing the bravery and intelligence of cats.

• Minnie, the mascot cat of the Hotel St. George: Meet Minnie, the beloved cat of the historic Hotel St. George, who had 160 kittens (some of whom are no doubt the ancestors of today’s cats).

• The Promenade Cat of Brooklyn Heights: Find out how a pampered cat inspired the creation of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a scenic spot enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

• The Cat of Henry Ward Beecher: End the tour with the tale of the cat adopted by the famous preacher of Plymouth Church, adding a unique charm to the church’s history.

• In addition to these fun stories, the tour will provide insightful commentary on the historical significance of each location, making it a perfect blend of feline lore and NYC history.

• Following the tours, guests can spend time at the Brooklyn Cat Café with modern-day felines if they choose to register for this additional event.

This fall, we will be running our Brooklyn Heights tours primarily on weekends (save for Labor Day), but next spring we’ll be adding some Manhattan tours. We will also invite some guest tour guides and speakers, such as Tamar Arslanian, author of Shop Cats of New York, and Robert A. K. Gonyo, a theatre director, actor, voiceover artist, tour guide, and cat man.

Once we’re fully up and running, Cats About Town tours will be offered a few times a week, including weekends and weekdays. (And when I retire from my full-time job, I’ll be doing most of the tours!)

Whether you’re a longtime New Yorker or a visitor to the city, the Cats About Town tour is an experience you won’t want to miss! For updates and more information, be sure to follow us on Instagram and visit our website. You can also share your tour experiences using the hashtag #CatsAboutTownTours and connect with fellow feline history enthusiasts.

Tour Details

• Ticket Prices: Adults $40, Seniors $30
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
• Booking Information: Visit Cats About Town Tours for more details and to book your tour