New York City is a place where everyone—and every cat—has a story. Few know that better than Peggy Gavan, an animal historian whose passion for the city’s feline legacy turned into an unexpected career.
Gavan, who runs the blog Hatching Cat of Gotham, had already amassed hundreds of stories about cats in NYC history when Rutgers University Press approached her to write books on the subject. Her expertise soon caught the attention of CheddarTV, which featured her in a 2023 documentary about the cats of Old New York. That’s when she met Dan Rimada, founder of Bodega Cats of New York—and an unusual idea took shape.
“A week after the documentary aired, Dan emailed me saying, ‘I’d love to do a cat-themed walking tour, but this is your wheelhouse,’” Gavan recalls. “I couldn’t believe it—I’d gotten my tour guide license right before COVID and never used it. The timing was perfect.”
From Idea to Reality: A Whisker Away from Success
The duo quickly joined forces, combining Gavan’s historical knowledge with Rimada’s logistical savvy. Within a week, they launched Cats About Town (CAT) Walking Tours, complete with a website and press release. By August, their tours were selling out.
“We clicked instantly,” Gavan says. “Dan handles the tech and scheduling; I bring the stories. People love it—I wear cat ears, and strangers stop to take pictures. It’s been way more successful than we imagined.”
With plans to hire more guides and expand offerings, the pair now runs two tours—with a third launching this year—each blending history, whimsy, and the occasional real-life cat sighting.
Brooklyn to Manhattan: A Tail of Two Tours
Brooklyn Heights: A two-hour, two-mile loop from Royal Whitman Park to Brooklyn Borough Hall, featuring skyline views and an optional stop at the Brooklyn Cat Café. (“My favorite,” Gavan admits.)
Financial District: A stroll from Trinity Church to City Hall Park, peppered with tales of feline heroics—like the cat that allegedly saved Brooklyn Borough Hall from burning down.
Coming Soon: A Lower East Side tour, with a potential partnership at Meow Parlor.
Though Gavan jokes that spotting actual cats is rare (“I’ve only had two sightings!”), she rewards lucky guests with a free ticket. “Brooklynites, keep your shades open!” she laughs.
History with a Side of Whiskers
Gavan’s approach—light on dates, heavy on charm—resonates with visitors. “No other tour will tell you about a cat saving a building,” she says. “People share photos of their own pets, and suddenly, strangers bond over cat stories. It’s magic.”
With tours paused for winter, Gavan and Rimada are prepping for spring. “We’re just getting started,” she says. “New York’s cats—and their fans—have way more stories to tell.”
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