Reviewed by: Pat Byington
New Gulf Shores cat café aims to blend coffee, community + cat rescue
Reading time: 3 minutes
After 25 years as a teacher, Tanya Best is channeling her retirement energy into a longtime dream: The Salty Whisker Cat Café.
Tanya is opening the Gulf Shores café alongside her daughter, Lilly, who will manage the space. Lilly has worked in the bar and food service industry since she was 16, starting at Docs Seafood.
“I decided to put all of my ‘retirement energy’ toward this dream in the city I ADORE.”
Tanya Best, owner and founder, The Salty Whisker Cat Café
The idea for a beach-themed cat café started in Seattle
Lilly came up with the café’s beach-themed name and designed its logo, Tanya said. The whole concept traces back eight years, when Tanya and Lilly visited a cat café in Seattle while visiting a friend and got hooked on the idea.
Since then, the two have pictured a space where people can slow down with coffee or wine, spend time with cats and connect with neighbors.
“If we can create a fun experience for people while also giving adoptable cats a comfortable place to be seen, loved and ultimately find homes, then we’re doing something really special!”
Tanya Best, owner and founder, The Salty Whisker Cat Café
The Salty Whisker to partner with the Baldwin County Humane Society
The café will bring in adoptable cats through a partnership with the Baldwin County Humane Society, giving the animals visibility in hopes of finding permanent homes. Because health department rules prevent food prep on-site, the café’s menu will focus on coffee mocktails along with wine and beer.
Community response has exceeded expectations
Tanya says the reaction since announcing the café has surprised her.
“The response has honestly been incredible… beyond what we expected. It has made us realize that people aren’t just excited about a cat café—they’re excited about the rescue and community side of what we’re creating, too.”
Tanya Best, owner and founder, The Salty Whisker Cat Café
People have reached out wanting to know an opening date, volunteer or simply share how much the concept was needed in Gulf Shores.
When will The Salty Whisker open?
The café is still working through construction and permitting, and Tanya is holding off on a firm date until she’s confident it will stick.
The team is targeting a fall opening and plans to share updates as the timeline firms up.
The Salty Whisker Cat Café: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Address: 241 East 20th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36526
Hours: TBA — opening this fall
