By Jill Hedgecock, photos by Diane Walsh
At first glance, the Cat Lounge, which is changing its name to The Cat Chillin’ Zone (CCZ), in Martinez is in the business of saving the lives of senior cats. Since they opened their doors in January 2024, they have found homes for fifteen cats. But CCZ is not a typical animal rescue organization. This Harry Potter-themed space contains comfortable couches where patrons can relax while cats curl onto their laps. Harry Potter books are available in the on-site library and each cat is sorted into a house (Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor or Slytherin).
CCZ is the brainchild of Leona Patterson, who wanted to create a place to save cat’s lives while bringing the community together. Besides providing an opportunity to play with cats, they organize many activities to bring animal lovers together. These include a face-painting event every Wednesday, children’s birthday parties, karaoke, and trivia nights. Their pasta feed with Alan Skverksy, an executive chef of Wolf Gang Puck, on June 2nd was a huge fundraising success, and they plan to make this an annual event.
CCZ has about twenty-five cats available for adoption. Bonded pair, Prince (8 years) and Reeses (11 years), are still in search of their forever homes. They are fast friends and must be adopted together. Both cats are absolute sweethearts. Prince was rubbing against my legs within minutes of my entering the facility. While there has been a lot of interest in adopting only Prince, Reeses has a benign mass on his face and, although he gets around fine, his front legs are a little wonky (he walks on his elbows). CCZ invites you to come down and meet these two special felines.
Visitations are scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 11 am and 8 pm. Drop-ins welcome, but appointments are encouraged. They are located at 532 Center Avenue in Martinez. Admission is $20/hour for adults, $15/hour for military/seniors 62+ and children are free (must be accompanied by an adult, no infants or toddlers).
For those not wanting to adopt, CCZ is looking for volunteers to donate two hours of time once a week. People are needed to transport the cats to the vet, help with routine care and office tasks. They also have an Amazon wish list on their website, and an on-site gift shop, where you can get a copy of Patterson’s book, “Whiskers and Wisdom”.
CCZ was voted second best non-profit in Martinez by the Martinez community. As a 501c3 non-profit, they rely on the generosity of adoring cat-a-holics and animal lovers to save as many senior cats as possible from euthanasia. To learn more, visit www.catloungemartinez.com/.
Jill Hedgecock is a local author of several novels featuring animals. Her newest release “In Shadow’s Reflection” is the third novel in her Doberman series.