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The Ultimate Guide to Cats in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is known for its big skies, bold culture, and booming economy — but did you know it’s also a fantastic place to be a cat lover?
From the thousands of cats calling the metroplex home to unique cafés, rescues, and adoption events, the region is full of feline-friendly experiences. It’s also No. 5 on our list of Top Cat Kingdoms, aka the cities that use the most cat litter in the United States.
But before we give you the low down on the cat scene in DFW, let’s first discuss just how many cats could be in the region.
How Many Cats Are in the Dallas–Fort Worth Area?
North Texas is no stranger to cats — both as pets and community cats.
As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, Dallas-Fort Worth and its cat population matches that scale. According to data from Axios, roughly 17% of households in the DFW area own cats — which equates to roughly 483,000 households with at least one feline friend.
Similar to other major cat centers, it’s hard to know just how many community cats (stray and feral) — however all estimates suggest there’s likely tens of thousands of them.
OK – now to the must-see spots in DFW.
Where to See Cats in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Nothing pairs better than caffeine and cats, and DFW has an impressive lineup of cat cafés where you can sip, snack, and snuggle.
There’s the Whiskers & Soda Cat Café, which doubles as an adoption hub, with separate lounges for kittens, adults, and quiet cuddle time. There’s also the Cozy Catfe, which is located in Arlington, TX (between FW and Dallas). As a GiveLitter® café partner, this spot is a must-visit as it could easily have the largest cat café in Texas.
@cozy.catfe Playing with Rue!! #fyp #foryou #atx #arlingtontx #thingstodo #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – the.cozy.catfe
While Dallas–Fort Worth doesn’t have a dedicated cat museum or mural trail (yet!), the culture here is built on community. Adoption events, volunteer opportunities, and rescue partnerships make the region a welcoming space for cat lovers.
Even local shelters have gotten national attention—such as the time Fort Worth organizations helped rehome dozens of cats and dogs airlifted from flood-stricken Central Texas.
What to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth if You Love Cats
Behind DFW’s thriving cat culture is a strong network of rescues and shelters making a real difference. Some of the most impactful include the SPCA of Texas, a GiveLitter® shelter partner and the region’s largest animal welfare agency.
With thousands of adoptions every year, the SPCA of Texas is the longest serving animal welfare agency in North Texas.
Last year alone, the shelter helped 6,928 pets get adopted, and another 10,043 get spayed and neutered. The shelter also has a sweet cat room that is designed to look like a fishbowl.
@spcaoftexas Looks like the start of a pawsome friendship! Come meet Logan 🐶 and find out just how sweet this pup is in person 💜 #adoptdontshop #adoptme #dog #shelterpet #dallas #dfw ♬ gOoD AfTeRnOoN with russell and carl – gabei 💌
Next, just north of Dallas in Carrollton, is another GiveLitter® partner of ours — Operation Kindness.
With almost 200 employees and 3,000 volunteers annually, Operation Kindness is one of the largest support systems for unhoused animals across the state of Texas. The organization also routinely supports a variety of pet adoption programs and initiatives.
These organizations not only provide adoptions but also offer spay/neuter programs, foster opportunities, and community support like pet food pantries.
From the thousands of cats living in DFW households to the warm and inviting cafés and rescues, it’s clear that Dallas–Fort Worth is a city where cats thrive. Whether you want to adopt, volunteer, or simply enjoy a latte with a side of purrs, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with the cat community here.
So next time you’re in the metroplex, take a break from the hustle and bustle—grab a coffee, meet some cats, and experience a softer side of DFW.
Random Facts About Cats & Dallas-Fort Worth
From baseball to a few weird and wonderful facts about cats and DFW that might surprise you — from ghost stories to cat murals and feline mayors:
- Wild Cat Country — In wild North Texas, you’re not just in kitty country—seven wild cat species roam the state, including bobcats and the elusive mountain lion.
- Play Ball — Fort Worth had a minor league team called the “Fort Worth Cats.”
Got any other cool connections between Cats & Dallas-Fort Worth to share?
Leave some in the comments below:
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