Barrett Balzer 
Entering the Meow Town Cafe, located at 1345 Chain Bridge Road in McLean, feels like stepping out of Northern Virginia and into a chic New York City loft, complete with exposed brick walls, Broadway-style seating, skyline “windows,” and, of course, cats. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit cat lounge blends rescue efforts with inclusivity, creating a one-of-a-kind space that supports both adoptable cats and neurodiverse employees. Read on to learn more about the Meow Town nonprofit, its team, and its feline stars.
The Story Behind Meow Town’s Nonprofit
Meow Town’s founder, Whitney Albrittain, was inspired by her daughter, Abby. “Abby has intellectual diabilities and I wanted her to have a meaningful job, where she could connect with people,” Whitney said. The idea began in fall 2024 as a joke between Whitney and a friend. “We just started brainstorming what would be ways that Abby could be more fulfilled, and we came up with the idea of a cat lounge,” Whitney said. “She was sort of kidding, and I took it very seriously.” What started as a casual idea quickly became reality when Whitney signed a lease in McLean and began designing the Manhattan-inspired interior. Interior design is one of Whitney’s hobbies, and she personally brought the New York theme to life throughout the space.
Meow Town operates as its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. To supply adoptable cats, Whitney partnered with Fancy Cats Rescue Team, which is also a nonprofit organization. The lounge held its soft launch on January 16, 2026, intentionally scheduled over a long weekend when many families were off from work and school. Reservations began that day, with guests entering every other hour to experience the space for the first time. In just about one month since opening, Meow Town has already facilitated 20 cat adoptions — an early sign of success for the new nonprofit.
How It Works
At its heart, Meow Town is a workplace designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whitney created the lounge to give Abby — and others like her — a job that fosters confidence, community, and meaningful engagement. Hiring the staff required building the right partnerships. Whitney worked with ServiceSource, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities find employment opportunities. Through this partnership, she was able to build her “Cat Crew.”
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The current Meow Town team consists of 11 employees: two managers and nine neurodiverse members of the Cat Crew. The staff supports daily operations while ensuring the lounge remains welcoming and clean. Meow Town manages its own cleaning standards to maintain the spotless, scent-free environment guests experience. The lounge closes every Tuesday for a full deep clean to maintain the highest sanitation standards for both cats and visitors.
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For Whitney, the impact has already been visible. “She’s engaging so much more with her coworkers, and that’s just been very positive in a short amount of time,” Whitney said of Abby.
For Abby, the experience has been life-changing. “I love this job because it’s safe. If I had a problem, I could always ask my mom or my manager, Kelly,” Abby said. “I just feel really supported.”
Visiting Meow Town
Guests enter through a secure set of double doors designed to keep the cats safely inside. Inside, they’re greeted by friendly staff members and curious cats roaming freely throughout the space. The lounge is spotless and scentless. Cat towers, beds, toys, and scratching posts are integrated into the New York-themed decor. Guests can relax in a Central Park-inspired section with café tables and cat trees, unwind in a cozy apartment-style lounge, or sit in Times Square-themed theater seating. Reservations are encouraged, though walk-ins are accommodated when space allows. Pricing is $25 for 50 minutes, or $60 for four hours of lounge time.
From there, the cats are in charge: literally, one cat was sitting at the front desk welcoming us for our visit. There are various seating options for humans, and it’s up to the cats to decide how to interact with the visitors. Some might be sleeping in the many cat beds, while others will want to play with a cat wand or spring toy. You might even be lucky enough to be chosen for a cat’s nap – it’s exhausting being so cute, so naturally a warm lap would be very inviting. The staff has treats for you to share with the cats (an abundant supply of Churus), and there are snacks and beverages for the humans to enjoy as well.
Each cat’s bio is printed in a Playbill-style program — because every cat is a Broadway star in their own right. TFG Tip: Don’t miss the cats-in-the-bath themed wallpaper in the restroom. The cats enjoy daily treats, dry shampoo baths, and constant attention from both staff and guests.
In addition to 50 minutes of feline-filled bliss, Meow Town hosts private events including birthday parties, social gatherings, business meetings, and even a spring break camp for kids. Cat yoga is also in the works.
The Lounge’s Furry Friends
All adoptable cats come through Fancy Cats Rescue. Some arrive locally, while others have traveled great distances, including five cats who came from Saudi Arabia. Whitney and the Fancy Cats team work with Dr. Amanda Smith of Feline Fine Mobile Vet to make sure the cats are in good health and good candidates for the Meow Town setup. New arrivals do not immediately join the main lounge. Each cat first goes through a quarantine period to acclimate to the environment and other cats. Some are already socialized from other lounges, while others need more time to adjust. After several days or weeks, they are introduced to the larger group — what Whitney jokingly refers to as “gen pop.”
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The first cat adopted from Meow Town was Big Sur, and many more have followed. To adopt a cat, visitors must fill out an adoption application directly on the Fancy Cats Rescue website. Fancy Cats then reviews the application and contacts the applicant to continue the adoption process. While guests meet the cats at Meow Town, all adoptions are formally handled through Fancy Cats Rescue.
To learn more about Meow Town or to book a visit, visit its website. To learn more about the adoptable cats and the adoption process, visit the Fancy Cats website.
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