Cat Tales Wildlife Center in Spokane, Washington, is not your typical zoo. Founded in 1990, this small nonprofit serves as a sanctuary for over 100 non-releasable animals, including lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, and more. Known as the closest thing to a zoo in the inland Northwest, Cat Tales provides lifelong care to wildlife that has been rescued from euthanasia, abandonment, or private owners. Operated with limited staff and resources, the center thrives on the dedication of volunteers, students, and community support, offering educational programs and hands-on experience for aspiring zookeepers. Through determination and compassion, Cat Tales continues to make a lasting impact on both animals and people.
Read MoreIt’s Feeding Time
Nutritious Animal Diets Our sanctuary is home to a variety of species, each with its own unique dietary needs. Here’s a glimpse into the types of food we prepare: Carnivores: Animals like our tigers and bobcats enjoy a meat-rich diet. Feast Components & Routine Serving Proportions & Adjustments On average, every big cat is served…
Read MoreVisiting Cat Tales in the Winter
Experience the enchanting world of Cat Tales in the winter, where the brisk air and snowy landscapes reveal the vibrant lives of our animal inhabitants like never before. Our sanctuary, home to a remarkable array of wildlife, becomes a bustling hub of activity in the colder months, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all…
Read MorePreparing for Winter: Ensuring Comfort and Safety
Winter Readiness for Our Animal Residents Winter transforms Cat Tales into a magical landscape where our staff, students, interns, and volunteers ensure every resident has a safe and comfortable season. As temperatures drop, our team makes meticulous preparations to guarantee our beloved inhabitants have the necessary resources. Addressing Unique Needs: How We Care for Each…
Read MoreAudio Tour
Learn about the Cat Tales Wildlife from the convenience of your computer or smart phone. It’s a wonderful addition to your walk about the Center while visiting the animals. Each stop tells the story of the different species you’ll see, along with myths and fun facts. https://youraudiotour.com/tours/4568/
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
We have tried to cover the most frequently asked questions – though we get many others. Use the comment box to ask your relevant questions and we will try to answer them for you as we have time.
Read MoreVideo Tour
This tour is designed for school aged children & is informative for all ages. This video was filmed a few years ago for the public library and does not reflect current improvements or changes in the animals and/or their exhibits.
Read MoreOverwintering Gray Squirrels
Cat Tales is the new home for a handful of gray squirrels that were orphaned in the late summer. The young squirrels were rehabbed at Washington State University (WSU) Wildlife Society and will spend the winter growing in their outdoor nest boxes located in our pine trees. Gray squirrels are native to this particular area…
Read MoreVisiting in the Winter
Winter is the best time to see cold weather animals at their most active. Many of the animals that call Cat Tales home are our native species including cougars, bobcats, lynx, red fox, coyote, wolfdogs, and black bears. Our Siberian Tigers enjoy the winter weather. (They are native to Siberia, after all…) All our other…
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