Located in the beautiful Inland Northwest just north of Spokane, Washington, Cat Tales is a one-of-a-kind, multi-facetted wildlife center with three purposes:

  • Exotic and wild animal rescue, rehab, and retirement
  • Family learning center with out-of-school educational programs
  • Job skill training for the highest standards in zookeeping

Whether you consider us a shelter, a sanctuary, or a zoo, our mission is to provide professional, compassionate care and a secure future for wild/exotic animals needing a second chance.

Our hard-working, energetic family of staff, studentsinterns, and volunteers put their heart, soul, and muscles into caring for the wildlife that calls Cat Tales home.

We pride ourselves in educating and entertaining generations of our region’s families by personalizing and sharing animal stories that inspire.

We are the forever home for small to extra-large felines, including servalsbobcatslynxespumas – aka cougars, mountain lions – Bengal tigers, and Siberian tigers; also foxescoyotes, and wolf/wolfdogs, our big black bears and other small mammals like raccoons.

“When you walk through the gates there’s a magic. You can see in their eyes that they’re loved and they’re cared for. If you listen to their stories, you can hear their message. I don’t want these animals to just be found in an encyclopedia. We are all a part of their legacy and can make a difference.”

Debbie Wyche – Founder

Our Story

We have a history of working for change and expanding our operations quickly and strategically to achieve our mission.

Despite setbacks in income and staffing due to Covid, in the past five years we have taken in 28 animals needing a forever home, and graduated 17 full time students, and provided hands on internship experience for over 25 college students in fields of wildlife biology, veterinary, conservation and beyond through our unique program. Over our 30 year history each of those figures add up to hundreds of animals rescued, thousands of community members educated and inspired, countless amazing staff who have moved on to work at and manage some of the best zoos and animal sanctuaries around the country and the world. 

Today, our passionate team is putting all hands on deck to make a real difference. Learn more about our mission and vision.


What We Do

Our programs, services, and overall approach have the power to improve lives of animals and give the next generation a future they can be excited about. Learn more about our educational programs and guest services.


Our Impact

We are a small facility with a big responsibility. We house, feed and care for over 30 carnivores, and we provide a quality life for the animals in our care.  We receive no local, state or federal funding, —we survive thanks to the donations of time and money from community members and supporters— so guest experience and positive donor interactions are vital to our continued success.  The services provided by Cat Tales Wildlife Center are unique to this region, filling an educational need for humans training for careers and for guests just wanting to learn more about these animals. 


How You Can Help

We’d love to have you as part of our supporter community and work toward our vision of a better world for all. Explore the various ways to get involved, from volunteering and donating to hosting events or workshops.