The Cat Petting Museum

About the Museum

Founded in 2010, The Cat Petting Museum is a celebration of cat petting and a resource to the community. Visitors can learn the rich history of cat petting, view historical and contemporary methods of cat petting, and participate in live demonstrations of cat petting techniques.

Hours

Monday – Friday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Caturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Admission

There is no cost to visit the museum, however patrons are strongly encouraged to make a donation to our organization and/or make a deposit into our community food bank.

Patrons who are cats may come and go as they please during all hours the museum is open.

Contact

info@thecatpettingmuseum.org
(612) 555-CATS (2287)

Location

3000 East Proudhon Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55408

a cat receiving pets from a human
two people playing with a cat in a museum

Membership

If you would like to become a sustaining member of The Cat Petting Museum, please contact our Office of Giving. The benefits of membership are many and include:

  • Free subscription to our quarterly newsletter, Purrs, Paws, and Pets.
  • Free access to special events and workshops.
  • A stylish tote bag and car window decal featuring the museum's logo.
  • A complimentary copy of The Cat Petter's Manual, written by Beth Armentrout.

As you can see, the benefits of membership are staggering and manifold. Most importantly, your monthly or quarterly donation helps us to continue the important work that you have come to value and expect.

Support

The Cat Petting Museum is a accepts cash donations at the Admission Desk or directly through our Office of Giving. As a fictitious 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is tax deductible!

We also encourage donations of food, treats, toys, beds/sleeping pads, and cat trees to our community food bank. We are proud to offer this resource to needy cats (and their families) throughout the area.

Visiting Lecturer: Beth Armentrout

Please join us for an exciting and informative talk from the nation's leading cat petter. Beth Armentrout has been petting cats since childhood and is a long-time board member of the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee. She has continuously developed her craft over the years, making valuable contributions to the art of cat petting along the way.

Her influence is evident in all areas of contemporary cat petting, particularly in the field of longhaired breeds. Her specialties are Maine Coons and Ragamuffins, but her love for cats extends to all members of family Felidae. We are fortunate and privileged to host her for an evening that promises laughter, instruction, and poignant insights.

Event Details

When: July 22nd
Where: The Calvin Room (located off the East wing)
Cost: This event is free but seating is limited

a woman cuddling a sleeping cat
a painting of a girl petting a black cat in her arms

The Collection

A common question asked by people unfamiliar with The Cat Petting Museum is, "How do you show the act of petting a cat?". It is understandable that people would ask and we are happy to answer!

The museum's permanent collection is comprised of multimedia pieces from around the world. Painting, photography, sculpture, and video are all employed to convey the richness and variety of cat petting. Each piece has been carefully selected to work in harmony with the others, engage the senses, and spark thoughtful contemplation.

Many of the installations are interactive. We encourage visitors to be active participants. With this in mind, the museum has been built to be accessible to all as well as hypoallergenic.

While many find it hard to choose a favorite, some of the more popular installations include the following:

  • The Cincinnati Sweep
  • The Hyperspace
  • The Rump Shaker
  • The Texas Panhandle
  • The Roundabout
  • Necessary Ruff-ness

Docents and audio tour equipment are on hand for patrons seeking additional insight and information about the cat petting exhibits. (A mandatory donation of $15.00 is required to take advantage of these supplemental resources).

Outreach

We like to think that the work of The Cat Petting Museum is not confined to the space within the building's walls, but rather that it extends out into the communities we serve locally and globally.

Our outreach programs are focused on engaging the people and cats around us, on their terms, wherever they happen to be. Examples include the following:

  • Adoption events
  • Veterinary care assistance and mobile clinics
  • Location assistance (microchipping and lost cat block watches)
  • School visits and youth education
  • Foster family clearinghouse
  • Workshops (such as the ongoing Petting the Difficult Cat)

Check our page regularly to find out more about these programs throughout the year. We hope to see you!

a cat wearing a rescue team vest

The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee

Begun as a way for smaller cats to gain greater recognition in the feline world, the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee (IBKC) has become a strong voice for cats of all sizes. For decades, the IBKC's advocacy for cats has been second to none.

The Cat Petting Museum is a function of the IBKC. Operational funding, special grants, and advice are provided through its museum subcommittee. We are grateful to the IBKC for its generous support over the years.