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Halloween Twilight TourBrooklyn Heights · Oct. 24, 25 & 31 at dusk. Dates are limited.See the tour
2 hours
1.5 miles of walking
12 guests max
4.9 Google · 5.0 TripAdvisor

Explore the Neighborhood's Cat History

Lower Manhattan was full of working cats: ship cats, postal cats, office cats, firehouse cats, and civic mascots. This route follows the buildings and streets where those stories happened.

You will hear about P.T. Barnum's strange museum cats, City Hall's Old Tom, the postal cats that protected the mail, and the mousers who worked inside the financial district.

Curated by Peggy Gavan, author of The Cat Men of Gotham, and led by licensed guide DeeAnne Gorman, this is the downtown route for people who like old buildings, odd facts, and stories with real receipts.

Reserve Your Spot

$45 per person

$40 for seniors (65+)

Google and TripAdvisor reviews

Every ticket feeds a rescue cat. We partner with Weruva to donate meals to Bronx Community Cats with every booking.

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4.9 Google5.0 TripAdvisor

What You'll Discover

The Equitable Building

A mouser worked the iconic Equitable Building, keeping watch over finance industry offices in Lower Manhattan.

P.T. Barnum's American Museum

Barnum displayed a "genuine cherry-colored cat" in his museum. Was it real? You'll have to hear the story.

The Post Office

Postal cats were federally employed. Their job: protect the mail from rats. They took it seriously.

City Hall

The cat mascots of City Hall were beloved by civic workers and the public alike. One of them, Old Tom, ruled for 17 years.

Newspaper Row

One newspaper office cat was known as a "merciless editor." The newsboys fiercely protected him.

Foley Square

Tour ends at Foley Square, a short walk from several subway lines.

More stops and stories are included on the route.

Tour Gallery

See the streets, buildings, and old downtown stops behind the Financial District route.

Tour guide holding historical cat photograph during Financial District tour
Guide showing historic library cat photo to tour guests
Tour guide presenting cat history with materials in Financial District
Walking tour group exploring postal cat history in Lower Manhattan

See the streets, buildings, and old downtown stops behind the Financial District route.

What People Are Saying

What people say about our tours

Took the FiDi route and learned so much about the history of NYC and the felines who helped it become what it is today!
A.B.

Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Comfortable walking shoes, water, and an umbrella if rain is expected. You are welcome to bring a camera.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children who can walk for about 2 hours and have an interest in cats and history. The stories are engaging for all ages.
The tour runs in light rain. In severe weather, we will reschedule or refund your booking.
The Financial District tour covers approximately 1.5 miles over 2 hours, with several stops along the way. The pace is leisurely, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The Financial District route uses public sidewalks and has minimal stairs. Please contact us before booking if you have specific mobility concerns.
Yes, if your cat is comfortable with city noise, crowds, and a 1.5-mile walk. Use a secure harness, carrier, or backpack and email us at catsabouttowntour@gmail.com before booking.
Have another question? Contact us

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