Help Save Atlanta’s Only Cat Therapy Lounge and Its Beloved Rescue Cats
- Ash Brown
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Atlanta’s only cat therapy lounge, The Frisky Whisker, also known as Whisker Lounge, has been a unique sanctuary for healing and comfort. For years, this haven welcomed over 31,000 visitors who found peace and companionship among 28 rescue cats. Veterans with PTSD, anxious teens, isolated seniors, and grieving families all benefited from the calming presence of these loving cats. Sadly, on July 24, 2025, this vital community resource was forced to close abruptly due to a Stop Work Order issued by the City of Atlanta.
This post shares the story of The Frisky Whisker’s sudden closure, the ongoing struggles faced by the cats and staff, and how the community can help save this irreplaceable sanctuary.
The Healing Power of The Frisky Whisker
The Frisky Whisker was more than just a cat lounge. It was a healing space where people from all walks of life found comfort through animal companionship. The 28 rescue cats were carefully selected and trained to provide therapeutic support. Visitors came seeking relief from anxiety, loneliness, grief, and trauma.
The lounge offered free and low-cost mental health support, making it accessible to many who might otherwise go without help. The cats’ gentle presence helped veterans manage PTSD symptoms, gave anxious teens a safe place to relax, and offered isolated seniors much-needed social interaction. Families coping with loss found solace in the quiet companionship of the cats.
This unique model demonstrated the proven benefits of animal therapy, showing how rescue animals and humans can heal together.
The Sudden Closure and Its Impact
On July 24, 2025, The Frisky Whisker was forced to close after the City of Atlanta issued a Stop Work Order. The inspection that led to this decision happened without any tenant representation. No one from the lounge’s team was present to explain daily operations or provide documentation proving compliance with city regulations.
Despite having a valid business license and proof of submitted documentation, the city demanded a complete resubmission of paperwork. This included new signatures from the landlord and a licensed engineer, delaying reopening indefinitely.
More than 17 weeks later, after mounting legal costs and an eviction deemed unjust by many supporters, the lounge was forced to move out. Since closure, no visitors have been allowed inside, cutting off direct in-person donations that helped fund the cats’ care.
The staff, devoted to the cats’ wellbeing, continue to care for them daily without pay. Yet, critical medical treatments have been postponed due to depleted funds.
Urgent Medical Needs for the Therapy Cats
The 28 therapy cats face several health challenges that require immediate attention. Postponing these treatments risks their wellbeing and the future of the therapy program.
Some of the critical medical care that has been delayed includes:
Echocardiograms for Moomoo (who has cerebellar hypoplasia, a heart murmur, and bladder stones), Korin, Pipi, and Gauda (all with heart murmurs)
Extended blood work for Fibi, who struggles with obesity
Dental cleanings for 16 cats including Betty, Cuddle, Feta, Fibi, Gauda, Gadget, Lila, Miriam, Pearl, Pebbles, Pipa, Pipi, Sydney, Techno, Wilma, and Zoe
Annual exams and vaccinations for all 28 therapy cats to maintain their health and prevent illness
Without these treatments, the cats’ health could deteriorate, threatening the sanctuary’s ability to provide therapy and comfort to the community.
The Community’s Role in Saving The Frisky Whisker
The closure of The Frisky Whisker means Atlanta has lost its only dedicated cat therapy lounge. This loss affects not only the cats but also thousands of people who depended on this safe space for mental health support.
The landlord’s refusal to allow fundraising events on-site has made it harder to raise the funds needed for the cats’ care. Yet, the community’s support remains crucial.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate to trusted fundraising campaigns supporting the cats’ medical care and relocation efforts
Spread awareness by sharing the story with friends, family, and local media
Volunteer time or skills to assist with cat care, legal support, or fundraising initiatives
Advocate with local officials to ensure fair treatment of small businesses and animal sanctuaries
Every action counts toward saving these rescue cats and preserving a vital mental health resource for Atlanta.
Why Animal Therapy Matters
Research shows that animal therapy can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. For people facing mental health challenges, spending time with therapy animals offers comfort and connection that traditional treatments may not provide alone.
The Frisky Whisker’s model of combining rescue cats with therapy services created a win-win situation. The cats received loving homes and care, while visitors gained emotional support. Losing this sanctuary means losing a proven way to help vulnerable populations in Atlanta.
Moving Forward Together
The story of The Frisky Whisker is a call to action. It highlights the challenges small, community-focused businesses face when navigating bureaucratic hurdles and landlord disputes. More importantly, it shows how much the community values the healing power of animal companionship.
By coming together to support the cats and the dedicated staff, Atlanta can help restore this sanctuary. The cats need urgent medical care, and the lounge needs a new home where it can reopen and continue its mission.
If you believe in the power of therapy animals and want to help save The Frisky Whisker, now is the time to act. Your support can make a difference for these rescue cats and the thousands of people who rely on their comfort.
Click Here To Help; https://gofund.me/b465cf816
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