Do I need to be an experienced artist to join?

No prior painting experience is needed; Donna Pilkington guides you step-by-step regardless of skill level.

Can I bring any pet, or only cats?

You can bring a photo of any pet, whether dog, cat, or other, to paint during the workshop.

Are pets allowed at The Cat Cafe during the event?

Only the resident adoptable cats are on-site; outside pets are not permitted for health and safety reasons.

Is this event suitable for children?

Yes! Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult due to paint supplies.

How do I support the adoptable cats on-site?

You can donate, adopt, or simply spend time interacting with them, helping increase their chances of finding homes.

What COVID-19 safety measures are in place?

The Cat Cafe follows local health guidelines, including limited seating, sanitized materials, and mask recommendations.

Paint Your Pet at The Cat Cafe in San Diego

Celebrate Mother's Day with a truly one-of-a-kind experience at The Cat Cafe in San Diego! On May 11th, join local artist Donna Pilkington for the Paint Your Pet workshop where you’ll get to capture your furry friend’s charm on canvas. This interactive, creative session is designed for pet lovers and art enthusiasts of all skill levels, making it a fantastic way to spend quality time expressing your creativity. After your painting session, you'll have the chance to meet adorable adoptable cats living at The Cat Cafe, an opportunity to support animal adoption efforts in the community. This special event combines art with compassion, creating lasting memories while contributing to a great cause. Whether you're looking for a unique gift for Mom or simply want to enjoy a relaxing and inspiring afternoon, this private experience is perfect for families, friends, and solo adventurers who want to blend creativity with meaningful connection. Plus, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of art and the joy of knowing you've helped local cats find their forever homes.

About The Cat Cafe

The Cat Cafe in San Diego, California, is a community-focused cat café that pairs specialty coffee with cat adoption and animal welfare programming.

Located in a neighborhood setting, the café operates by appointment-based reserved admission to maintain a calm, low-stress environment for guests and adoptable cats. Guests can enjoy award-winning, locally roasted coffee while interacting with friendly cats housed through partner organizations.

The Cat Cafe hosts signature experiences and events that support adoption and local rescue work. Scheduled experiences include “Paint Your Pet” — a Mother's Day painting session on May 11 led by artist Donna Pilkington that combines art and animal advocacy — and a Five Year Anniversary Party celebrating five years of rehoming efforts. Regular Reserved Admission sessions offer hour-long visits focused on relaxed feline companionship with limited visitors per session.

The business works directly with The Rescue House and the San Diego Humane Society to feature adoptable cats and coordinate adoptions. These partnerships provide medical vetting, behavioral assessments, and adoption support for prospective pet owners. Revenue from events and admissions supports ongoing rescue and adoption initiatives.

The Cat Cafe emphasizes animal welfare, a serene guest experience, and community engagement through workshops, fundraising events, and collaborative adoption drives. Visitors are encouraged to reserve spots in advance for popular events and special sessions. Clear policies, partner vetting, and an appointment system contribute to a trustworthy, professional operation that centers cat care and successful adoptions. The café maintains transparent adoption processes and clear visitor guidelines to always prioritize animal safety.