Cat Traumatized After Meowtropolitan Break-In

Back on May 2, the Meowtropolitan Cat Cafe located at 1225 N 45th St near the intersection of Stone Way and 45th was broken into by a masked intruder during the nighttime hours. Fox News covered the story, and we’ve embedded it below. Although they reported the basic facts, they failed to interview the only witness: Penguin, one of the cafe’s resident cats. We’ve got that angle covered for you.

Wallyhood: How did you first notice something was amiss?

Penguin: I’m a cat of habit. I have a route that I patrol every night here at the cafe, and sometimes I even take a spin on the cat wheel although I know that disturbs some of the other residents. I get that.

Anyway, I was walking my route when I heard a strange noise. Us cats have very good hearing, you see, and I could tell the noise was coming from over by the door where the litter boxes are. I ran over there in case some food or cat treats where to suddenly become available. But there was just a strange human coming through the door.

Wallyhood: And then what happened?

Penguin: Well, first I looked at his hands to see if there were any treats in them. But he obviously did not come prepared because he had no treats, no cat food of any kind. I know, right? Anyways, I got a really good look at his shoes, and if I ever see those shoes again, I’ll be like, “That’s the guy! That’s the guy who threatened the litter boxes!” When he saw how disappointed I was that he had no cat treats (Really, man? none? You come into my home and you don’t bring anything to share??) he knew he better go. So he turned around and left. And that’s when I saw an opportunity and a new world beyond that open door, so I scooted right through it. And the door closed behind me. And there I was — in the hallway! Where no cat has gone before. Certainly no penguin!

Wallyhood: How did you spend the night after the door closed? How long were you locked out?

Penguin: Let me tell you, it’s a bleak world beyond that door. First of all, it’s not all that interesting. There’s a hallway, and then another door. But here’s the crazy part: there’s no water bowls, no food bowls and no litter boxes! Fortunately, I was rescued after just a short time. But I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same cat again.

Wallyhood: Fox News came by to report on the story. How was the interview for you?

Penguin: I’m sure most people think of cats as being kind, loving, loyal and all that good stuff. However, the fact of the matter is that we can be moody and mercurial at times. I enjoy running through tunnels and playing on the cat wheel, and the reporter wanted to film me doing those things. But the moment you ask a cat to do these things or try to tempt us with treats, that’s when we have to put our paw down and say, “Sorry. Not happening.” So I guess it was a bit of struggle for her.

I don’t get her fixation on the owner. She kept asking the dude, “Where did the guy come in? What did he do? Why did he leave?” And the dude was explaining. But he was just speculating. He wasn’t here. I was here. Ask me! I kept rubbing up against the lady’s legs and saying, “I was here! I’m a witness! Look down! Look down!” But … nuthin’.

Wallyhood: What are your plans in case something like this happens again?

Penguin: I’ve gotten together with Django, Clouds, Mateo and some of my other feline friends here, and yes, we’ve made some security plans which I’m not at liberty to discuss. But I would like to remind people that we cats have very sharp claws and I’m told that human ankles are very sensitive. I think I’ve said enough. Anyway, I want to take another turn on the cat wheel, so are we done here? And leave the treats before you go.

[Meowtropolitan opened in 2015 with the mission of “placing cats in need into nurturing homes, working with cat rescues and shelters, and providing resources to organizations dedicated to improving the lives of cats.” Book a visit with the cats.]