Richmond, Virginia, is increasingly recognized as a welcoming city for pet owners. If you’re a cat lover looking to settle down in RVA, you’ll be pleased to know that finding Cat Friendly Apartments and a host of feline-friendly locations is easier than ever. This guide will help you navigate the pet-friendly scene in Richmond, ensuring you and your cat feel right at home.
Discovering Cat Friendly Apartments in Richmond
The first step in making Richmond home with your cat is finding the perfect apartment. Luckily, resources are available to simplify your search for cat friendly apartments.
- Online Pet-Friendly Apartment Finders: Websites specializing in pet-friendly rentals are invaluable. Use search terms like “cat friendly apartments Richmond VA” or “pet-friendly housing Richmond” to start your search. Many platforms allow you to filter by pet type and specify “cats.”
- My Pit Bull is Family: While primarily focused on breed-inclusive housing for dogs, My Pit Bull is Family also lists rental properties with no breed or weight restrictions, which often translates to cat-friendly policies. This national database is a great resource for finding inclusive cat friendly apartments.
- Directly Contacting Landlords and Property Managers: Don’t hesitate to contact apartment complexes or private landlords directly to inquire about their pet policies. Many places that advertise as “pet-friendly” are indeed cat friendly apartments, but it’s always best to confirm specifics like pet fees, breed restrictions (usually less of a concern for cats), and any size or weight limits.
Beyond Your Apartment: Richmond’s Cat-Friendly Hotspots
Richmond isn’t just about cat friendly apartments; it’s a city that embraces pets in many aspects of life. While cats may not join you on as many outings as dogs, knowing the pet-friendly landscape can still enhance your and your feline companion’s life in Richmond.
Shopping Destinations
- Stony Point Fashion Park: This outdoor mall at 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, welcomes well-behaved, leashed pets in its open areas. While cats on leashes might be less common, the pet-friendly atmosphere indicates a general acceptance of animal companions. Enjoy a stroll with your cat in a carrier or stroller as you explore the shops.
Restaurant Patios and Breweries
Richmond’s vibrant patio scene extends its welcome to furry friends. While primarily geared towards dogs, many patios that are dog-friendly are also accommodating to cats in carriers. Always best to call ahead and confirm their current policy, but here are some spots known for their pet-friendly patios:
- Alamo BBQ
- Ardent Craft Ales
- Barrel Thief
- Bottoms Up Pizza
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
- Burger Bach
- Buskey Cider
- Can Can Brasserie
- Casa Del Barco
- Center of the Universe Brewing
- Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream
- En Su Boca
- Espresso-A-Go-Go Coffee Shop in Monroe Park
- Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
- Hobnob
- Home Team Grill
- Ipanema Café
- Ironclad Coffee Roasters
- Isley Brewing Company
- King Of Pops
- Lamplighter
- Palani Drive
- Poe’s Pub
- River City Roll
- The Savory Grain
- Southern Railway Taphouse
- Strangeways Brewery
- Triple Crossing Brewing
- Union Market
Patio Pups is another excellent resource for discovering even more pet-friendly patios in Richmond.
Travel and Hotels
Traveling with your cat? Richmond offers pet-friendly accommodations and transportation options:
- Graduate Richmond: Located at 301 W. Franklin Street, this hotel is known to be pet-friendly. Contact them to inquire about their specific cat policies and any associated fees.
- GRTC Transit System: For getting around Richmond, GRTC welcomes small pets in carriers that fit within your seating space. This makes public transportation a viable option for vet visits or exploring the city with your cat securely contained. Service animals are always permitted.
- Quirk Hotel: Situated at 201 W. Broad Street, Quirk Hotel is pet-friendly and often has special offers for guests traveling with their pets. They typically welcome dogs up to 70 lbs, and it’s worth checking if they have similar policies for cats.
Art Galleries and More
For cultural outings, consider these pet-friendly spots:
- Art Works: Located at 320 Hull Street, this art gallery welcomes pets, offering a unique experience to enjoy art alongside your animal companion (perhaps a cat in a carrier!).
- Quirk Gallery: Another art destination at 207 W. Broad Street, Quirk Gallery is also pet-friendly.
- Farmers Markets: Richmond’s farmers markets like Ashland Farmers Market, South of the James Market in Forest Hill Park, and RVA Big Market in Bryan Park are outdoor spaces where leashed pets are often welcome. Enjoy browsing local produce and goods with your cat in a carrier or stroller.
- Parks: While off-leash dog parks are specifically for canines, Richmond’s general parks, like James River Park System and Pocahontas State Park, can be enjoyed with your cat on a leash or in a carrier. Always keep your cat safely restrained for their safety and the comfort of other park visitors.
Conclusion: Richmond Welcomes You and Your Cat
From cat friendly apartments to a variety of pet-welcoming locations, Richmond, VA, is a great place to call home for cat lovers. By utilizing online resources, contacting landlords directly, and exploring the city’s pet-friendly establishments, you and your feline companion can enjoy a comfortable and enriching life in RVA. Embrace the pet-friendly spirit of Richmond and start planning your purrfect move today!
