Fall in Nashville means football, cooler weather and beautiful changing leaves. College students in Nashville are extra fortunate to be stuck with never-ending midterms before and after fall break and the weekly diagnosis of Sunday Scaries ™. For those who need a break off campus, what could be better than petting a cat? Even better — how about petting 20 cats at once?
Just outside Opry Mills, across the highway from campus, lives The Catio, a cat lounge home to over 80 feline friends available for adoption or just afternoon cuddles. The Catio features two separate rooms to interact with the cats — the main room and the calm room.
The calm room houses senior cats, those with disabilities and furry friends who get overwhelmed with noise and extra movement. Residents of the calm room include 14-year-old Maggie, a beautiful gal with black fur. Gigi, a younger resident at three years old, has a short tail but makes up for it with her large and outgoing personality.
When we entered the main room, we were immediately drawn to an orange and white kitten named Mango. She was very playful but also let both of us hold her like a baby as she drifted off to sleep. With every step we took, we ran into a new cat. From long-haired tabbys to short-haired black kittens, The Catio had no shortage of cuteness.
At Catio, it’s recommended to book a time slot in advance. You can choose between the main room and the calm room, with each priced at $15 per hour per person. Though we were initially drawn to The Catio for the craft, food and adoption event with a waived entrance fee in late September, we will certainly be back on an average Saturday morning — especially as midterm season returns in full swing.
As young adults living in Nashville, we have incredible access to the wide range of activities and entertainment that a bustling city like Music City offers. As Vanderbilt students, it’s important to remember to prioritize novelty and self-care over studies every now and again.