It’s a calm and uneventful 50-minute drive up to the Cat Haven in the Sierra foothills in Dunlap, on the way to Sequoia National Forest. For visitors, the Cat Haven is a mini-zoo displaying about ten species of wild cats, including species most of us don’t get to see very often. Unlike a zoo, though, the Cat Haven is a fairly quiet and intimate setting. You get pretty close to the cages (don’t get too close), and the only way to see the cats is on a short tour with one of the knowledgeable caretakers. You’ll learn about the cats as individuals (their names, habits, and personalities) in addition to learning about what’s happening with their species in other parts of the world.

For the people working there, the Cat Haven is an important sister organization to Project Survival, a non-profit founded in 1997. The organization uses grants and donations to fund wildcat conservation and research projects all over the world. The Cat Haven serves as a grass-roots effort to educate and involve visitors in Project Survival’s efforts.

The tour starts in the visitor’s center, and tours will begin within about half an hour of your arrival. The tour starts by showing pictures and talking about the various projects underway for Project Survival. Then, the tour guide takes you on a short walk to see the wild cats on site, which include clouded leopards, jaguars, caracals, jaguarundis, and tigers. There’s something striking about seeing the cats in this type of setting, so even though there are few species on site, you feel like you get to know each of them a bit better.

Although the walk is fairly short, it is sloped in spots and the pavement can be rough, so wear decent shoes. The path is pretty open, so wear sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, et cetera. Take some water with you. There’s a small picnic area that’s perfect for a pre- or post-tour snack (bring your food with you). Don’t forget your camera!

General admission is $8.50 per person. Admission for seniors (62+) is $7.25, admission for children aged five to twelve is $5.50, and children four and under enter free.

The Cat Haven’s summer hours (May 1-September 30) are 10am-5pm, Wednesdays through Mondays (closed on Tuesdays). The last tour leaves at 4pm. The tours lasts about one hour and begins, as I’ve said, within half an hour of your arrival at the visitor’s center/gift shop. Since the cats are most active in the morning, you’re better off getting there for one of the earlier tours.
We took a 6-year old family member, and she really got into it and asked questions, so it’s a great place to take kids. The Cat Haven was a lovely way for all of us to spend a few hours of the day.

The Cat Haven is located at 38257 E. Kings Canyon Rd. in Dunlap. For more information, call 559.338.3216 or visit their website (www.cathaven.com).