Cats About Town: Historical Brooklyn Heights for Cat Lovers

Janes Walk

Led By Peggy Gavan, Cats About Town NYC Walking Tours for Cat Lovers

Brooklyn Heights is known for its charming streets and stunning skyline views—but behind those brownstones are stories of brave, quirky, and unforgettable cats. This 2-mile walking tour dives into the 19th-century feline folklore of the neighborhood, weaving together tales of all kinds of cats with the history Brooklyn Heights, aka, America’s first suburb.

As we stroll along the quiet streets and the popular Brooklyn Promenade, you’ll learn about a cat who crossed the Brooklyn Bridge before it opened, a cat who brought good luck to the workers of the Joralemon Street subway tunnel, a tabby who was rescued by Henry Ward Beecher of the Plymouth Church, the cats who lived in Walt Whitman’s home, a blind cat who prevented Brooklyn Borough Hall from burning down, and more!
Guests should wear walking shoes and bring their water and curiosity.

This walk is sold out, but the waitlist is open.

Accessibility

This guided walking tour will be just under 2 miles and is wheelchair-accessible. I will be wearing a speaker device to amplify my voice. The tour's starting point is just south of the A/C train (High Street), and there are several subway options near Brooklyn Borough Hall at the tour's end. Public restrooms are located at the halfway point on the Brooklyn Promenade.

Location Information

RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

guided

Friday, May 2, 2025
1:00 PM
90 minutes

Borough: Brooklyn
Theme: Art & Architecture, History & Culture
Language: English
Townhouses on Remsen Street, near my apartment on Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights. Remsen Street was one of the premier streets in the area, at least in the 1960s. Photo: Roger W. Modifications: cropped.