There is no better combination of cuddly and killer than at the Catty Shack Ranch. The nonprofit serves as a rescue for various kinds of cats — from tigers, leopards and lions to native species like bobcats. The ranch provides a few different options for tours and events for guests wanting to check out these ferocious felines up close. It’s the nighttime tour, however, when the real excitement starts.
Arriving at dusk at the Catty Shack Ranch, the facility strikes you as a true, low-key Florida gem. Treat yourself to some hot chocolate and sit down to view a 10-minute introduction video to the ranch’s mission. Surrounded by donated leopard-print spandex, apparel and a few second-hand Jacksonville Jaguars memorabilia for sale, the introduction to Catty Shack Ranch won’t knock you off your feet. It will, however, make you appreciative of the authenticity and charm of the nonprofit, which is largely embodied by its earnest staff of cat-loving volunteers.
Advice to newcomers; when the tour starts, stick close to your tour guide. Not only do they have the best cat facts, but they also get the most attention.
From the second guests cross the threshold of the ranch’s inner sanctum, the big cats take notice, especially for their favorite volunteer guides (yes, they do have favorites). The proximity is no joke at the Catty Shack Ranch, making the experience something vastly different than a trip to the zoo and far, far, more intimidating. Seeing a wild cat up close and being able to see it see you — is bound to make any veteran of nature in awe. These cats really are big.
Between visitors and the cats is a chain link fence, which at moments can feel a little insubstantial. Fear not, however, the volunteers assure that there has never been more than a scratch on anyone working there — although whether that is reassuring is debatable.
After a short walkthrough with your guide, prepare for the madness — it’s feeding time.
Once playful and charismatic, these cats turn into stone cold killers for raw chicken. Eyes turn into orbs of reflective light and sleek bodies turn into rippling muscles of pure death. That alone, however, won’t cause an average guest to take a step back. It’s the feral explosion of noise they make that will drive a stake of primordial fear into even the bravest of hearts. Feeding time roars cause the hair to stand up on your arms and make you feel like you’re sitting in an armchair during an ad for a Japanese stereo system. They are by far the most memorable part of the experience.
The best part about a trip to the Catty Shack Ranch is that not only is it an incredibly impressive and original experience, every ticket sale goes to the feeding and care of these extraordinary animals, who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn. Additionally, for the first time ever, the sanctuary will be decorating for the Christmas season, hosting the first ever Catty Claws Christmas. Expect light displays, live music, occasional food truck nights, hot chocolate, s'mores pit, Mrs. Claws Night Before Christmas reading and Santa Claus visit. Visit cattyshack.org for more information.
