Experience the Joy of Room 8 Surrounded by Cats with a Special Event on Sunday, Nov. 16, 6:30pm
Learn the joyous story about how a cat in 1950s adopted a school in Elysian Heights for 16 years, becoming an international sensation long before the internet and the rise of social influencers. Arriving at the school in 1952, the gray and white tabby walked in to Room 8 – and in true cat fashion – claimed the sixth-grade classroom as his own.
Documentarian Scott Mabbutt will screen his film “Room 8” inside the Pasadena cat lounge followed by a Q&A with Brenda Rees, author of a new book, “Room 8: a Cat in the Classroom, Photographing L.A.’s Most Famous Feline” (2025). The book features never-before-seen images from photographer Richard Hewett whose photos of the students and the cat were published in Look Magazine in 1962.
Elysian Heights Elementary School alumni are invited to the screening to share their memories of studying alongside their feline mascot.
The screening and Q+A is set for Sunday, November 16 at 6:30pm, tickets are $10 per person and reservations are required as space is limited. Ages 6+. Room 8 books and merchandise will be available for sale.
Enjoy the event celebrating Room 8 surrounded by cats!
Note: Please do not wear perfume, cologne or other fragrances into our lounge. Cats and human volunteers are sensitive!
Calendar Listing:
Celebrating A Cat Named Room 8: Documentary Screening, Book Discussion, 6:30pm, Tail Town Cat Café, 1780 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Enjoy a screening of documentary “Room 8” followed by a discussion of a new book that chronicles the life of L.A.’s most famous cat, Room 8, who lived at Elysian Heights Elementary for more than 16 years. Event takes place in lounge surrounded by cats. $10, reservations required. www.tailtowncats.com/events
About Tail Town Cats
Tail Town Cats operates the Tail Town Cat Café and Adoption Center in Pasadena, Calif., and over the past three years Tail Town has adopted out more than 500 rescued felines.
Tail Town, a partner of Kitten Rescue, offers a chill experience for those looking to adopt or a fun place for cat lovers to relax and socialize. The women-owned and operated facility provides adoption-ready cats with an open, 2,000 square foot space where up to 40 cats can roam freely as well as a playful home for cats to interact with potential adopters, those looking for a kitty fix for cat cuddling or seeking a great spot to work remotely.
Tail Town offers regular visiting hours, fun afterhours activities and opportunities for cat-themed corporate, gallery, private parties and events. All things Tail Town are at www.tailtowncats.com.