Beloved LA Bookstore Cat Retires After Decades of Service

Kitty Meow's retirement party draws hundreds of loyal customers to celebrate the feline's legacy.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:39am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a bookstore interior, with blurred shapes and pools of warm, soft light evoking a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.The retirement of Blue Cypress Books' longtime feline mascot Kitty Meow marks the end of an era for the beloved New Orleans bookstore.New Orleans Today

After nearly two decades as the beloved mascot and resident cat at Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans' Carrollton neighborhood, the store's feline employee Kitty Meow is retiring. Hundreds of loyal customers gathered at a daylong retirement party to celebrate Kitty Meow's legacy, sipping brandy milk punch and sharing stories about the cat's impact on the local community.

Why it matters

Bookstores, especially independent local shops, often build strong community connections by embracing quirky traditions and events that go beyond just selling books. Kitty Meow's long tenure as Blue Cypress Books' resident cat is emblematic of how these stores cultivate loyal followings through unique experiences that bring customers together.

The details

Blue Cypress Books has maintained a tradition of having a resident cat for decades, with Kitty Meow serving as the latest feline employee. The store is known for hosting a variety of "weird events" that cater to its eclectic customer base, helping it thrive in a challenging retail environment for independent bookshops.

  • Kitty Meow has worked at Blue Cypress Books for nearly two decades.
  • The retirement party for Kitty Meow was held on a Saturday in late January 2026.

The players

Blue Cypress Books

An independent bookstore located in the Carrollton neighborhood of New Orleans that has maintained a tradition of having a resident cat for decades.

Kitty Meow

The beloved feline mascot and employee of Blue Cypress Books who is retiring after nearly two decades of service at the store.

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What they’re saying

“Kitty Meow has been the heart and soul of this bookstore for as long as I can remember. We're going to miss having her greet customers every day.”

— Jillian Dupre, Longtime Blue Cypress Books customer

The takeaway

Blue Cypress Books' successful embrace of community-building events and traditions like its resident cat mascot demonstrates how independent bookstores can thrive by fostering loyal local followings through unique experiences that go beyond just selling books.