Culture

Charleston pets: Our reigning cats

We asked readers to send us photos of their Charleston-resident pets. And they delivered.

January 27, 2026 • 
Patrick Sidwell, Elise Steele
An orange tabby cat looking into the camera.

“No cat photos?! Thanks for calling that out to change it. Gizmo is a rare female orange tabby (only 20% are female).” | Photo by Ryan R.

This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for (part two)... We asked CHStoday readers to submit photos of their beloved pets, and you all did not disappoint. After sorting through nearly 100 photos of Charleston-resident dogs and cats, we decided to divide the spotlight to double the celebration.

See our adorable roundup of local ruling + drooling canines. This one’s for the cats.

Put your paws up for...

A black, grey, hairy cat with green eyes and loads of hair looking right into the camera.

“My cute cat Draca. He’s a chocolate Persian and he’s 4 years old.” | Photo by Kathleen R.

A white and orange cat in an ugly Christmas sweater in front of a fire. The sweater is green and red and has baubles, bells, Santa, and a reindeer on it. The cat is looking directly at the camera.

“This is my girl Kacey in her ugly sweater. Shes never hated me more.” | Photo by Erin B.

A grey cat with its head in a bouquet of flowers.

“Here is a picture of my boy, Tucker.” | Photo by Kirby C.

A side by side of two photos of two cats. The one on the left is black and white with a red bowtie, and the one on the right is orange and white with a red bowtie. They are both looking right in the camera in almost identical poses.

“Brutus (gray and white) and King Henry (orange and white). Both rescues and the sweetest little boys!” | Photo by Julie B.L.

Two cats in a cat bed. Both are black and white. They are in front of a Christmas tree.

“Here are Lucy and Maggie, our rescue cats, making the purr-fect holiday photo.” | Photo by Jen P.

A grey/black cat in a tree looking through the branches.

“This is Boo Skitty Kitty.” | Photo by Merrick E.

A cat sleeping. It is white orange and black.

“Lucy is a little love bucket.” | Photo by Sally D.

A photo of a black cat up close sitting under a Christmas tree.

“Rosie is no longer with us, but we remember her with love. She loved to sit under the Christmas tree!” | Photo by Cooper J.

Looking to adopt?

If you made it this far, you’re clearly an animal lover — and we love that for you.

If you’re looking for a new pet, there are plenty of cats, dogs, and other furry friends in need of a home at Charleston Animal Society.

More from CHStoday
CHS-Rivayat lambchops .png
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Charleston
Dining in the Holy City is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
January 26, 2026
 · 
Callie Putnam
A guy over a grill cooking. He is wearing black gloves, sunglasses, a hat, and is cutting into the meat on the grill.
Food
What to order at Charleston’s James Beard-nominated restaurants
The Holy City got its annual, unsurprising foodie recognition from the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Let’s take a closer look.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
The front of Hominy Grill, with the restaurant's name written on a window in front. There are people visible inside through the glass window, and the outside is painted white.
Small Business
Mailbag: Shuttered Charleston restaurants you miss
You shared some local businesses that stole your heart before they closed their doors for good.
January 21, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Screen Shot 2021-01-15 at 12.19.13 PM
History
Martin Luther King Jr.’s ties to South Carolina
Honor the civil rights leader’s legacy by learning about his connection to the Palmetto State.
January 15, 2026
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
A photo of the old Hominy Grill in Charleston, which is now closed down. Its red walls have an iconic blue painting on the side advertising the business, with cars parked outside and treet hanging overhead.
Culture
A quick look at life in Charleston in 2016
The latest nostalgic trend has people looking back at photos from a decade ago. What was Charleston like?
January 14, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A person in mid-air hitting a table tennis ball in a large gymnasium. Onlookers are watching, and the blue table is in the middle of the room on a basketball court.
Sports
Is table tennis having a moment? Try it for yourself in Charleston
Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town.
January 13, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A photo of a sourdough loaf taken from above. We are looking down on the golden brown loaf which sits on a piece of branded Baguette Magic paper on a wooden table.
Food
Join the sourdough revolution in Charleston
The bread type is more popular than ever. We’re here to help you find the best loves in the Holy City, or to start making your own.
January 12, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A doodle sat on a wooden pier by a lake. It is a marshy lake with classic Lowcontry foliage surrounding it.
Culture
Charleston pets: Paws up for the pups
We asked readers to send us photos of their Charleston-resident pets, and they delivered. Here’s our roundup of Holy City pups.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
CHS_167_Lawson Builder.png
Food
Charleston is hungry for Restaurant Week South Carolina 2026
Dozens of local eateries are taking part, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on the Lowcountry’s best deals.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An up-close photo of a Huguenot torte.
Food
Treat yourself to a Charleston-inspired Girl Scout Cookie
Different cities and regions have plenty of localized menu items. Now it’s time for cookies to join the fray.
January 6, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell