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.

Our adorable roundup of local ruling + drooling canines was a hit — this one’s for the feisty felines.

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.

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