Noah's Ark Pet Center

Noah's Ark Pet Center on Madison's east side is, first and foremost, a community institution — a family-run pet store where free-roaming kittens weave between your ankles as you shop. The store rescues cats from high-volume kill shelters in the south and offers them for adoption, and at any given time you might find 20 or more kittens lounging on shelves, perching on displays, and greeting customers like furry store ambassadors. It's a quirky, slightly cluttered, undeniably charming setup that has earned a loyal following over the years.

While Noah's Ark is primarily known for its cats, the store carries a broad selection of pet supplies — dog food, bird supplies, hamster and rat accessories, treats, and toys — at prices that regulars describe as reasonable. They stock wet kitten food in impressive variety and will special order items they don't have on the shelf. The store also houses a grooming operation, with groomer Kelly earning devoted fans among dog owners who praise her skill and warmth with anxious or older dogs.

The staff tends to be friendly and straightforward, with multiple reviewers noting they appreciate the honest recommendations and lack of upselling. The store also sells small animals like hamsters, rats, and birds, and has historically offered freshwater fish, though it's the cat rescue mission that defines the place. Longtime Madison residents recall shopping here since childhood, and the family ownership gives it a neighborhood feel that big-box pet stores can't replicate.

It's worth noting that some adopters have reported health issues with kittens, so prospective cat parents should plan for a vet visit shortly after adoption. The store's 48-hour return policy has frustrated some customers, and a few reviewers flagged pest concerns in bagged food products. But for many Madison pet owners, the warmth of the staff, the joy of shopping alongside purring kittens, and the store's genuine rescue mission keep them coming back year after year.