Meet Desert Paws Cat Cafe: Felines and Froyo Downtown
Published 1 November 2026
Alamogordo is getting its first cat cafe. Desert Paws Cat Cafe, at 906 New York Avenue downtown, pairs adoptable rescue cats with self-serve frozen yogurt, and owner Tonia Finocchiaro told me they're planning to open around November 18. You heard it here first.
I stopped by during the cafe's Halloween open house on Saturday, October 31, toured the space and sat down with Tonia to talk about cats, frozen yogurt and why she chose downtown.
Who is behind Desert Paws Cat Cafe?
Desert Paws is run by Abilities in Action Foundation, which does business as Desert Paws Cat Cafe. Tonia calls the cafe her fun project. By day she's a behavior analyst at Behavior Learning Tree, which she and her family also own, where they work with kids with autism.
Tonia grew up in Alamogordo. She moved away with her husband while he served in the Army and came back after he retired. While she was driving down every couple of months to help care for her mom and grandma, she kept finding herself drawn to downtown. A building for lease on New York Avenue caught her eye, and with the help of a great realtor, she asked whether the owner would sell. “I've always loved downtown,” she told me. “It just seemed like the natural thing to do.”
When does Desert Paws Cat Cafe open?
The target is around November 18, 2026. Tonia shared the date with Discover Alamogordo before announcing it anywhere else. The cafe has its food permit, the staff is hired, and the team is in the middle of training and onboarding. Follow Desert Paws Cat Cafe on Facebook for the official grand opening announcement.
What is a visit to the cat lounge like?
The cat lounge is a cozy room with string lights, comfy chairs, cat trees and a glowing “You had me at MEOW” sign. Visits will be by reservation, in time slots of about an hour.
| How to visit | By reservation, in slots of about an hour |
| Cats at opening | About 8 adoptable cats |
| Guests per slot | About 8 people (larger families can be accommodated) |
| Drinks in the lounge | Yes, coffee and tea are welcome |
| Frozen yogurt in the lounge | No, enjoy it in the lobby before or after your visit |
| Where | 906 New York Avenue, downtown Alamogordo |
Tonia plans to start with about eight cats and about eight guests at a time, so the room stays calm for both the people and the cats. If you come with a larger family, they'll make room for you.
Can you adopt a cat at Desert Paws?
Yes, through Kitty City. Desert Paws is partnering with Kitty City, a local cat rescue, and houses Kitty City's adoptable cats in the lounge. If you fall in love with one, you apply through Kitty City's normal application and approval process. While that's pending, your cat stays at Desert Paws. Once Kitty City gives final approval, they'll contact you, and you'll pick up your new cat right at the cafe.
Looking for other ways to adopt, foster or help local animals? See our guide to animal rescue in Alamogordo.
What's on the menu?
The lobby, which is separate from the cat lounge, has self-serve frozen yogurt with six flavors and a toppings bar. You'll also find a do-it-yourself coffee bar with creamers and flavored syrups, plus tea. Coffee and tea can come with you into the cat lounge; frozen yogurt stays in the lobby.
Not ready to book a lounge visit? You can stop in for frozen yogurt and watch the cats through the big glass window. A cat run with cat trees goes right up to the glass, so you can see them playing from the lobby.
Why does Desert Paws hire people with disabilities?
It's part of the mission. Abilities in Action Foundation was created to provide jobs and learning opportunities for adults with disabilities, rescue animals and bring the community together.
For Tonia, this is personal. Her son, who is high-functioning autistic, will be working at the cafe. She also hopes some of the older kids she works with can gain real work experience there as part of their programs. Once the cafe is up and running, she plans to hire more people with disabilities and help them build everyday job skills, like showing up on time, communicating with customers and working as a team.
What does this mean for downtown Alamogordo?
Desert Paws is one more reason to spend an afternoon downtown on New York Avenue, where the MainStreet blocks have been filling with new shops and events. A cat cafe is a fun, easy outing for families, a sweet date spot and a great place for new neighbors to meet people. For anyone moving here, especially military families who just arrived at Holloman, a small business like this shows the hometown feel of our downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Desert Paws Cat Cafe?
Desert Paws Cat Cafe is at 906 New York Avenue in downtown Alamogordo. It's on the MainStreet blocks of New York Avenue.
When does Desert Paws Cat Cafe open?
The owner is planning to open around November 18, 2026. Watch the cafe's Facebook page for the official grand opening announcement.
Do you need a reservation to see the cats?
Yes, visits to the cat lounge will be by reservation, in time slots of about an hour. You can stop in for frozen yogurt and watch the cats through the window without one.
Can you adopt a cat at Desert Paws Cat Cafe?
Yes, the cats belong to Kitty City, a local rescue, and adoptions go through Kitty City's application and approval process. Once you're approved, you pick up your cat at the cafe.
Does Desert Paws Cat Cafe serve food?
The cafe serves self-serve frozen yogurt with six flavors and a toppings bar, plus a do-it-yourself coffee and tea bar. Coffee and tea can go into the cat lounge, but frozen yogurt stays in the lobby.
Details come from Discover Alamogordo's interview with owner Tonia Finocchiaro on October 31, 2026, and the cafe's Facebook page. The opening date, visit times and menu may change, so check Desert Paws Cat Cafe's Facebook page before you go.