★★★1/2

Jonathan Napolitano’s endearing and charming Cat Town, USA introduces us to Bruce and Terry Jenkins, the married owners of a Florida-based retirement home for cats.

As founders of the Cats Cradle Foundation, Bruce shares that they receive more requests than they can accommodate, with he and his wife committed to providing a destination for cats who need a place to live out their final days. With their children grown, the couple converted a small-town-style playground on their property into an expansive and safe cat-friendly domain.

Adapted from Napolitano’s 2018 short film, Cats Cradle, the director finds comfort in embedding with the couple, letting viewers witness the kindness and care exhibited towards countless cats given a chance to live their best lives. While the film reaches its capacity at 73 minutes, Cat Town, USA delights you time and again, offering a portrait of compassion and warmth much needed in the world right now.

Bittersweet at times, with Terry acknowledging that she and her husband rarely interact with adults anymore and complications which surface as the couple get older, Napolitano establishes a level of trust with Bruce and Terry that hooks us deeply and emotionally.

Maybe I’m a sucker for cats. Maybe SIFF programmers traditionally select the best cat films around. Cat Town, USA is a heart-warmer and a movie that hits cat lovers right in the feels.