Honoring a Feline Hero: Introducing the Joyce Fae Jacobs Cat Care Fund

This International Cat Day, RubyCats is proud to announce a special new initiative that connects the café’s present to its remarkable past, and helps shape the future of cat care in the Toledo community.

Meet Joyce Fae Jacobs, a woman whose compassion for cats helped make 618 Adams Street a feline haven long before RubyCats opened its doors.

Photos by Toledo Blade: Joyce Jacobs, owner of Camel Bar, in 1988, with one of the dozens of cats who lived at the bar, left, and Tallie Carter at RubyCats

In the 1970s, Joyce owned and operated the Camel Bar, a neighborhood watering hole that locals lovingly called the “cat bar,” thanks to the dozens of stray cats Joyce cared for in and around the building. She fed them, looked after them and created a space where even the most forgotten felines found love. At one point, Joyce estimated she spent $250 a month on cat food (the equivalent of over $650 today).

Joyce’s compassion left a lasting mark on this space. Now, thanks to her grandson, who has generously seeded a new fund, her legacy continues through the Joyce Fae Jacobs Cat Care Fund.

This special fund supports the daily care, medical needs and overall well-being of the cats who now call RubyCats home. Every donation helps improve the lives of adoptable cats in meaningful ways.

“Joyce’s love for animals made this space a feline haven long before we arrived,” said Tallie Carter, Founding Executive Director of RubyCats. “With the blessing of Joyce's family, this fund honors her spirit and helps us continue her mission of care and compassion.”

RubyCats invites the community to be part of this ongoing legacy. Every dollar carries Joyce’s spirit forward, one paw at a time.

Learn more and donate

About RubyCats

RubyCats, which opened in January 2025, is a nonprofit cat café and rescue focused on helping adoptable cats find loving homes while offering a welcoming space for guests to relax, sip coffee, and connect with animals. The nonprofit, volunteer-run organization was founded in 2022 on a mission to help cats in need by creating an environment where all cat lovers can meet up to look for their next family pet, hang out with furry feline friends, or contribute to animal safety.

What is a cat café?

A cat café is a beautiful indoor place where cat lovers can come watch and interact with cats and kittens. Many of the cats are adoptable, but you do not have to intend to adopt to visit. Timed tickets are required to visit.

How to Support

RubyCats invites the community to support its mission by contributing through its Amazon Wishlist, which includes essential items for the cats and the café. Donations are also gratefully accepted to help provide a comfortable and enriching environment for both cats and visitors. Learn more at RubyCats.org/donate.