The Haunted Cat Sanctuary of Roosevelt Island

Are you an animal lover who also happens to be intrigued by spooky abandoned buildings? If so, this is the purrfect place to visit.

In the mid-1800s, outbreaks of smallpox were common in America, especially in condensed areas like New York City. Officials in New York decided to do something about it, and in 1856, the first hospital in America that was solely dedicated to treating smallpox patients opened its doors. Located on a narrow island between Manhattan’s East River and the borough of Queens, the hospital was only accessible by ferry. Researchers from the History of Health in New York claim that the patients who died of smallpox were “burned and scattered into the East River.” It remained in operation for almost 20 years.

Although weather and poor city management caused much of the building to deteriorate over the years, there is still a semblance of structure. According to Atlas Obscura, stray cats have lurked on the abandoned ruins of Roosevelt Island for generations. In 2005, a volunteer group dedicated to finding homes for the cats was established. The Wildlife Freedom Foundation still operates a small shelter on Roosevelt Island, just walking distance from the abandoned hospital.

While you are not allowed inside of the abandoned buildings on Roosevelt Island, it’s still one of New York City’s best kept secrets for thrill-seekers and cat lovers alike.