A Whiskered Wonderland Lies Ahead At The American Museum Of The House Cat In North Carolina
Located in the quaint village of Sylva, North Carolina, the American Museum of the House Cat is a one-of-a-kind homage to our feline companions.
Founded by retired teacher Harold Sims, this one-of-a-kind museum houses an incredible collection of cat-related artifacts, artwork, and memorabilia.
Cat lovers from across the country flock to this special place to celebrate the history and cultural impact of domestic cats.
The Passionate Founder’s Vision
Harold Sims, affectionately known as ‘The Cat Man,’ opened this feline wonderland in 2017 after decades of collecting cat memorabilia. His journey began in the 1980s when he and his wife rescued their first cat.
The museum serves a dual purpose – showcasing his extensive collection while raising funds for Sims’ no-kill cat shelter, Catman2. Every admission ticket helps support homeless cats in the region.
Remarkable Artifacts Through The Ages
Walking through the museum feels like stepping into a time machine of feline history! Visitors marvel at over 5,000 cat-related items, including a 2,600-year-old mummified Egyptian cat.
Antique mechanical cats, vintage advertisements, and rare porcelain figurines line the carefully curated displays.
One particularly fascinating exhibit features a hand-carved carousel cat from the 1890s that still maintains its original paint.
Quirky Location With Small-Town Charm
Originally housed in a former craft mall called the Old School Antique Mall, the museum relocated in 2021 to downtown Sylva. The cozy space perfectly complements the eclectic collection inside.
Sylva itself adds to the experience with its picturesque main street and mountain backdrop.
Many visitors combine their museum trip with exploring the town’s bookshops, breweries, and scenic hiking trails in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains.
Interactive Exhibits That Delight Visitors
Children squeal with joy at the motion-activated mechanical cats that purr and move when approached! Unlike traditional museums with their “do not touch” policies, this place encourages interaction.
A popular photo spot features a throne-like chair adorned with cat carvings where visitors can pose like feline royalty.
The gift shop tempts everyone with unique cat-themed souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
A Treasure Trove of Feline History
Walking through the doors of this cat-lover’s paradise reveals over 5,000 cat-related items spanning centuries of human-feline relationships.
Vintage cat toys from the Victorian era sit alongside ancient Egyptian cat figurines, showing how cats have been adored throughout history.
Glass cases display collections of cat-themed jewelry, ornate music boxes that play cat-inspired tunes, and even antique cat carriers from the early 1900s.
Each artifact tells a story of how cats have influenced art, culture, and daily life.
Visitors particularly enjoy the extensive collection of cat advertising memorabilia, featuring familiar brands that used cats as mascots long before internet cat videos became popular.
Unexpected Educational Experience
“I never knew cats had such a rich history!” exclaims a typical visitor after exploring the museum’s educational exhibits.
Beyond just cute collectibles, the museum offers fascinating insights into cat biology, behavior, and their historical significance across different cultures.
The museum also highlights famous cats from literature, film, and history – from the sacred cats of ancient Egypt to modern-day celebrity felines who’ve captured hearts worldwide.
Supporting Feline Rescue Efforts
Beyond being a tourist attraction, the museum functions as a vital funding source for abandoned cats. Every penny of profit goes directly to Catman2, a no-kill shelter founded by Sims in 2002.
Visitors often feel moved to donate additional funds after learning about the rescue mission.
The shelter has saved thousands of cats over the years and maintains a special area where potential adopters can meet cats looking for forever homes.
