To the Editor:

The mice in the Old School Antique Mall on 441 South are heading for the hills because on April 1 The American Museum of the House Cat will open for the 2018 season. 

Last year the museum attracted 5,560 visitors from all over the world. Some came because they knew the museum was there, but the majority were just driving along U.S. 441 and saw the signs and the paintings of large cats, had the feline fever, and made a U-turn to visit. 

Had the museum not been there most would have driven on through Dillsboro and might have gone up the hill to Bryson City, Ashville, or Tennessee. The cat museum has become a little net that catches tourists from out of town and gives them a reason to stop in Jackson County. Once they visit the museum most of them visit other things in the area. People are always asking us where to eat or what else is there to do here? 

We hope to attract as many or more visitors than last season. The museum grossed just under $35,000.00 in 2017, but cost for rent, a full-time museum guide, and the cost to set up with improvements the rooms we occupy exceeded income and the year ended with a deficit. All income from admission tickets and sales benefit the Catman2 cats’ only shelter in Cullowhee and its low-to-no cost spay and neuter program for residents of Sylva and some surrounding areas. I take no salary or other form of income. 

In 2017 and so far in 2018, Jackson County has not euthanized a healthy adoptable cat. With help, the Catman2 Shelter and now its Cat Museum can help keep Jackson County a safe haven for cats. 

Please help us with your donations, private or business, to Catman2 Inc., a not-for-profit 501 3 tax exempt corporation that operates the cat shelter and museum. We could also use volunteers at both venues. Helping us will help put Jackson County on the map and in turn help local business.

Harold Sims, Founder and President of Catman2 Inc. Since 1996. Find both the Museum and the Catman2 shelter on Face Book or see us at www.catman2.org. For informaton about visiting the Cat Museum call 828.476.9376 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..