American Museum of the House Cat — Attraction in Webster

CLOSED. Facebook, website and voicemail all say they are open. I have wanted to go here for years so we drove down from north of Asheville and they are NOT open. They have never opened at their new location. Saw a cat-related page on FB ( not theirs) stating that due to CV-19 the museum decided not to open. We learned this after we arrived at the closed site. You think they'd have the courtesy to update their social media and voicemail. Really rude. ADDENDUM: I received a "generic" reply from Kimberly at the museum telling me they moved and are not yet open, and that they plan to update their hours. "We plan to update social media first". Well, it's been MANY months now since you've closed. Yes, Catman 2 your "sister website" says you are closed...(I mention that above) You can't update your own website, FB page and voicemail, all of which say you are open? Why do I have to "search platforms"? Yes. I WAS at the new location. Your reply of "Our phone lines remain open and all calls are returned in a timely manner. We have continually posted on our social media platforms updates as well as creating posts on our google my business page, which can be found in searching platforms" was useless. Google also says you are open. You also state "We regret you had to make the drive from north Asheville to find our museum closed. Signage clearly states we are opening soon." Oh yes, signage is helpful, once you arrive there! I have never written a bad review but I find this a complete and total lack of consideration for your "clients" and you don't even seem to...

There is a very unique and kinda bizarre museum located in a building on U.S. 441 just south of Sylva, NC - the American Museum of House Cats! 😺 And if you are a cat lover (or even if you're not) it is a most interesting place to visit. My wife and I are the owners (or parents 😹) of 3 cats so it was certainly on our radar to visit. 🐾🐾🐾

When you enter the building (well let me first say you enter the building through a door surrounded by a painted cat face if this tells you anything about what you're about to encounter! 😹) you begin a journey through centuries of history of house cats seen through a large collection which includes framed paintings, cat clocks, old tin advertisements, arcade games, stuffed animals, photos, feline beer steins, cat automatons and even mummified felines. Among the highlights are a band of ceramic cat musicians and a carousel Harold Sims , the owner built to hold antique carousel cats.

Sims, a retired biology professor, has operated Catman2, a nonprofit, no-cage, no-kill shelter in Cullowhee, for more than two decades. For his efforts to save thousands of kittens and cats, he is affectionately known as “the Catman” in Jackson County. The admission price (which is maybe a little steep in price at $10.00 per adult) is used in part to support this shelter.

We met Mr. Sims while there and had an interesting and pleasant conversation with him. He is truly a cat lover and this place and cats are certainly his...

🖤 A Hidden Gem for Cat Lovers & Kindred Spirits 🐾

We stopped by the American Museum of the House Cat and were absolutely blown away—not just by the unique, whimsical, and impressive collection of feline-themed art and history—but by the energy of the place itself. It's truly a labor of love and creativity, and every inch tells a story.

But what made our visit even more special was Jeanette, the lovely woman who greeted us. From the moment we arrived, her warmth, knowledge, and genuine spirit made us feel like we had stepped into the home of a friend. She didn’t just guide us—she connected with us. Her passion for the museum, the cats, and the community radiated through her every word.

We felt an instant bond, as if the love of cats brought us together for a reason. In fact, we're currently house hunting in this area, and it felt like more than just a stop on a road trip—it felt like a sign. We plan to stay in touch with Jeanette and return again soon.

The museum itself is one-of-a-kind. From folk art and fine art to funky collectibles and surreal masterpieces (like the one in the last photo—just wow!), it’s a feast for the eyes and soul. Whether you're a lifelong cat lover or just someone who appreciates art, this is a must-visit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended. Come for the cats—stay for the magic, the art, and the kind-hearted people like Jeanette who make places like this...