Attention cat lovers! The American Museum of the House Cat near Dillsboro is not to be missed for a memorable vacation stop. Their two rooms are packed with 5,000+ cat-related curiosities, including many rare and fascinating antiques. In fact, a bronze of the feline goddess Bastet dates back to 600 BC! This is a showcase of 30 years of collecting by Dr. Harold Sims - aka CatMan2. Proceeds fund his nearby no-kill cat shelter. It's open April-December.
Moving on up! New location in 2020.
New Address: 5063 Hwy 441 South, Sylva, NC
On many days, Harold is there to share interesting tidbits about items that fascinate you. During your guided tour, see antique cat toys, collectibles from around the world, dolls, beer steins, cat art and even a Medieval petrified cat discovered in England. We especially love the carousel cats and carnival related items. Above are some mid-century Italian ceramic "spaghetti" kitties.
A big collection of wall art includes some Andy Warhols. This Cat Museum is one of two in the entire country dedicated to the love of felines.
You don't have to be a crazy old cat lady to enjoy (although you will see one on display). This authentic, quirky roadside stop is the highlight of many trips to western North Carolina.
The American Museum of the House Cat is five miles south of artsy Dillsboro on US Highway 441 (see our Dillsboro guide). Street address: 5603 US Highway 441 South, Sylva NC. Phone: 828-476-9376
Open April-December. Admission is $7.50/person, $2/children 6-12, under 6 free. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 12-5 PM. Last our begins at 4 PM. All profits from the museum go to the nearby Catman2 Shelter, a unique cage-free no-kill cat adoption center. Tours of the shelter available too.
You can't see a petrified cat just anywhere - and it still has its whiskers!
