Located between Sylva and Franklin on Hwy 441 in Jackson County, The American Museum of the House Cat (AMHC), is every cat lover’s dream stop. One of only two cat museums in the United States, here you will find artifacts ranging from the ancient to the modern, all pertaining to one of the world’s most beloved pets.
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Our collection has been curated by Dr. Harold Sims for over 35 years. Known affectionately among the locals as the Catman, Harold is a retired professor of education who taught biology, botany, and ecology before retiring to the mountains of Western North Carolina. He is the founder of Jackson County’s first no-kill, no-cage shelter, Catman2, which is located in Cullowhee, NC near the Western Carolina University campus. Both Catman2 and the AMHC are nonprofits operating in support of each other.
Come lose yourself in our magical wonderland of all things cat from carousel cats (a couple are masquerading as carousel horses, but we assure you they are cats underneath), classical and folk art, toys such as Felix, wind-up cats and automatons, amazing music boxes, cats in advertising over the last century, and all the many ways cats have infiltrated human culture from the development of food to kitty litter. Have a visit with our oldest resident, an Egyptian mummy, and ponder our delightful Louis Wain collection. Peruse our research library and learn about the history of the house cat and how these clever felines domesticated themselves and crept their way into our hearts. Meet our museum kitties. Mimi is our official AMHC ambassador who may give you a cat’s eye tour, or not. She is a cat after all and may change her mind at any time. Delight in watching her play with her new little brother Oliver. These two will soon be joined by more museum kittens, so please check back for updates on any new residents.
Don’t know where to start? Just speak with one of our friendly staff. We are happy to answer any questions or simply chat with you all about cats in general.
When you’re finished in the museum, browse our gift shop full of tee shirts, cat toys and collars, books, Kitty Town Coffee (from which sales go toward helping shelter cats), jewelry, art prints, and more for yourself or as a gift for the cat lover in your life. Leave feeling happy and inspired.
*Self-guided, questions and photos welcome.
*Curated tours available, call ahead for details.
*Visiting, well-behaved dogs and cats are welcome on/in leashes/harnesses/pet carriers.
*Water available.
*Minor warning regarding our mummy and petrified cat relics: some children (and some adults), may be sensitive to these exhibits.
*Restroom open to museum patrons only.
*Dining and lodging close by in Dillsboro and Sylva.
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