Tucked away on Tilley Creek in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is a safe haven for cats young and old. Catman2 was founded by Dr. Harold Sims in 1996, and the property where the shelter is now opened in 2002. He still lives near the shelter, and runs The American Museum of the Housecat. The museum is a shrine to America’s love of cats, full of cat themed oddities.
Despite what one may think from the name, there isn’t a Catman1. The name was coined when Sims wanted to get a vanity plate that said “Catman.” Since that plate was already taken, he leaned into the play on words (Katmandu) and went with “Catman2,” and thus the shelter’s locally famous name was born.
Today, the shelter is run by Kaleb Lynch, who is the primary caretaker for the fluffy inhabitants. Visitors are greeted with purrs and meows from temporary and permanent residents. Classical music plays in the background as enrichment for the cats, and there are cat toys and napping spots everywhere. One has to wonder, how could there be so many adorable creatures without a place to call home?
Hear from the director of Catman2 on what they do and where they need assistance.
North Carolina shelters had the second highest euthanasia rates in the country in 2021 and euthanized more than 14,000 animals in 2022. Lynch said that’s why community outreach programs such as their spay/neuter program, pet food pantry, and other resources the shelter provides are so important, that the best way is to keep pets in their homes, and out of shelters.
When cats find themselves at Catman2, they can be sure they’ll be taken care of.
“We are a no kill shelter, but I’ve kind of switched from that language and transitioned to a “safe for life” shelter. I like safe for life better because every cat that comes through these doors is guaranteed safety here,” Lynch said.
He said that unfortunately, this can’t always be the case. Lynch also said he’s very passionate about speaking up for other shelter workers who sometimes get a bad rap.
“Just because they’re kill shelters doesn’t mean that they’re malevolent or something. So I think open admission shelter versus a safe life shelter is better language.”
He went on to explain that since they are completely donation funded, they are able to have closed intake and only accept as many cats as they can care for. Lynch said that they prefer to keep the shelter below capacity, as it results in happier healthier cats and more cats being adopted. This also means that cats who are not able to be adopted out have a forever home at Catman2. In the past, the shelter has had as many as 90 cats in their care. Today, their capacity maxes out at 60, but Lynch says they prefers to keep between 30 and 50 cats in the shelter at time. The amount of time the cats spend in the shelter varies depending on the age and needs of a cat. Typically, older cats and cats with health issues take longer to find homes. Kittens and young healthy cats are adopted much faster.
Lynch mentioned that one of their sweetest cats, Charla, who has been at the at Catman2 since March has been consistently overlooked because she is 8 years old, and people tend to want younger cats.
Cats that are adopted are sent home fully vaccinated and microchipped to thoroughly screened adopters. Adopters are given a 2 month period where they can get their adoption fee refunded should they decided they aren’t cut out for cat caring.
“Very rarely do we get returns, but we do have a full return policy. We will always take our cats back for the lifetime of that cat if for some reason they can no longer care for them and we’d rather have them safe here than in the shelter system or in an unsafe place.”
Have you ever considered getting a cat? Aside from the obvious benefit of having a soft and cuddly companion, it turns out there are health benefits to cat ownership as well. Owning a cat can improve your cardiovascular health, help you sleep, and reduce your risk of stroke. Check out the cats bellow to see if there’s a feline friend meowing your name.
Those who are interested in adopting, volunteering, donating, or would simply like to schedule a visit with the cats should reach out to Kaleb Lynch through their website or by phone at 828-293-0892.
