The museum features cat memorabilia collected by Sims over three decades: A petrified cat rescued from a 16th century English fireplace, a hand-carved kitty carousel, antique cat toys, and cat beer steins are all on display.
The retired biology professor and his wife Kay set up a no-kill cat shelter in 2002 right next door to their home in Sylva, in North Carolina.
The museum was conceived as way to share their vast cat-themed collection with feline lovers, document the history of human-cat interaction, and raise money for the shelter.
On most days, Sims is at the museum, adding to the unique experience with stories about the exhibits.
