Stop the press and start the purrs as former newsroom transitions to adoption center

What was once a newsroom, with papers arriving in stacks and reporters coming and going to gather information for the latest story, will soon be a space for furry felines waiting to find their forever home.

With a fresh coat of purple paint and cozy furniture, the once-dated newsroom is transitioning into The Mews Herald Adoption Center and Cat Cafe, created by The Cats’ Cradle, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing cats.

The Cats’ Cradle is gearing up for The Mews Herald’s open house on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff are working on a few finishing touches, including facility approval from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

FOSTERS FINDING FOREVER

For over 25 years, Lynda Garibaldi has been rescuing cats in the Unifour area, which covers Burke, Catawba, Caldwell, and Alexander. Now, she said the nonprofit focuses on Burke and Catawba counties but still takes in cats from the other two counties.

The nonprofit has been operating as a foster care network to ensure cats are well cared for until they find a long-term home. With The Mews Herald, The Cats’ Cradle will be able to more effectively showcase cats for adoption by giving potential owners the opportunity to view multiple cats at once.

“We’ve saved thousands of cats as a foster network, but now we can give them a location,” Garibaldi said. “We’re at the Mews Herald at 301 Collett St.”

The Cats’ Cradle will continue using a foster care system and will showcase adoptable cats at the Hickory PetSmart.

Garibaldi said volunteers, donors, and the nonprofit’s six-member board have made the adoption center possible. A few years ago, donor Maria Lloyd provided The Cats’ Cradle with funds to secure a space for an adoption center. Several supporters have also donated supplies to the adoption center, which will officially open sometime in January.

IN THE PRESS BOX

One of The Cats’ Cradle’s board members just so happens to be a woman who knows the ins and outs of the former news building on Collett Street. Former News Herald editor Lisa Wall gave a tour of the freshly renovated building, which has been vacant since the news staff moved to a location in Drexel.

As visitors enter the building, they will be greeted by volunteers or board members in a reception area, also known as “the press box.” Further they will see two offices, formerly home to the publisher and editor, that have been renovated to be feline friendly. With a bar and stools pulled up to large windows, visitors can watch around a dozen cats, ranging in age, interact with each other.

In the back of the building will be a spacious area for community events that the organization plans to host to raise funds for overhead. From cat yoga to movie nights, Wall said she’s excited to see the space in use. Another room is dedicated to Dr. Jenni McGrady of the Animal Hospital of East Burke, who has volunteered to administer vaccines and other measures of care to cats. Wall said the organization welcomes any local veterinarians willing to volunteer.

For those who want to adopt, a cuddle room is available for future owners to interact with whichever cat takes hold of their heart. Another room will be available to rent for parties, meetings, or any other community events.

LEARNING THEIR LANGUAGE

For an animal that is often misunderstood as being low maintenance and aloof, volunteer Vivian Freed is planning to educate future owners about felines and how they differ from other animals.

Freed grew up helping her mother groom and take care of cats. “Throughout those years, I’ve been able to really understand cats and what they need, and the simple things people can do to help their cat.”

From physically separating water and food bowls to providing multiple litter boxes for multiple cats, there’s a lot new owners may not know about caring for their feline companions. Freed said it’s also important to make sure cats have specialized nutrients, like Taurine, in their food. This amino acid is vital for heart muscle function, vision, and reproduction.

While cats have the stigma of being distant, Freed said they might be more complex animals but they care deeply. “They mourn, they grieve, they get depressed when their owners are away and it’s hard on them, hard on their bodies,” she said.

Helping to support cat owners, Freed said, in turn supports cats, which she said is part of The Cats’ Cradle’s mission.

HOW TO SUPPORT

At The Mews Herald Adoption Center and Cat Cafe’s open house, staff are asking that people contribute by bringing donations of cat food, litter, toys, blankets, and more to put under the Christmas tree just in time for the holiday season.

Free chili, snacks, and drinks will be available for visitors, as well as adoption center tours and raffles for prizes. Aspiring cat owners, who are looking for their first companion will be able to see adoptable cats and visit with a Morganton celebrity, Freed’s Serval cat Tyra.