The Cats’ Cradle Opening Adoption Center in Historic Newspaper Office

After 26 years of saving lives through a dedicated foster network, The Cats’ Cradle is making headlines of its own. The long-time rescue is opening its very first adoption center – The Mews Herald — and it’s set in a place full of history: a former newspaper office in downtown Morganton.

For decades, The Cats’ Cradle has been a foster-based rescue, relying on volunteers to open their homes and hearts to cats in need. While this model has saved thousands of lives, the rescue has long dreamed of a permanent hub where the public can connect directly with adoptable cats. That dream is now becoming reality.

Cats’ Cradle Founder and Director Lynda Garibaldi said the opening of The Mews has been something she’s wanted to see happen since forming the organization in 1999.

“To finally have a space of our own to let the public see our adoptable cats will make a huge impact on our ability to readily find them loving homes,” she said.

The new adoption center will feature welcoming spaces where visitors can meet cats face-to-face, learn their stories, and even enjoy a cozy lounge area with a drink in hand. The goal: to create an environment where potential adopters can see cats’ true personalities shine outside of kennels or cages.

“This is more than an adoption center — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for The Cats’ Cradle and the community,” said board member Lisa Wall. “The fact that it’s in a former newspaper office is poetic. Where stories were once printed, new ones will now be written every time a cat finds a forever home.”

In addition to the adoption center, The Mews will include a lounge area where visitors can purchase a cup of coffee or drink and a prepackaged pastry item while watching the cats and kittens play in their housing areas.

The adoption center is planning an open house and preview day on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and The Cats’ Cradle invites the community to celebrate with them, meet adoptable cats, and share in the excitement of this historic milestone.

The Mews Herald is located at 301 Collett St., Morganton, NC, in the former News Herald building.

For more information, visit www.thecatscradle.org, email info@thecatscradle.org or call 828-475-6732.