6 Unexpected Spots for Cat Lovers in the South
When you think “shop cat,” a bookstore might come to mind. But across the South, cats are popping up in far more unexpected places. These hidden gems prove you don’t have to browse books to meet a memorable feline. Image: Ashley Dobbin Calkins
When you think “shop cat,” your thoughts likely drift to images of felines keeping watch on dusty bookshelves or dozing off in cozy corners. However, cats are quietly curling up in some of the most unexpected places around the South, including historic homes, hardware stores, and breweries. These hidden gems are proof that feline charm isn’t confined to the walls of a small-town bookshop.
Hemingway Home & Museum | Key West, FL
More Info: hemingwayhome.com
More than just a literary landmark, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a six-toed cat paradise. Nearly 60 polydactyl cats roam the grounds, including descendants of Snow White, a white six-toed cat given to Ernest Hemingway by a ship’s captain.
These local residents come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities, and many still carry the polydactyl gene — just look for their signature “mitten paws.” True to Hemingway’s tradition, each cat is named after a famous person, like Billie Holiday or Isadora Duncan. (SB Tip: Some of the cats are even known to respond when you call their name!)
Apocalypse Brew Works | Louisville, KY
More Info: apocalypsebrewworks.com
While brewery cats often serve as unofficial pest control, Hiro and Pumpkin of Apocalypse Brew Works have become beloved fixtures in their own right. Named one of the brewery’s “first full-time employees,” Hiro arrived at Apocalypse years ago via a working cat program run by the local humane society, which gives homes to “feral” felines. After the passing of his longtime companion Saki in 2023, Pumpkin joined the crew in 2024 to keep Hiro company.
You’ll often find Hiro and Pumpkin exploring the patio on warm days, greeting guests as they enter the taproom, or lounging on boxes in the back.
Guitar Pickers | Wilmington, NC
More Info: Facebook
Fender is the unofficial mascot of Guitar Pickers. This curious orange tabby wandered into owner Jason Ward’s life about six years ago, and rather than going to a shelter, he quickly became a permanent fixture in the shop. Now around nine years old, Fender has the classic orange cat personality: playful, food-motivated, and yes, he’s even a little round.
“[Fender] loves playing and greeting all the customers,” says Jason, whether they’re stopping in for strings, amps, or just to say hello. Fender also has a furry friend next door at the neighborhood bass shop — Salamon, a tiny Chihuahua he loves to chase around.
Inglewood Lounge | Nashville, TN
More Info: inglewoodlounge.com
Ms. Penny Flops (known to most simply as Penny) is new to the “shop cat” scene, having started showing up on Inglewood Lounge’s patio just a few months ago. Cared for by the surrounding neighborhood, Penny has claimed the lounge’s outdoor space as her personal kingdom, affectionately known as “Penny’s Place.”
“Like clockwork, Penny shows up every evening for dinner. She’ll walk you to the door, nuzzling your leg for pets, then settle in on the patio while you sip your cocktail,” says General Manager Luke Zimmerman. While independent at times, she still enjoys a good cuddle and pet now and then. “Around here, she’s not just a neighborhood cat, she’s family. And honestly, she might run the place,” Luke adds.
Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware | Lakeland, FL
More Info: acehardware.com
At Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware, a team of five cats keeps the aisles lively, and one named Irma is perhaps the most famous. She arrived around the time Hurricane Irma swept through Florida, earning her name from the storm that brought her to the team. Ever since, she’s patrolled the store.
Irma works alongside her fellow feline employees Leo, LuLu, Whiskers, and Cali, who are all credited with keeping the store rodent-free and adding a touch of charm to daily life. “[The cats are] some of the best employees we have,” says Bruce Phillips, owner of Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware. “They bust their tails to get the work done, they work for food, and they don’t talk back! Maybe an occasional meow. Love their company when I’m at work!”
The Poe Museum | Richmond, VA
More Info: poemuseum.org
In addition to honoring the legacy of famed poet Edgar Allen Poe, this museum is home to a few resident cats. In November 2012, three kittens were found in the museum’s Enchanted Garden: Edgar, Pluto, and Catterina.
“Edgar and his brother Pluto became beloved mascots for the museum and often greeted visitors,” says Hannah Rupy, Marketing & Development Coordinator of The Poe Museum. After Pluto passed in 2024, Edgar took over as the museum’s resident greeter and socialite, while Catterina now lives with a former staff member.
In January 2024, the museum welcomed a new feline companion, Tib, named after Poe’s childhood cat. “Guests who have met Tib can attest to his rambunctious manner and curious nature,” says Hannah. Found at Richmond’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a two-month-old named Bones, Tib quickly settled in as a playful companion to Edgar. Today, visitors may spot Tib greeting guests in the gift shop, hiding among merchandise, or popping out from his favorite hiding spots.
Happy cat spotting!
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Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.