The beloved Love and Purrs Sanctuary, in Asheville, North Carolina, has shut down its Airbnb operations.
Its fame skyrocketed after a TikTok video, posted by a guest named Jamie, went viral last year, amassing a staggering 2 million views.
This decision comes after capturing the hearts of feline enthusiasts worldwide with its unique concept — in which guests could stay in a one-of-a-kind cat-themed Airbnb attached to a thriving cat sanctuary.
Almost immediately after the video’s circulation, reservations inundated the sanctuary’s Airbnb.
Kim Dolan, the sanctuary’s owner, recalled the overwhelming moment when she woke up to 15 unexpected reservations, all stemming from the viral TikTok post.
“I called some of my friends with rentals in the area and they weren’t seeing the same thing. That is when Jamie [a recent guest] called to tell me that a video she posted went viral overnight,” Dolan shared with The Southern Scoop at the time.
What made this Airbnb stand out was its whimsical cat-themed interior, from cat-adorned walls to feline-inspired decor embellishing every corner of the one-bedroom, one-bath rental.
But what truly made this place special was its connection to the Love and Purrs Sanctuary, a haven for rescued cats.
Upon entering the Airbnb, guests were greeted by a plethora of feline-centric decorations.
However, the real charm lay beyond a small door in the room, leading to the sanctuary. Guests could open the cat door and welcome furry companions eagerly awaiting treats.
Yet, in a poignant Oct. 15 letter, Dolan conveyed the disheartening news of the sanctuary’s closure due to personal health and family reasons. The Airbnb, which contributed substantially to the sanctuary’s operational budget — 70%, in fact — ceased its operations.
However, Dolan expressed her hope for the sanctuary to persist, stating, “While I have chosen to no longer be directly involved with the non-profit that I founded in 2019, I fully support and endorse the new board and president of the organization and believe they will carry on the legacy that I started.”
The Love and Purrs Sanctuary, renowned for its no-cage, no-kill policy, provided a home environment for cats until they were adopted.
Visitors to the Airbnb were treated to a glimpse into the lives of the sanctuary’s feline residents through a notebook featuring their pictures and stories, facilitating potential adoptions for some of them.
Notably, not all the sanctuary’s cats were adoptable due to individual needs, such as Stevie, a blind cat, and others with unique circumstances that required the sanctuary’s care.
The Love and Purrs Sanctuary had earned accolades, winning the title of Best Nonprofit Organization in the 2021 “Best of Asheville” contest.
Bookings were lined up until the end of the year, largely attributable to the TikTok exposure, and for cat lovers who saw an opportunity to help the cats.
