Adoptable cats play, roam at Jim Beam's Corner Cattery in Effingham

EFFINGHAM — Ryder Hoover has been a cat lover for all of her life but had never been to a feline-focused place like Jim Beam's Corner Cattery before.

Since discovering this nonprofit cat rescue facility and adoption center in Effingham, the recent Hillsboro High School graduate has been driving from her hometown to volunteer to help care for homeless cats there about twice a month.

"I really like that it's a sanctuary. I like that they let the cats roam free. It's more of a rescue and a sanctuary than a shelter," Hoover said while cuddling the residents of the Cattery's kitten room. This site also offers a pet door leading to a fenced-in outdoor "Catio."

The Cattery opened in 2020 in an old Jeep dealership at 18086 N. U.S. Highway 45 bought by Effingham businessman John "Jim" Beam, known locally for his rescue cat and dog advocacy. He died in 2022 at age 89, but the Cattery has continued his mission.

Heather Mumma, who oversees the shelter, said what differentiates the Cattery from other shelter and rescue facilities is that its cats are mostly free roaming on site so they can get socialized and that it serves as a gathering place for feline fans.

Community members can book the colorful, jungle-themed spaces at this location for birthday parties for all ages, bachelorette gatherings, Meowhaus petting zoos, and other special events.

The decorations there include large resin statues of an elephant, tiger, zebra and other wildlife from Beam's collection. Mumma said, "Kids love them."

Mumma, who also describes herself as a longtime cat lover, said all proceeds from bookings go to insurance, utilities and other costs totaling approximately $225,000 a year to run the Cattery. Grooming services for cats and dogs are now available there, too.

"We don't get any government funds. All we are running on is donations," Mumma said, noting that they typically have about 100 cats on site at a time.

The Cattery's fundraising efforts include an annual Beam-o-Ween benefit that it will host from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. This event will include food trucks, a king-sized handmade quilt raffle, photo opportunities and tours.

In addition, Mumma said the Cattery relies on volunteers for much of its operational needs and provides training. She said they have worked with student volunteers from a home school network and from Mattoon High School's Green & Gold Day service program.

Mumma said all of these efforts have enabled the Cattery to prevent untold thousands of unwanted kittens from being born and to adopt out almost 900 felines since opening. She added that they do conduct background checks for prospective owners.

"We are so choosy about who gets to adopt. We are very particular," Mumma said.

One of their new programs is Cattery Companions. Mumma said this initiative places homeless cats with senior citizens who live in assisted living facilities or on their own.

Mumma said the cats get a loving home while the seniors get companionship and assurance that the Cattery will rehome the felines when they eventually can no longer care for them.

"They know that their cats are safe," Mumma said.

Photos: Jim Beams Corner Cattery

Jim Beam's Corner Cattery in Effingham is a cat rescue and adoption center where the felines roam free on site and visitors can hold birthday parties and other events with them.

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861.