MONTREAL 0 For almost a century, the presbytery on De Castelnau Street in Montreal's Villeray borough served as a residence for Catholics engaged in communal prayer. The space has now transformed, welcoming a new kind of inhabitant: cats.

Le Miaousé, which claims to be the first cat museum in both Montreal and Canada, features an array of cat-themed artwork, historic photographs, and illustrations on book covers that gaze down upon visitors. The museum is spearheaded by Aqeela Nahani, its executive director, who has dedicated herself to the feline cause. A tattoo of her 15-year-old rescue cat adorns her arm, emblematic of her passion for dogs and cats alike. After leaving her corporate job, she zeroed in on creating this unique museum.

Inspired by a book chronicling cat heroes that saved lives, Nahani began researching the concept of cat museums and noted a significant gap in Canada’s cultural landscape. "When I found that Canada did not have a cat museum, I saw an opportunity," she shared in an interview. Unlike many existing cat museums that primarily emphasize art, Nahani envisions a space that comprehensively explores cat culture through various lenses, including history, science, and art.

The museum is currently hosting a soft launch with a pop-up exhibit from September 12 to 28. Nahani aims to secure a permanent, full-time location by next year. The inaugural exhibit, entitled "Miaoutréal: The History of Montreal's Cats," showcases a collection of historic photographs dating back to the 1860s, a cozy book corner, art displayed from local talents, and informational resources about local rescue organizations. Additionally, a crafts area invites visitors to contribute stories about impactful feline companions in their lives. The exhibit is creatively designed to replicate the look and feel of Montreal's charming alleyways, adorned with plants and winding paths.

Also part of the museum's offerings is a boutique featuring cat-themed art, including hats hand-knitted by Nahani, along with the opportunity to participate in weekend art workshops led by special guest instructors. The historical roots of cats in Montreal stretch back to the era of French colonists, who introduced them to the area to combat rodent populations, as Nahani explains.

The exhibit recounts notable historical milestones, including the city's earliest recorded cat show in 1875, where around 50 to 60 felines were exhibited at a local skating rink. This event was widely covered by the press, attracting approximately 4,000 attendees who enjoyed a lively atmosphere complete with a live band.

While the current pop-up does not include any live cats, Nahani's long-term vision includes establishing a permanent museum space that could house exhibits on cat behavior, rescue stories, and tales of heroism, as well as a lounge dedicated to real cats available for adoption. Some former residents of the presbytery have expressed excitement about potentially returning to visit the museum.

Quebec boasts one of the country's highest rates of cat ownership, making it an ideal location for a cat museum. Nahani notes, "Montreal loves cats; they are woven into the fabric of daily life here, roaming the alleyways and appearing in shop windows. Many local businesses even incorporate cats into their branding."

Interestingly, Nahani has received outreach from individuals in countries such as Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom who are interested in either collaborating or establishing their own cat museums, reinforcing the notion that the affection for cats knows no borders. "What I am discovering through the exhibit is that cats hold a significant place in people's lives, representing love, resilience, and well-being," she said.

So far, the community of Montreal seems supportive of the museum initiative, with ticket sales indicating a positive response that may lead to extended hours or additional days of operation. The potential for a permanent cat museum in Montreal signals an exciting development for cat enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.