The Mackinac County Animal Shelter on Cheeseman Road in St. Ignace will host an open house Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the shelter and view the new cat room addition. Refreshments will also be served. The event is free to the public.

The cat room contains an array of equipment from cat trees to a catwalk that loops around the entire room, said Jo Ford of the Mackinac Animal Aid Association (MAAA). C ats tend to become stressed from being kept in cages for prolonged periods of time, Mrs. Ford said, and while cats at the animal shelter are allowed to roam around freely while staff are available, the additional room should improve each cat's physical and mental wellbeing.

The building project was overseen by the MAAA and funded by an anonymous donor. Volunteers donated time to the project, and several businesses donated services such as blueprints, excavation work, and electrical work. The cost for the room was between $15,000 and $20,000.

The shelter also has a dedicated room in which dogs exercise.