State-Of-The-Art Cat Adoption Center Opening In Port Washington

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A massive, $12 million state-of the art adoption center for cats officially opens to the public Thursday in Port Washington, where adoptable felines can roam free, perch high above the floor and gaze outside through large windows that allow natural sunlight to fill every nook and cranny.

The 14,000-square-foot second-floor addition to North Shore Animal League America's existing facility is known as Bianca's Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center. It was named after an English Bulldog belonging to celebrity Howard Stern and his wife, Beth, who is a board member. The facility was the brainchild of Beth Stern and Joanne Yohannan, the organization's senior vice president of operations.

"What they wanted was an area where the cats could be felines," Kathleen Lynn, a spokeswoman for the organization, told Patch on Tuesday. "Kittens and cats could be cage-free, so they're more comfortable, their personalities show, they become socialized, and therefore they're better able to interact with potential adopters."

The design allows visitors to watch cats play, nap, and interact. The organization said it also allows cats to socialize better and reduces depression and aggression that results from living in cages or near dogs. The cats are all tested beforehand to make sure they'll get along with each other.

"When they're in cages, no matter how much you take them out and try to socialize them, they go back in the cage and they're a little more fearful," Lynn said.

Cats are kept in various rooms on the second floor where visitors can walk in and interact with them. The facility, the first of its kind in the New York City metropolitan area, includes the Billy Joel Rooms, The Rachael Ray Room, The Hallmark Adoption-Ever-After Room, The Julia Belle Mason Room, and the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Family Nursery. It also boasts a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that Lynn compared to hospital-quality air, as well as surgery suites.

"It's really new and innovative," she said.

The feline center was the result of a six-year fundraising and construction effort. The expansion allowed more room for dogs on the main floor.

In addition to the new digs for cats, the main floor is being upgraded with an interactive playground for puppies. New dog runs were ordered and new kennel enclosures for older dogs will be installed to help them feel more at home. The dog and puppy improvements will be ongoing throughout next year.