New Orleans Cat Lounge Halts Operations After Ringworm Outbreak
NOLA Cat Lounge, a newly opened venue in New Orleans' Central Business District, has temporarily closed after several resident cats contracted ringworm. Owner Kelly Johnson-Hill announced the closure on social media, stating that staff will spend one week cleaning, sanitizing, and treating the animals before evaluating a reopening. The infected cats were immediately removed from the premises, and Johnson-Hill emphasized that the decision prioritizes the safety of guests, their pets, and the animals. While the infection is treatable and common in shelters, the closure represents a significant financial setback for the business, which had recently expanded to include events like cat yoga. Johnson-Hill has launched an Amazon wishlist to replace discarded items and plans to announce fundraising efforts soon, noting that the community response has been overwhelmingly supportive.