AMENITIES OF THE featured suites at The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding include ramps and shelving for play and climbing, custom cat structures, skyboxes positioned for optimum sky-high views and more. Photo courtesy of black NEWF Photography
DURING A CAT’S stay at The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, they will be treated to daily socialization with volunteer “cat cuddlers,” including a daily brushing. Photo courtesy of black NEWF Photography
Most pet owners leaving their home for the weekend, or going on an extended trip, are usually worried about finding a place for their feline friends to stay. Fortunately for those pet owners, Jo Schmidt recognized the need for a luxury cat boarding facility in the Clark County area and recently opened The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding.
“I have always wanted to open a luxury cat boarding facility,” Schmidt said. “It is so needed in this area. I used to drive over 30 minutes to board my cats in Portland.”
Over the past several years, Schmidt has volunteered in animal shelters nationwide, promoting adoptions/events, running foster care programs and developing awareness for homeless animals. Born and raised in England, Schmidt first worked with the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Once she moved to the U.S., she was the adoption leader at the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society in Florida, then began volunteering with the Humane Society for Southwest Washington once she arrived in the Pacific Northwest. Schmidt then transitioned over to the adoption team at the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, where she still currently volunteers.
The Cats Meow isn’t quite a typical boarding facility - the facility offers cat owners the choice of four different sizes of suites for their feline companions. Owners can choose to have their cats stay in the Deluxe Studio, Luxury Suite, Double Deluxe Studio or the Penthouse. The Deluxe Studios are 5-feet-by-8-inches long and 3-feet-by-3-inches wide; Double Deluxe Studios are 11-feet-by-4-inches long and 3-feet-by-3-inches wide; Luxury Bird Suites are 6 feet long and 3-feet-by-7-inches wide; TV Luxury Suites are 7-feet-by-7-inches long and 3-feet-by-7-inches wide; and the Penthouse Suite is 9 feet long and 3-feet-by-6-inches wide.
Amenities of the featured suites include ramps and shelving for play and climbing; bird viewing or TV area in the Luxury Suites; custom cat structures; comfortable beds and cubbies; skyboxes positioned for optimum sky-high views; socialization with volunteer “cat cuddlers;” climate control; daily email updates upon request; and access to veterinary care only one block away.
“In our four bird viewing suites there is an aviary that runs behind them,” Schmidt said. “The cats just love to watch the birds flying by, nesting or bathing. In our TV suites the cats get to lounge while watching their favorite movie. We have many volunteers who like to come in just to play with and pet the kitties. This includes a daily brushing, too.”
Located at 330 NE Chkalov Dr., Suite B, in Vancouver, Schmidt said The Cats Meow is unique in that it is the only luxury boarding establishment in Southwest Washington to house only cats. In addition to offering boarding, The Cats Meow also houses its own separate cat adoption section within the facility. The Cats Meow will showcase cats available for adoption from the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society. In addition, Schmidt said she hopes to host one adoption event on one Saturday each month, where they will invite different rescue organizations to come along and showcase their cats for adoption.
There are currently several cats available for adoption from the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society featured on The Cats Meow website that are currently staying at The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding in the adoption room. Visit The Cats Meow website at www.thecatsmeowboarding.com to view available cats. If interested in any of the cats on the website, stop by the facility or email adoptions@wcghs.org.
Schmidt said it took her and her business partner Amber Groff nine months to locate a facility, plan and construct the build out for The Cats Meow facility, and Schmidt said she has poured her entire life savings into this venture.
“I believe so strongly in bringing together cat lovers with cats in need of homes,” Schmidt said.
Groff has lots of experience with animals as well. She currently volunteers with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society and has also volunteered with Pet Aid of Washington, Kootenai Pet Rescue and a primate rescue in Dallas, OR. After high school, she worked for an area veterinarian for more than two years and for a veterinarian in Anchorage, AK, after that.
The room rates for boarding cats at The Cats Meow are currently $25 per night for a Deluxe Studio, $30 per night for a Luxury Suite and $35 per night for both the Double Deluxe suites and the Penthouse. Additional cats are $5 more per night. Regarding reservations, Schmidt said that during peak season, it is best to call a month in advance, especially for the popular bird viewing suites. During the off season, she said they should have availability at all times, but it’s still best to call and secure a booking once people know of their travel plans.
“To put it simply, we have created luxurious, safe surroundings for cats in our care,” Schmidt said. “This is such a great alternative to leaving a cat alone at home for hours on end. Petsitters are an option, but then there is the issue of security and alarm systems to be turned off... and more importantly there is no mess to contend with when you arrive home. The place is ‘spic and span,’ just as you left it.”
Hours at The Cats Meow are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To make a reservation, call (360) 260-2287 or email catsmeowboarding@gmail.com.
