Two volunteers with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, in Washougal, have opened a cat boarding business that also provides feline adoption opportunities.
At The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, Jo Schmidt and Amber Groff offer 19 suites with names such as “Catnip Alley,” “Tabby Tavern” and “Pouncing Paradise.” Individual studios have sky boxes and climbing structures. The sky boxes provide viewing areas for cats to climb into.
The luxury suites include the options of bird viewing areas or flat screen TVs, and the penthouse has a full wall of windows with natural light as well as additional views into the reception area.
TV options include “Tom and Jerry” cartoons and Animal Planet programs.
The suites have glass doors, to allow maximum light for the guests.
“Cats love a lot of daylight and like to see what is going on,” Schmidt said. “We wanted to create an open feel to the place too, yet they still have places to hide with lots of cubbie beds in each suite.”
Grooming services, such as bathing and shaving as well as nail trims, are available.
An adoption room, located near the lobby, contains four cats from the WCGHS.
“My lifelong dream was to bring cat lovers together,” Schmidt said. “It’s taken me four months to build it.
“They have these in Portland,” she added. “This is serving Camas, Washougal and the 205 corridor.”
Pick up and delivery services are available.
Charmed Hope pendants, created by Rochelle Ramos, are available to purchase at The Cats Meow. With each purchase of the cat-themed pendants, $5 goes to the WCGHS.
Grand opening festivities are set for Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We look forward to meeting local cat lovers as they tour our unique facility,” Schmidt said.
There will be food and beverages, as well as raffle and door prizes and special adoption rates for the in-house shelter cats. Boarding discounts will be available for visitors who confirm reservations during the grand opening event.
The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, 330 N.E. Chkalov Drive, Ste. “B,” Vancouver, is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 260-2287, email catsmeowboarding@gmail.com or visit www.thecatsmeowboarding.com.
