Merriam-Webster defines a pet as “a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility”. And since our magazine isn’t called Dog Boarding & Daycare, we try to not leave out all of the other species that sometimes need your care.

Although dogs are probably number one on your client list, cats most likely come in as a close second - if you even provide services for them at all. Cats are typically not as social as dogs; they don’t enjoy riding in the car or playing in large groups in an unfamiliar setting. While there are those unique few who do, cats still need to be cared for while their owners out of town.

If only going away for a night, most people will make sure the litter box is clean and leave a sufficient amount of food - providing they don’t have the eating habits of a dog. And if they do inhale any amount of food you put in front of them in one sitting, you can do like my sister does when she goes away and hide small bowls of food around the house - a fat kitty treasure hunt!

Cats are more independent than dogs, but they still need human interaction and just as much care. In this issue you will find a few cat specific articles. Craig McAllester’s Cattery Design has many great ideas and tips for building a new cattery, or replacing existing accommodations. Have an empty storage room with good ventilation, in a nice quiet location? Consider turning it into a cattery and increase your revenue!

Also in this is issue is Ingrid King’s Transmittable Diseases in Cats. Ingrid explains the diseases, specific to cats, in detail and how they can be passed from cat to cat. This is vital information to anyone boarding cats as some of these diseases are fatal.

Whether you cater to cats, dogs, reptiles or rodents, they’re all “pets” and they all need to be cared for as if they were part of the family. While searching the internet the other day, I came across a place in the UK called “The Chicken Hotel”. And it’s exactly what it sounds like; a place to board your chickens while you’re away from home! They have little chicken houses and yards for each flock, and will feed and water them daily. They also provide “Spa Services” (pedicures, nose jobs and wing clipping). Maybe our next Facility Profile article?

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