FAYETTEVILLE — Marie and Tom Watson get laughs from their friends when they tell them their new business is a cat house.
The dog-free building is a secure place for cats to stay, each in its own condo. The Watsons had a cabinetmaker create 10 cat houses at $1,000 each to include multiple levels and steps for climbing. Each cat gets its own toys with plenty of play.
"We just love cats, and I think the cats can sense it," Marie said.
The Cat Spa provides a safe and fun environment for cats, she said.
The first 12-14 hours a cat boards there, it is kept in its condo. The cat is taken out for play to help it get acquainted. Each condo is fronted by a coated-wire grid fence in a wooden frame thatcan be latched. Circular ports between condos allow cats to play together if they come from the same households.
If their introductory period is successful, the cats are allowed to have the run of the larger room and a playroom in back. They share the playroom with Tom's desk for his insurance business.
The Watsons administer medications left for the cats and, with written permission, will take an animal to the veterinarian. The cats that stay at the spa must have certificates to show that their shots are up-to-date.
Price per visit goes down the longer a cat stays and the better its temperament is. The price is $20 per day, but only $15 per day if it is staying more than a week. Keeping two cats at once would be $30 per day.
"But we can negotiate. Just ask," Tom said.
The family started The Cat Spa because Marie needed to leave the real estate business because of health reasons. Her son Philip suggested thecat business, and they began researching the idea.
There are a couple of other cat-boarding businesses in Northwest Arkansas, but the Watsons believe that theirs is the only one that is dog-free. The family is now also preparing to start a flea market and antique shop in the rear of the building.
If you recently opened a business or know of a new business in the area, please call Sue Morris at (479) 770-8468 or e-mail:
Details LOCATION: 5975 E. Huntsville Road, Fayetteville PHONE: (479) 571-2287Hours: as arranged OWNER: Marie and Tom Watson PRODUCTS/SERVICES: Cat boarding, feeding and administering medications TYPE OF BUSINESS: Cat boarding START DATE: April STARTUP FUNDS: unknown FUNDING: personal funds
Business, Pages 70 on 09/27/2009