As I worked with cats in our care, their needs lead us to our contemporary cattery design. Particularly catteries should offer proper compartments for cats that are stressed or have special needs. This principle applies especially to cats in our care which are old or can’t climb. Different levels are of no use to these cats.

We have therefore built our geriatric suites all on one level. Compartments that require cats to climb through holes to get from one area of the compartment to another is not good design for older cats and is marginal at best for healthy, happy cats. Some cats are totally put off by this design. We also have heating pads available. We have over time found many uses for these special accommodations, i. e. cats with orthopedic problems. The flat, all one level, large, and with windows for sunning, was a successful addition to our cattery building.

This is a quick video inside the Kitty Ritz cattery. The first set of cats get a view of the 1/2 acre dog park. The second set of cats have a peaceful view of the gardens and can watch the cars as people arrive at Alcala.

You can also see the birds chirping on the Television. The Kitty Ritz at Alcala offers large, comfortable suites for your cat’s holiday.

This is a quick movie I shot the other day of the Kitty Ritz reception room. You can get a good idea of how peaceful the Alcala cattery is. You’ll also see the play room at the end of the movie.

The Kitty Ritz was the first cattery in the nation to be built completely separate from a kennel. Cats never have to see or hear a dog while they are staying at Alcala. However, some cats love to watch the dogs and they get a view of the 1/2 acre dog park.

Playtime at Alcala Pet Care, originally uploaded by Jim Lockwood.

It is so important to keep animals that are boarding happy. The cats, their owners, and Alcala do better when the cats are happy..

This cat is in the playroom of of the Kitty Ritz. The Kitty Ritz at Alcala is a large building ONLY for cats.

There are over 100 cats that live in the small Montmartre cemetery in Paris. A group of nearby residents feed and care for these cats on a daily basis.

I came across one of the helpers today. He carries in fresh liver, tuna, and crunchies for the cats every morning. The cats are also provided fresh water and love.

Many of the cats are abandoned in the cemetery when people go on vacation to never be seen again.

He has taken care of the cat up front for 16 years.

I was in an accident when I was 4 wks, I became disfigured. I have a Furry Will to survive and I am completely healed now at age 3.

I require medication during the day to keep my eyes moist. I will always look different but I am in NO PAIN! I have seen 10 vets and they can attest to that!

I’m a happy kitty and hope to help other humans (especially those disfigured) thru my work as a therapy cat feel just as great about themselves and realize that not everyone looks perfect and that is OK.
Introduction - Daily Tails of Chase

Chase’s story reminded me of some fantastic pets that visited Alcala Pet Care over the years. They may not have been the healthiest dogs and cats, but they had wonderful personality.

We had a Cocker Spaniel born with paralyzed back legs. He loved to play with the other dogs and scooted around the park like there was nothing wrong.

Gizmo was a very old Shih Tzu that needed constant attention. His eyes and skin were especially troublesome. He was the sweetest dog and our heart went out to him during every visit.

Wilbur was a fantastic bull dog that lived until around 19 years old. He became a mascot of the kennel.

These special pets are just a tiny fraction of the dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and more that have touched our lives while boarding at Alcala Pet Care over the past 30+ years.

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This restaurant has another cat and they often greet the people walking by.

window watcher, originally uploaded by Jim Lockwood.

The Kitty Ritz at Alcala Pet Care was built for cats — from the ground up. For exa.mple, the windows in the reception room were placed low to the floor for our inquisitive visitors.

The cats love the many windows, landscaping, and the quiet, peaceful environments inside the Kitty Ritz

He was adopted at a young age by the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. While this rather aloof cat avoids the patients in general; he has a knack for knowing when people are in their last hours of life. Oscar curls up next to these patients and stays with them during their last hours.

The nurses are now watching Oscar and calling family members to let them know the time is near. Oscar has even received an award for his compassionate hospice care.