ats have long been an underserved market,” begins Kim Thomas, owner and founder of Cat’s Meow Resort, a luxury cat boarding and grooming retreat in Avon, Connecticut. “When I started in the pet care industry, it was easy to find great boarding options for dogs, but cats were usually an afterthought. I wanted to change that.”

Kim’s journey to founding the Cat’s Meow Resort was anything but ordinary. In 2006, she launched West Hartford Pet Sitters, one of Connecticut’s first professional pet sitting services. Within just a few years, it became the largest and most trusted in the region.

Kim then opened her second business, The Mobile Pet Spa, which led her to realize how much cats benefit from professional grooming. To expand her skills, she enrolled in and attended the National Cat Groomers Institute, earning the designation of Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG).

“That training completely changed my entire approach to cat care,” Kim shares. “It’s not just about grooming or feeding—it’s about creating a calm, safe environment where cats feel secure.”

Around that time, she saw a growing trend: Many owners were looking for alternatives to in-home pet sitting.

“I found that many cat owners weren’t comfortable having someone come into their home once or twice a day—especially after COVID,” Kim explains. “And often, the sitter didn’t even see the cat. That wasn’t real care.”

Kim’s grooming and pet sitting clients began to ask her if there was anywhere to board their cats that they could receive personal attention in a quiet, cat-friendly environment. But at that time, the only place available locally was a veterinarian’s office, where cats were kept in cages surrounded by barking dogs and constant activity. It was noisy and stressful, which is the opposite of what cats need.

Kim saw this as an opportunity to raise the bar. She decided to create a feline-exclusive oasis—a boarding and grooming luxury resort where cats could be calm, comfortable and well cared for. She was determined to make her vision a reality.

In 2018, Kim found a location in Avon, Connecticut and began bringing her vision to life. With the help of a designer and a feline behaviorist, they planned out every detail—from the layout of the suites and the lighting to selecting cat-pleasing colors scientifically shown to calm cats.

When Cat’s Meow Resort opened its doors in September 2019, it quickly became a model for how feline boarding can, and should, be done. When you walk into the resort, the first thing you notice is how peaceful it feels. There are no cages, no barking dogs and no stress, just soft music, natural light and contented cats.

Each guest enjoys a spacious private suite with cozy bedding, cat trees, window perches, warming pads, hidey holes and enrichment toys. The suites are divided by glass panels with adjustable blinds that provide privacy for more reserved guests. And each of the three themed wings in the resort—Serengeti, Bora Bora and Aspen—has its own playroom that allows cats to enjoy supervised enrichment sessions twice daily.

“It’s about engagement and comfort,” says Kim. “We design every aspect to reduce stress and support natural behaviors like climbing, perching, and exploring.”

The staff at Cat’s Meow is made up entirely of cat lovers who receive extensive training in handling, feline body language, sanitation, safety and client communication. Catering to individual needs is another focus of the team’s.

“We go above and beyond to make sure every experience is positive—for the cat, the owner, and our staff,” expresses Kim. “Our team learns to read every whisker twitch and tail flick. We tailor care for each cat; some want extra cuddles and to play with toys, while others prefer quiet naptimes. The goal is always to make them feel safe and loved.

“Clients love our transparency and communication,” she continues. “They can watch their cats through our 24/7 live Kitty Cams. It gives them peace of mind to see their cats playing, relaxing, or napping. In addition, our staff also sends regular photo and video updates upon request.”

Safety is a top priority at Cat’s Meow Resort. All exterior doors remain locked at all times and tours are available by appointment only. The facility has a Ring doorbell system and 24-hour security cameras, and its close proximity to the local fire and police departments offers additional peace of mind.

Even the resort’s digital presence reflects Kim’s commitment to professionalism, with their website often being the first introduction potential clients have to the Cat’s Meow.

“We showcase photos of happy guests and share updates on Facebook and Instagram, where our followers love seeing what the cats are up to,” she adds.

Cat’s Meow Resort also offers daycare, which has become increasingly popular. Many clients use this service when they’re hosting parties, having renovations done or during stressful times like the Fourth of July. It gives cats a peaceful place to stay when their home environment is too chaotic.

The on-site grooming salon complements the boarding operation perfectly. Services include baths, de-shedding treatments, blow-dries, nail care, specialized clips and show grooming.

So, what truly sets Cat’s Meow Resort apart from other facilities? Kim says it’s a combination of individualized care, tranquil atmosphere and luxury accommodations. But above all, it’s their philosophy.

“At Cat’s Meow, we treat every cat as an individual,” she states. “We tailor their care to their unique needs and personalities. Whether they’re a senior cat needing extra support or a playful kitten full of energy, we make sure they’re comfortable and content.”

With a waitlist during peak seasons, Kim is now exploring the possibility of expanding her facility or opening a second location in the near future—a testament to the growing demand for high-quality feline care.

When she saw a need in the market, Kim refused to fill it with cages and compromises. Instead, she created an exclusive sanctuary that elevates feline boarding into a worry-free retreat, the Cat’s Meow Resort.