The Cat's Meow Country Inn

The Cat's Meow Country Inn is a cat boarding facility in Donahue, IA, on a country property at 13478 275 St. It takes cats only, with no other animal types in the building, and it uses no cages or condos. Feline guests stay in private rooms furnished with cat trees, scratching posts and shelves.

What a stay includes

Many rooms have windows, so a cat can sunbathe or watch birds without leaving its own space. A separate playroom holds climbing towers and a TV used for bird-watching engagement. Daily playtime and human interaction are part of every stay, and so are light brushing and catnip.

• Private, cage-free rooms with cat trees, scratching posts and shelves
• Webcam access so owners can check in on their cat
• Indoor playroom with climbing towers
• Accommodation for special diets
• Grooming, including light brushing

What sets it apart

The cat-only rule is the main difference. No dogs come and go, so the noise a nervous cat reacts to isn't part of the building. A double-door entryway keeps guests contained if one gets loose from a carrier. The country setting keeps the surroundings quiet. The whole setup is narrow on purpose: one species, private rooms, and daily contact with people instead of a row of kennels.

Practical details

Drop-offs and pick-ups happen Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. The facility is closed on Sunday. Booking is handled by phone at 563-223-8227. Published rates run from $35 to $75 per day. Proof of vaccination is required before a cat can stay, so owners should have records ready when they call. Cats needing a specific diet can be accommodated, which is worth mentioning at the time of booking.