Felines can have a '˜purr-fect' break at boutique cat hotel

However, cats can now enjoy a break in the lap of luxury as a boutique hotel has opened – filled with all the treats any feline could ever need.

The Seaside Cat Hotel, in Palmerston Way, Alverstoke, was the brainchild of Linda Lee.

After growing tired of her 30-year career as a health visitor with the NHS, and motivated by her volunteer work with charity Cats Protection, she struck upon the idea of converting part of her house into a luxurious hotel – specifically for cats.

The 50-year-old said: ‘I just thought that there had to be more to life. Then I struck upon this idea.

‘My husband is a businessman so he ran the numbers and said that we could do it, I was delighted.

It took a year to get the planning permission, as there were some strange objections. It was stressful but we got there in the end. Now we are open and the reaction has been really good.’

The boutique hotel has six rooms, which are plushly decorated. Linda says she can cater for any need, including letting them watch television, giving them massages, using aromatherapy, relaxing in front of bubble lamps, tailored menus or simply giving them company.

She said: ‘We are so different to other catteries. It is a lot like being at home for them. Whatever they need, we can give it to them.

‘There’s only six rooms so they get a very personal service. I just knew that there was a better way of looking after cats than what was being provided.’

Linda, who calls herself a ‘crazy cat lady’, says she has found it rewarding to care for cats. As well as the cat hotel, she still fosters cats for Cat Protection while they are looking for a new home – plus she has three cats of her own.

She said: ‘While our guests are with us they become part of our family, and are given lots of love and cuddles, or peace and quiet if that’s what they want.

‘I now have my dream job, looking after animals I adore. I have lots of new cats to love, some to get new loving families for. Others get pampered and return to their parents happy, healthy and relaxed.’

For more go to seasidecathotel.co.uk/our-team/