WRITTEN BY: Anna Holton-Dean
PHOTOS BY: Cindy Alvarez
As a retired veterinarian, Delana Taylor McNac envisioned opening a daycare and boarding facility that specialized in senior and special needs dogs and cats. She also
wanted to change the way all pets are boarded— without cages and with more human interaction through on-site staff 24 hours per day. The result of her vision is Dogville Daycare & Boarding and Kitty City.
Because cats and dogs’ needs differ, Kitty City was specifically designed to provide stress-free comfort and entertainment for feline customers.
Kitty City uses Feliway to decrease stress and provides cats with their own entrance and exit, apart from Dogville. “Our clients tell us that their cats transition back home almost immediately after a stay at Kitty City,” McNac said.
“There are shelves and benches on the walls for climbing, safe places to hide and look out along with a number of things to provide environmental enrichment,” McNac said. “Some of our rooms have aquariums in the walls, some
have windows to the outside or for bird viewing, and others have cat TV tuned to bird or squirrel watching stations.”
Kitty sitting is an ideal option for cat owners who may have workers or repairmen in their home during the day or those who simply want to provide some daytime company for their cat while they are away. Hourly, half day and daily rates are available.
Comfort care boarding for special needs cats is also available and includes those with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, stomach tubes or those requiring post-operative nursing care. Prices start at $42.50 per night depending on the level of care. The Kitty City staff works with each cat’s veterinarian and follows his or her instructions to the letter. Medication records are kept for every cat along with a daily log of their food and water intake.
Senior cats benefit from the special care and attention as well. Ann Houchin inherited her 18-year-old Maine Coon, Jack, from her mother when she moved into an assisted living facility. Jack has some “quirks” and needs extra care.
Because she travels frequently, Jack boards at Kitty City. “The staff is always so kind and always remembers Jack when we check in,” Houchin said. “He gets to watch the aquarium or bird show in his own luxury kitty condo. I can’t recommend Kitty City enough. I always trust that Jack is safe and well cared for.”
Pet parents can stay up to date on their cat’s status by receiving photos and text messages. And, of course, “playing with your cat is included—no extra charge for cuddles or individual attention.”
“We spend time with each cat according to the cat’s preference,” McNac added. “Some enjoy brushing, others like to play, and others prefer solitude and observing from their perches. We try to make sure each cat has a positive experience, and we have a lot of repeat business as a result.”
It’s that eclectic mix of feline personalities that McNac finds most endearing about her fourlegged customers.
“What I love most about Kitty City is all of the different personalities of the cats and interacting with some of the newer breeds of cats. My staff and I work hard to get to know each cat personally and figure out what we can do to help each cat feel comfortable and safe during their stay.”
Kitty City is located at 9535A E. 47th Place in Tulsa. For a full price listing or for more information, visit www.dogville-daycare.com/ kitty-city or email [email protected].
