My Philosophy
For cats that need more than fine
Cats are not low-maintenance. When something feels off, they stop eating. When stress builds, their immune systems weaken. Most boarding stays don’t account for any of that. Ours does.
At Catnip Bed & Breakfast, everything starts with your cat. Private suites with their own windows. An outdoor catio where they can feel the sun and watch the birds. A daily routine that bends around their schedule, not the other way around. Every detail was shaped by an owner who has spent the better part of a lifetime figuring out, one cat at a time, how cats actually experience a stay — not just how they survive one.
What Sets Us Apart
What Sets Catnip Bed & Breakfast Apart
Everything Starts with Fear Free
Fear Free is a certification built around one idea: that how an animal feels during a stay matters as much as whether they’re physically safe. It shapes everything at Catnip Bed & Breakfast: how our space is designed, how drop-offs are structured, and how your cat experiences their day. I don’t make your cat adjust to our schedule. I adjust to theirs.
Not Any Cat. Your Cat.
Every cat that stays with me gets their own routine. Their feeding schedule, their medication timing, their preferences, their quirks…none of it gets simplified for convenience. If your cat gets tuna water at 10am, I want to know. That’s what turns a stay into their stay.
Enrichment Isn’t an Add-On
Boredom and understimulation are their own form of stress. A cat that isn’t engaged isn’t resting; they’re just enduring. Every suite has a window with something worth watching. Every cat has access to the outdoor catio with bird feeders, fresh air, and the kind of stimulation that keeps them eating, moving, and themselves. These aren’t add-ons. They’re the baseline.
I Look After You Too
I know that handing your cat off to someone requires a leap. So I make it as short a leap as possible. Daily photos show you exactly where your cat is, what they’re doing, and how they’re feeling. But more than that, they show you the moment your cat stopped waiting and started settling in. That moment matters, and I make sure you don’t miss it.
What's Included in Every Cat Boarding Stay
Meet the Owner
Meet the Owner of Catnip Bed & Breakfast
Many people dream of opening a boarding facility. Mel Perry has opened three each one getting closer to the standard she always knew was possible. She holds Fear Free certification and completed the Cat Friendly Professional Program through the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, because the cats in her care deserve someone who never stops learning. She returned home to Gig Harbor knowing exactly what she wanted to build. Catnip Bed & Breakfast is it.
The Catnip Standard
“Every detail was shaped by an owner who has spent the better part of a lifetime figuring out how cats actually experience a stay — not just how they survive one.”
- Cats Only
- All-Inclusive
- Fear Free
- 7 Private Suites
No add-ons. No surprises. Just exceptional care.
Answers
Questions Cat Owners Actually Ask
Ready to Book Cat Boarding in Gig Harbor?
Catnip Bed & Breakfast is a cats-only boarding retreat in Gig Harbor, Washington, serving cat owners across the Puget Sound — from Gig Harbor and Tacoma to communities throughout the greater Seattle corridor. I offer Fear Free certified, all-inclusive stays for cats of all ages, needs, and personalities. I keep our guest list intentionally small, which means availability fills up quickly, especially around school breaks and holidays.
If you’re ready to book, have questions about whether we’re the right fit, or just want to learn more, I’d love to hear from you.
