5-Star Pet Hotels on the Rise

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - Within the last two decades, many pet owners have crossed the line from treating their pets like animals to treating them like any other family member. The Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel in Hertfordshire, England is a five-star example of that transition.

According to the hotel’s website, owners Abi and Matt Purser give their feline guests the option to receive a tailored “a la cat” menu every night, a heated chalet all to themselves, 24-hour veterinarian service, if needed, and luxurious grooming services amongst other amenities.

The site states, “The Hotel offers six very large luxury heated chalets each with their own bedroom and exercise area creating the perfect stress-free retreat for your much treasured pet whilst they are in our care.”

The suites have four-poster beds and each have their own unique theme. The Telegraph shows a picture of the Savanna Suite which is decorated in shades of purple that surround a black wrought iron four-poster bed. Purser also sends kitty postcards to their owners about how they are doing while they are away.

According to the Telegraph, there are also other special touches, including bird boxes outside of the suite windows to keep the cats entertained , as well as a porcelain drinking fountain that contains constant flowing oxygenated water for them to drink. Even their meals are served on bone china on a silver platter.

Overboard you say? Well, luxury cat hotels aren’t the first of their kind.

Joan Saunders, chief executive officer of the Colorado-based trade group Pet Care Services Association told Desert News, "Ten to 15 years ago, there started to be a dramatic change in how people viewed their pets.” She goes on to explain that pets have become members of the family and are being treated better.

Pet Paradise Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. has a bone-shaped swimming pool for its guests.

Resort manager Dina Beam told Desert News, “A lot of people say, 'We don't treat him like he's a dog.' We say, 'Great! That's what we cater to.' "