Cardiff is set to welcome its newest premium pet care business next Monday, with the highly anticipated opening of the Meow Meow Hotel. The feline-exclusive boarding facility, located on Torrens Avenue, received its final council approval this week, clearing the way for its launch on December 9, 2025.
Overcoming Council Hurdles for a Purr-fect Setup
The journey to opening was not without its challenges, as co-owner Jake Selmes explained. Lake Macquarie City Council approved the development application in October, but the process required navigating specific regulations uncommon for a standalone cattery. A key requirement was an Odour Impact Assessment, which led to the installation of a high-performance air purification unit.
"It was difficult for the Lake Mac council side of things because I think it was the first cattery they've had to deal with," Mr Selmes said. He noted that while many vet clinics have attached boarding, building from the ground up meant "we had to jump through a few hoops and cut through a bit of red tape at times."
The council's assessment highlighted concerns about odour management, particularly due to the facility sharing a wall with the indoor JUMP! Swim Schools Cardiff. The solution is a fridge-sized air purification system that will operate 24 hours a day to remove airborne contaminants and odours.
A Premium, Stress-Free Experience for Feline Guests
The Meow Meow Hotel, owned by Jake Selmes and his partner Debbie White, is designed to cater specifically to cats, aiming to minimise the stress often associated with boarding. Ms White brings over a decade of veterinary industry experience to the business.
The facility will board up to 30 cats in individual suites. Standard suites measure 1.6-1.8 metres deep, 2.1 metres high, and 900 centimetres wide. For pets from the same family, two larger suites will be available, measuring 1.8m deep, 2.1m high, and 1.5m wide.
"Cat owners know how finicky cats can be," Mr Selmes said, drawing on personal experience. "The idea around ours is it'll be a really easy transition for them." The cat-only model addresses feedback from clients who found mixed-species boarding at vet clinics stressful for their feline companions.
Launching in Time for the Holiday Rush
The timing of the opening is strategic, targeting the busy Christmas and New Year period. "There was a big push behind us being open for December, with the Christmas school holidays and into the New Year," Mr Selmes revealed. The demand is already evident, with the owners confirming they have "heaps of bookings already."
With all regulatory hurdles now cleared, the Meow Meow Hotel at Cardiff is poised to become the Hunter region's go-to destination for premium, compassionate cat care, offering peace of mind for owners during the holiday season and beyond.
