Port Townsend resident Theresa Cochrane has loved animals of all kinds since she was a kid.

Whether it was caring for farm animals as a child, tending to horse stables, or volunteer work, Cochrane has always had a deep connection with her furry friends.

She has been pet-sitting for folks in the area for years, and after around two years of preparation and construction, Cochrane recently opened the first luxury cat hotel on the Peninsula.

START OF AN IDEA

“I got the idea about three years ago. There’s no boarding in Port Townsend for cats, so I thought, well, I could set that up,” Cochrane said.

Starting on the cat hotel project in 2020, Cochrane got busy converting a building previously used as an apartment into the new headquarters for cat boarding.

“I was thinking of all these ideas. I could build a building. I could rent something. And then it occurred to me that I have the perfect space right here,” she said of the place next door to her home. “So most of COVID I’ve been setting this up.”

Under the name Creature Comforts Pet Services, she opened the tabby terminal on March 1.

“I wanted to set it up like a luxury cat hotel, but not just like a boarding kennel where there’s just kennels,” she said.

AHEAD OF THE PACK

Aiming to provide a better experience for people’s beloved cats, Cochrane devised the hotel with an emphasis on safety and a peaceful atmosphere for felines. Additionally, as observed by the lofty cat perches adorning the walls, connecting platforms, and a massive forest-facing window to peer outside, the cat hotel was built around supervised exploration for curious felines.

“The idea was to set it up so it would be  happy and relaxed and not stressful. I’m going to add in music, and be able to play some relaxing sounds.”

As for safety, the facility is equipped with a ventilation system at the litter box areas, along with the use of recyclable paper feeding dishes, to keep things sanitary.

“Their kennels are very safe; they close really well, they latch really well, and they can be locked. I live next door, so I stop in all the time. I can come over and check on them at night before going to bed,” she said.

Beyond just cautionary measures, Cochrane has a deep well of pet experience for any unforeseen emergencies. Certified in animal CPR and first aid, she graduated from Humboldt State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and specialized in animal behavior. Along with years of volunteer service with animal rescue groups, working for veterinary offices, as well as owning and caring for a wide variety of creatures her whole life, Cochrane has the pedigree for pet care.

“I’ve been doing this since I was in college. I’d say a saltwater fish tank is the only thing that I haven’t taken care of,” she said of her 25-plus years of care history. “The most important thing to me is the animals’ comfort and safety.”

A PASSION

Cochrane has held a profound connection and fascination with the animals of the earth. Whether it was goats, dogs, rabbits, birds, or even mice, her fondness for fauna started from childhood.

“My parents; I used to drive them nuts because I always was finding stray animals and bringing them home,” she said.

Her original aspiration was to become a veterinarian, but that dream shifted after she observed how much of the job ended in contempt or disdain from the very creatures she was trying to help. She didn’t mind the not-so-pretty side of veterinary work, but wanted to pursue a career that finished with animals liking her instead of fearing or despising her.

“I ended up working at a veterinary clinic and realized the cats and dogs don’t really like you as much when you smell like a veterinarian. I changed tracks, thinking, ‘What can I do that I get to hang out with animals and they like me?’”

She transitioned to pet sitting and dog walking part-time and has never looked back. Now, as a full-time caretaker of critters, Cochrane’s latest luxury cat hotel venture is a continuation of her lifelong passion.

FUTURE ADDITIONS

The cat hotel is fully-finished and ready for feline guests, but Cochrane has plans to expand in the future.

One of the first things she hopes to construct is a “catio” — an enclosed outdoor patio made for cats to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe.

If the cat hotel is popular with clients, Cochrane plans to add more kennels and spaces for feline recreation along with bringing more hands on deck.

“I’m hoping at some point to have employees,” she said.

Although many expansion plans rely on the success of the cat hotel, she recalled the gratifying journey to pursue her idea and build the facility in the first place.

“It’s been a good learning process,” Cochrane said. “I’ve had so much help from friends, it’s been amazing.”

To learn more about Cochrane’s pet services or book a stay for a favorite feline, visit creature-comforts-pets.com.