As winter draws near, many people find themselves concerned about how stray animals manage to stay warm and safe. Stray cats, in particular, are remarkably adaptable and have a natural affinity for the outdoors, often thriving without much human intervention. However, when temperatures plummet, compassionate individuals often feel compelled to ensure these cats have a refuge from the elements.
One woman has taken this commitment to the next level by constructing an impressive cat apartment for the strays in her neighborhood. This is not just any shelter; it resembles a luxury hotel for her feline friends. The apartment features multiple rooms, cozy blankets that are regularly cleaned, and even a temperature-controlled water source, ensuring that the cats always have access to drinking water, even in freezing conditions.
This innovative cat haven is located in China, and the woman frequently shares her efforts on TikTok, where the project has captured the hearts of many.
Welcome to the Meowtel Catifornia
Naturally, the playful hotel-themed puns began to flood in almost immediately:
- “Welcome to the Hotel Catifornia.”
- “Such a lovely place.”
- “They can check out any time, but they won't ever leave ^^”
- “I prefer Hotel Calicofornia.”
- “Meowriott.”
- “Given my skills, mine would be more like Meowtel 6.”
- “Pawliday Inn.”
- “The Fur Seasons.”
- “Meowne Plaza.”
Viewers were genuinely impressed by the care and creativity that went into the “Meowtel,” and many noted how content the cats seemed with their new living arrangements. Some even joked that their own house cats would leave them for a chance to live in such a cozy environment.
“My cat just looked at me and sighed…”
“All the neighbors be looking for their cats and they’ve bailed to live at the kitty motel.”
“They’d pack their little bags and move in without a second thought.”
“They wouldn't even wait to pack their bags.”
“Alright, Carol, it’s been real, but we’re heading out. Found a great deal on a luxury apartment, so y'know… take care.”
The sentiment that cats choose their homes based on their preferences was echoed by several viewers who shared anecdotes of their own pets opting to live with more desirable neighbors.
“I’ve had two cats do this. One was annoyed by our new puppy’s energy, so she moved in with an older lady down the street. We used to see her regularly until she passed. The other cat missed our kids being little, so she moved next door to a house with a little girl. We told both neighbors to let us know if they got tired of them, but both cats lived out their lives with their new families.”
“One of our cats moved next door because he loves kids and wanted to be with the little girl next door. Since it’s a small village, he goes to school most days to wait for her, and they come home together. School is just three buildings away.”
“We had a cat do the same thing about 20 years ago. She couldn't stand our new puppy's barking and would try to silence him. One day, she slipped outside, and I found her a month later living with a couple two streets over who didn't have a dog. They told me she just showed up at their door and moved in. I gave them her cat food and hoped she was living a peaceful life.”
Is Feeding and Sheltering Stray Cats a Good Idea?
There are varying opinions on the practice of feeding stray cats, as they can pose risks to local wildlife and contribute to a growing stray population. However, responsible methods exist for caring for strays, which include spaying and neutering the cats in your area.
According to the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, the best practices for managing feral and stray cats include:
- Spaying/neutering to prevent further litters.
- Finding homes for friendly cats.
- Feeding outdoor cats on a schedule.
- Removing food and dishes after they finish eating.
- Keeping the feeding area tidy by picking up scraps.
- Providing fresh water.
- Creating a warm place for the cats to sleep.
So, if you’re inclined to care for these kitties and keep them warm through the winter, just remember to manage their population responsibly!