EP#72 - Entrepreneurship, Franchising, Happy Cats = Chris Raimo

Remember that movie Field of Dreams? The one where that voice keeps saying
"If you build it, they will come..."
Well, that's sort of what founders Chris and Meg Raimo felt was happening to them shortly before they conceived the idea for the Happy Cat Hotel & Spa. The couple had owned and operated their original business venture, Home Sweet Home Pet Care, a house-call pet care service that provided dog walking, pet sitting when they heard that voice whisper to them.  At that time it was widely accepted that it was better to leave your pets home than to put them in a kennel - especially cats. When it came to visiting those same cats, however, Chris, Meg, and their team began to notice that their feline friends were not doing so well. Cats that were typically withdrawn or aloof began pining for affection while others would regress and develop a stir-crazy mentality that would bring about fits of destruction, urinating, and hunger strikes.
Entrepreneurs that they are, Chris and Meg started asking questions. What does it matter that a cat is at home in its 'normal' environment, if the home is barren of contact and socialization? What does the place matter to a truly social creature?
From there, the founders started answering the questions and developing a solution. What if the cat didn't stay home but went instead to a place that provided enrichment all day long? Would they adapt?    Behavioral research shows they will. Give them places to climb, hide, run, and rest, offer them physical touch and affection, as well as interactive replications of play and hunting, and they, will not only adapt but THRIVE. In other words, create a place just for cats. 
Check out the Happy Cat Hotel
*The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or youtube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet.  The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.*