http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ Daily Kitten Chat Forum Topic: Cat Hotel (and TDK white light) en Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:41:40 +0000 http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265306 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:09:35 +0000 2bpurring 265306@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Caroline, a TDK meet at the Hotel would be a dream!!! Count me in!!! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265252 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:22:28 +0000 sullis 265252@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>One other thing we have here in NYC is the CityPetGuide<br /> <a href="http://www.citypetguide.com" rel="nofollow">www.citypetguide.com</a></p> <p>I'm not sure if you have something similar, but it's kind of like a mini telephone directory for all kinds of pet services...It's given out free of charge at several pet stores here..I don't know what they charge for listing, but maybe you have something similar in your area? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265250 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:13:18 +0000 sullis 265250@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Sending positive vibes your way for business success..Anyway you could post your services at a local Petsmart/Petco? Or at local pet stores, veterinary clinics? Maybe also consider leaving your cards at travel agencies? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265227 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:50:09 +0000 caroline 265227@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>We do foster rescues at Cat Hotel, I myself am a stage tech (seeking to move on , hence Cat Hotel) The Kodak sound man is one of my union brothers... When he found Lucky someone told him I was a cat lover and gave him my phone number..He would have kept him but his wife is allergic to cats... I have 8 of my own but I may keep him anyway.<br /> Everyone's ideas have been great.. and thank you all!<br /> I'll be sending a letter to the landlord asking for a temporary rent reduction ( I sure wish I owned the building!)<br /> Let's hope that works.<br /> TDK folks are the kindest ever. :) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265223 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:54:03 +0000 jcat 265223@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I am wondering if there's some way you can build on what has happened with Lucky. Are you able to foster a few kitties on a regular basis? Just throwing ideas around here but how did they know to bring Lucky to you from the Kodak theatre? Could you maybe somehow become the place that also rehomes little Hollywood strays, who turn up on studio lots etc? I'm sure celebrity animal lovers would be happy to help publicise something like that. This is possibly a totally nuts idea, if so, please ignore it. I'll still be sending positive vibes that the Cat Hotel becomes a great success! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265220 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:21:36 +0000 AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew 265220@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>bump </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265191 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:44:38 +0000 anncetera2 265191@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Caroline, you've gotten some fantastic suggestions from everyone! There are a couple I'd add.</p> <p>Do you know anyone who does web design? There are a couple things on your website that might improve initial appearance. For instance, on your home page, the text that says "Cat Hotel" has really deep, dark shadows; it makes the words hard to read. Love the graphic, though!</p> <p>In addition to YouTubing some video of your business, and getting several additional good photos, can you get any customer testimonials? Any way you could get Betty White, Bob Barker, or anyone else prominent and involved in animal activism to come by and take a look at the place - preferably during an open house to which you also invite a bunch of veterinarians, pet therapists, etc?</p> <p>Is there any sort of way that you can bill your company as "the next best thing to staying at home?" And explain the pros &#38; cons of having a solitary cat staying at home for 2 weeks while the owner's away, vs. staying at the Cat Hotel?</p> <p>During an economic downturn, it's especially important to be able to differentiate your services and business from others. Are there any additional services you might be able to provide? Some businesses do well when they add pick up &#38; drop off services (one less thing for the owner to worry about, esp. when running out of town on short notice). Is there any way you can offer your services to people having short hospital stays? (For petsitting some 16+ years ago, I once interviewed a client about her pets &#38; home while she was awaiting surgery the next day.)</p> <p>Or perhaps you could offer an additional location where various non-profits adoption groups could house several foster kitties, if they absolutely, positively run out of foster homes on a very short-term basis?</p> <p>Good luck!! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-265086 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:05:52 +0000 Mittens 265086@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Purryers for success and prosperity at Caroline's Cat Hotel. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264983 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:01:51 +0000 caroline 264983@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Thank you all for the helpful advice and encouragement! TDK folks are the best! :)<br /> I want to have a So cal TDK meet at Cat Hotel sometime after the holidays maybe? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264968 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:38:11 +0000 Buttercup 264968@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Prayers and positive thoughts for your business to be successful! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264961 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:26:56 +0000 Karenopa 264961@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>OHHHHH Wow... Those are great ideas WWM! Good Girl! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264957 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:22:49 +0000 WillowandWindismom 264957@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Caroline, in my town the water company will allow businesses to include a flyer on a one time basis in the water bills that are mailed. You might check to see if they do that. Also, I would check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see if you can put fliers in their welcome packets. Do you have an organization that distributes packets to new residents? We do here (I think its called Welcome Wagon) and many businesses put their fliers in those packets. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264951 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:13:23 +0000 Karenopa 264951@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Caroline..I think your business is located in a perfect place. I think it's a matter of getting the word out to the right circles. Asking to leave business cards in beauty salons (where kitty mamas go to get beautiful) Veterinary offices may also be willing to hand out your business card or hang up a flyer. I'm sending you Prayers and TDK White Light that things will pick up for your business. {{{hugs}}} </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264940 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:47:55 +0000 tinafishfrombirthplaceofElvis 264940@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Is there a fax of the day program in Burbank? we have one in Tupelo,MS. A fax is sent to participating businesses on a daily basis. It has fun facts, sale coupons, restaurant info, special event info, etc. Good luck with the Cat Hotel and congratulations on Lucky being the kitten of the day! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264931 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:36:45 +0000 AV 264931@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>God Bless you. We need cat lovers in this world who love and want to care for them. You might try increasing your business by contacting some of the areas that have been hit so hard recently by the storms - Texas and surrounding areas. I know those agencies are overloaded, and have raised funding to try and help those poor animals, but need places to send them to. They have sent any down our way (I live in Fla.) but pretty much I think they would send them anywhere they could find a good place. You may be able to partner with a local rescue agency that finds homes for cats, but maybe you could be paid to board them until that happens. Just a thought. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264921 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:20:25 +0000 ailuromaniac 264921@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Good Luck!</p> <p>As others have mentioned you might want to add a retail line, maybe you could partner with some of the talented people at TDK on a consignment of their kitty related craft items. </p> <p>Look at the model of the pet daycare for dogs. They often have a "3 Dog Bakery" associated to sell treats. Maybe start your own line of kitty treats.</p> <p>Also Grooming.</p> <p>Celebrity endorsements are also a booster if you can get it without strings.<br /> In lieu of that, how about the local TV and Radio if they have a pet of the week adoption. See if they will feature Lucky and his story. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264918 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:14:35 +0000 Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 264918@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Prayers for your business--lots of good advice above. It is probably due to people not going on vacations due to the cost of fuel, either car or plane. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264913 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:05:25 +0000 SylMiaFelixMomma 264913@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and the success of your Cat Hotel! Looks and sounds like a good place to bring one's cat. Seems like you have gotten some good tips here. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264900 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:49:06 +0000 Renee in Arkansas 264900@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Congrats on your business Caroline, sounds very interesting. In the big city here(Fort Smith), I see business circulars, newsletters and a small paper called the "The Thrifty Nickel". I think for a low fee you can advertise in these papers, they are distributed out to all local businesses, like grocery stores and restaurants, etc. for people to pick up for free. Do you have anything like that in your area? Just a thought. :) Good luck on getting the word out. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264893 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:41:07 +0000 miu 264893@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Purrs, prayers and positive vibes to Cat Hotel and Caroline! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264852 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:41:53 +0000 WillowandWindismom 264852@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Wow, that is an awesome website and what a wonderful service you are providing. I would take flyers to all of the veterinary clinics that you can hit. Also, our paper has a classified section for "pet services". If yours has one you could probably put a low cost ad there. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264837 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:30:32 +0000 Rubia in CA, 4/28 264837@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Sending positive energy, prayers and TDK white light for you and the success of your Cat Hotel! It really looks like a great place. If I wasn't 5000 miles away, I would certainly bring Tikka there. We are very lucky that we have friends who can usually take Tikka while we are away, but I hate to think what we would do if we had to be away for a long trip and our friends weren't there! I would love to have someplace like the Cat Hotel where I could take her and feel she was being well cared for and looked after! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264834 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:26:08 +0000 2bpurring 264834@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Caroline, you might also want to see if you can get to know some local breeders and see if they will come check out your Cat Hotel and then recommend it to their customers. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264816 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:04:21 +0000 DancingCatHill 264816@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>What a great web site you have! I hope it all turns around right for you really soon, it looks like such a great place to board a cat. If I didn't live 3000 miles away I would use your services. Lots of white light and good wishes to you. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264814 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:01:35 +0000 2bpurring 264814@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>First Caroline, I had heard of the Cat Hotel!! I'm in S.CA. and congrat's on having a Cat Hotel kitty featured as The Daily Kitten!!! I will do my best to get word about you hotel to my fellow kitty lovers here in the S. CA area...Wouldn't it be great to get the endorsement of someone like Bob Barker!!! Maybe if you start sending letters with brochures out to Animal Loving stars maybe it could get you alot of business from a crowd that travels alot and has lots of money!!! Just a thought...<br /> Oh and you need some video on your website, or at least pictures of the different areas... </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264808 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:53:09 +0000 LadyKat of IA 264808@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Caroline,<br /> Prayers for you and your business! I know it's difficult for any business during this time, but it's especially hard on small, independent companies. Get "word of mouth" out: advertising flyers in vet offices, laundromats, grocery stores, etc. A coupon for a repeat stay may help, too. Wishing you lots of luck. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264798 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:42:58 +0000 paulajeanne 264798@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Wow! Is it at your place that Lucky is being cared for? Sending you loads of white light and many hugs and prayers for your success. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264797 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:40:43 +0000 AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew 264797@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Did you make a video and post it on your website, Catster Caroline? Look at the publicity of some of the ones we have seen on youtube if nothing else. Advertise in Cat Fancy, thru your local vet clinics/hospitals, got to be other places like feed stores. Your website is done wonderfully, love the picture. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264796 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:40:36 +0000 krazikat 264796@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>You have my prayers Caroline and {{{HUGS}}}. Is there any inexpensive way you can add a product line of some sort or rent some of your space to a vet? I have an aquaintance who has a karate school but rents one of her rooms to a feline vet. We'll all be brainstorming for you Caroline. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/10769#post-264791 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:36:04 +0000 caroline 264791@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Hello all.<br /> A few months ago I decided to risk it all and go into business for myself. A local cat boarding business was for sale and I took a line of credit on my house and bought it. It is the Cat Hotel in Burbank CA.<br /> It had been successful prior to my acquiring it and was thriving.. Then the economy took a slump and we have been hit hard. Just covering rent and bills has been a struggle. This is where I need the TDK white light and good thoughts sent to Cat Hotel.. (And for all of us who are struggling right now). I admit is is hard work and I am worried.<br /> Any ideas for networking or publicity are welcome.. Contact me through the Cat Hotel website ( the email address is there) <a href="http://www.cathotelburbank.com" rel="nofollow">www.cathotelburbank.com</a><br /> Thank you all, caroline </p>