Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer & Twyla Miller.
Hi Jennifer & Twyla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Jennifer Miller:
We established Whiskers Luxury Cat Boarding in March 2014, with a vision to create a “home away from home” for cats. After teaching middle school language arts for over 20 years, I started looking for a new career that centered around cats. My background with cats, including owning and operating the award-winning Katznjamr Bengals cattery for over 20 years, gave me a unique understanding of feline psychology, health, and nutrition. So, my experience with cats and a strong understanding of their needs inspired the concept of Whiskers, a luxury cat boarding facility tailored specifically for cats.
Twyla Miller:
I, on the other hand, brought my business sense and passion for animal care to the partnership. As a graduate of the University of Texas and a successful insurance agent, I was able to provide a strong foundation for the business. My experience in rescuing animals and my love for animals in general made me a valuable partner in establishing Whiskers. I’m also a proud advocate for animal rescue and currently care for two rescue cats of my own.
Jennifer: We’re dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for both cats and their owners, and we’ve worked hard to create a safe and luxurious haven where cats can thrive while their owners are away. Our combined expertise and passion for animal welfare have been instrumental in the success of Whiskers Luxury Cat Boarding. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and it’s rewarding to see our clients trust us with their cats.
Twyla: We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to combine our skills and passions to create a truly special place for cats. Our goal is to provide a “home away from home” experience for every feline guest, and we’re committed to making that vision a reality. What sets us apart is our dedication to providing exceptional care and creating long-lasting relationships with our clients. We understand that every cat is different, and we strive to make each one feel at home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Twyla: One of the biggest challenges is maintaining the luxurious and stress-free environment we’ve created for our feline guests. This requires continuous effort in facility cleanliness, staff training, and attention to detail. We take pride in providing spacious suites, individual attention, and specialized care, and it’s essential that we maintain these high standards.
Jennifer: Another challenge we face is balancing growth with quality. As we’ve expanded from 21 to 32 rooms, and are considering further expansion, it’s crucial that we scale our operations without compromising on the low staff-to-cat ratio or personalized attention that sets us apart. We’re committed to ensuring that every cat receives the same level of care and attention, regardless of the size of our facility.
Twyla: Every cat that comes to us has a unique personality and set of needs. Some may be anxious or require special care, and it’s our job to adapt to these individual needs and ensure a positive experience for every cat. This requires expertise and patience from our staff, and we’re proud of the way our team has risen to this challenge.
Jennifer: Of course, emergencies can arise, despite our best efforts to prevent them. We’ve implemented safety measures like fire-retardant surfaces and state-of-the-art monitored fire alarms, but it’s essential that we have protocols in place to handle unexpected situations and ensure the safety of our feline guests. We’re committed to being prepared for any situation that may arise.
Twyla: Finally, we understand that cat owners have high expectations when it comes to the care of their beloved pets. Our goal is to give them peace of mind, and that involves transparent communication, providing updates, and ensuring that they feel comfortable leaving their cats in our care. We’re dedicated to building trust with our clients and providing them with the best possible experience.
Jennifer: Overall, our commitment to excellence and attention to detail sets us apart, and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built. We’re constantly working to improve and refine our services to ensure that every cat and their owner has a positive experience with Whiskers Luxury Cat Boarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Jennifer: At Whiskers, we specialize in providing a high-end, cat-only boarding experience in Georgetown, Texas. Our work centers around creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for cats while providing their owners with peace of mind. We offer private, spacious suites that are fully furnished with cat trees, beds, and windows, and we prioritize feline well-being by maintaining a low staff-to-cat ratio to ensure each cat receives plenty of attention and care.
Twyla: What sets us apart is our cats-only focus, which allows us to tailor our services specifically to meet the unique needs of felines. We go beyond traditional cages or condos, offering spacious suites designed to make cats feel at home. Our emphasis on luxury and comfort is evident in every aspect of our facility, from the cat TV programs on our televisions to the gerbils and wild birds on outside feeders within view, and even our indoor bird cages with colorful Gouldian finches.
Jennifer: We’re proud of the personalized care we provide, and our clients often comment on the attention their cats receive. We’re dedicated to creating a stress-free environment and providing enrichment activities that stimulate our feline guests. We also keep owners informed with phone, email, and photo updates, so they can see how their cats are doing.
Twyla: We’re known for our exceptional care, and our clients consistently praise the attention and love their cats receive. We’re proud to provide a luxurious environment that’s clean, cozy, and well-maintained, and we’re grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us. Our goal is to make every cat feel happy and relaxed, and we’re thrilled when our clients tell us that we’ve achieved that.
Jennifer: What we’re most proud of is making cats happy and earning the trust of our clients. We’ve created a place where cats can “live in the lap of luxury,” and we’re committed to providing a positive experience for every feline guest. We’re grateful for the opportunity to care for these beloved pets and to provide their owners with peace of mind when they’re away.
Twyla: Ultimately, our dedication to feline well-being and our commitment to exceptional service set us apart. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re proud to offer a luxurious experience that provides owners with confidence and peace of mind when they’re away.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Twyla: We’ve learned that understanding and catering to the unique needs of cats and their owners is paramount to success. Cats are not simply smaller versions of dogs, and they require a specialized environment and approach to boarding. For us, that means providing private, spacious suites that are equipped with everything a cat needs to feel at home, like cat trees, beds, and windows.
Jennifer: We’ve seen firsthand how cats flourish in a secure and stimulating environment, which is why our facility is designed to provide constant enrichment. With features like Cat TV programs on wall-mounted televisions, a large gerbil aquarium, wild bird feeders in view, and spacious aviaries housing colorful Gouldian finches, our feline friends stay engaged and active. To further ensure their comfort, we maintain a low staff-to-cat ratio and provide personalized attention to each cat, minimizing stress and creating a calming atmosphere.
Jennifer: For our owners, providing peace of mind is essential. We know that leaving a beloved cat behind can be stressful, so we aim to keep them informed and up-to-date on their cat’s well-being with updates and photos. We also prioritize building trust and relationships with both the cats and their owners, and we believe that outstanding customer service is integral to our continued success.
Twyla: One way we build trust is by offering tours of our entire facility without requiring an appointment. We want our clients to feel comfortable and confident in our ability to care for their cats, and we believe that transparency is key. Our clients are welcome to visit during business hours to see our accommodations and meet our staff, and we think this level of transparency showcases the high standards of care we provide.
Jennifer: Ultimately, our success stems from a deep understanding of feline needs and a commitment to providing a luxurious, stress-free environment. By prioritizing the needs of both our feline guests and their owners, we’ve been able to create a truly special place that provides peace of mind for owners and a wonderful experience for cats. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us.
Pricing:
- Small Suite – $40-$45
- Medium Suite – $45-$52
- Extra Large Suite – $50-$60
- Jungle Gym Suite – $65-$70
- Playroom Suite – $90-95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Whiskers.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskers_cat_hotel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatBoardingAustinTexas
- Twitter: https://x.com/WhiskersHotel
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whiskers-georgetown-6
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/2rNoh5M
Image Credits
All photos are property of Whiskers Luxury Cat Boarding.
