Countless businesses that rely on customers and crowds have been effected by COVID-19 (coronavirus), but in the chaos and uncertainty, some are trying to find outcomes that are positive. One such example is Hotel Cat, a five-star rated luxury getaway for felines that is offering to host the cats of sick owners for free.

Hotel Cat
Pets at Hotel Cat have luxury accommodation © Hotel Cat

Located in the village of Sway in Hampshire, Hotel Cat owners Jackie and Tim have been affected by self-isolation and quarantine measures, and recently put up a post on Facebook to try to find a silver lining in the situation. “In this awful time which is affecting us all and having huge financial implications on so many small businesses we would like to offer our service to those in need. Our usually hectic cat hotel is very quiet for the foreseeable future so, if you know anyone who has to be hospitalised or is too ill to care for their cat we will collect it and look after it free of charge until they are back on their feet.”

Hotel Cat Owners
Hotel Cat owners Jackie and Tim © Hotel Cat

The post got a great response online, with locals commenting on how thoughtful the gesture was while others said that they would be passing the offer along to people that they knew would need it. 

Hotel Cat describes itself as the first luxury cattery in the UK to offer full-size suites with “human” beds, duvets, furniture and televisions. The bedrooms have an additional garden room attached which is filled with climbing trees, sun chairs, toys, and places for the cats to play and sleep. The hotel even has an a la carte menu for cats, featuring a prawn and crab medley, poached salmon and cod, fresh, slow-cooked tuna steak and baked chicken breast.

More information is available at the official Hotel Cat website.

Keep up to date with Lonely Planet's latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.

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