Cats Upstairs

Cats Upstairs Welcome to Cats Upstairs (Boarding) — your cat’s new home-away-from-home!

Located on the second floor of our Lakewood home, we’re creating a space where cats can relax, stretch, and are cared for in comfort suites, not small cages.

08/30/2026

I would say that most cats coming to Cats Upstairs need at least a few hours in their studio to unwind from the car ride, check out their space, and come to terms with the fact that this is their new reality for a little while before they come out into the cat room.

These two siblings showed up and were ready immediately to explore the cat room. In fact, they probably would be comfortable going straight out into the playroom. Petunia is a super sweet blind kitty and showing no signs of startling or being worried about what's in front of her or that I'm a stranger.

We are having a great time with pets and smells and making a plan for our next play session!

08/28/2026

The lovely Phoebe was back for a brief stay. She explored every inch of the place and let me know when she was ready to go. 😻

This pretty girl is so smart and expressive, and there is never a dull moment when she is around!

08/26/2026

Shadow Paw is the most lap-cat that's ever sat on my lap! He's the cat that people who say they want a lap-cat dream about. He's happy to sit on your lap or beside you. He's always wanting pets. He rolls over, lets you pet his tummy, in between his toes, under his neck, and never gets tired of it. He never threatens with his teeth or his claws and is just happy to be with you. 😻 Dreamy.

Shadow Paw is not my cat, but I have the absolute good fortune to be caring for him. It took us a couple of days for me to learn exactly what it is he likes and doesn't like (he is a bit shy). Since then, it's been nothing but a love fest whenever we're together. He goes home tomorrow, and I will miss him.

08/24/2026

This special cat needs more than an adopter... his person.

Hiker a year old, incredibly affectionate + completely in love with people. He's also deaf. Everyone who meets him loves him and the feeling is mutual, he hasn't met a stranger. He wants to be close to people, and part of everyday life.

He had a difficult start. If you can imagine a fearless toddler who survived a stroke and can not hear your calls re:safety, you will have an idea of Hiker!

"Derpy", is accurate but incomplete. He approaches the world with optimism + curiosity with no awareness that he has limitations. It's inspiring, hilarious, and terrifying! He doesn't realize that he can't hear danger. He doesn't make the safest decisions. He depends on people to notice what he can't - there may also be vision challenges that may/ may not resolve. He needs his people to notice what he can't. And so he needs someone who sees his care as a privilege rather than a burden.

It has been determined he needs to be the only pet in a home. He needs someone patient + attentive, who can provide a predictable routine + understands how consistency helps him feel safe and thrive- ideally someone who works from home. When alone he meows for attention, and since he doesn't hear he meow's louder... he prefers not to be alone. 😻

He is good wearing a harness, riding in a pet seat and doesn't mind a carrier. He may be great as a travel compainion but not a adventure cat because he will always need a thoughtful handler who understands that his confidence far exceeds his judgment. Not hearing puts him at a high risk of being hurt outside. Someone or something approaching or unexpectedly entering his space can/does surprise him, he needs a person who is always thinking one step ahead for him. He'll never be a cat who can "figure it out".

Our world wasn't designed for him so we're looking for the person willing to design their world for him.

There is no hurry. He is safe here, and I love him. I'm committed to finding his forever home. I'm looking for the person who reads this and thinks, "I've been waiting for this cat!."

Downstairsat Cats Upstairs we have 2 resident cats, Matilda- about 10.5 and Manny- going on 7.Matilda was a wild child, ...
08/23/2026

Downstairsat Cats Upstairs we have 2 resident cats, Matilda- about 10.5 and Manny- going on 7.

Matilda was a wild child, and in 2017 we made a pretty big move that disrupted her life, and her generally.

Without any research I decided she would love to have a sibling (?) or a cat she could mother... (have any of you done this?!)

I did not introduce them properly, I came home and said, "LOOK at this adorable baby I got for you!".and our whole house proceeded to concentrate our attention in the cutest kitten that ever kitten-ed!

Fast forward...

They are not bonded.

They hardly get along.

I provided one, top entry cat box- one cat tree- and one feeding station. (All big No-No's!)

Apparently about 50% of cat fights in multi-cat homes are actually boundary checks, which means my cats were maybe not having very serious issues. .. rather, they have been having a LOUD disagreements, about who can spend time where.

With opening Cats Upstairs I did- and continue to do- study cats. Reading, watching, and researching all things CAT.

We now have a dedicated cat room downstairs, we offer multiple places that cats can go high in 2 rooms, more window spaces (for bird watching), 3 cat boxes in multiple locations, and 2 different feeding stations.
I'm also playing with them more than I have since they were kittens.

My cats are still not bonded... but they are both happier than they have been in years! Spending more time with us, seeking our attention and it has been so rewarding (and humbling- plus, mom guilt!) to witness the changes in such a short time!

It wasn't too late to improve my cats quality of life.

08/22/2026

I'll have what.he is having! Cat 😹

I can pet and rub this cat head-to-toe for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Physical touch is his love-language, and I am here for it! We are having such a good time!

If you'd like your cat to stay somewhere that takes the time to figure out exactly what they want and like- or don't want or like (!!!), please condsider Cats Upstairs when you head out of town and need to board them.

I know making that choice (board vs have a cat sitter or house sittrt) can be a difficult one, and I'm available to talk it out- and open to walk-throughs, too. Walk through are by appointment only.

Thank you!

08/21/2026

These girls had back-to-back stays, and so I was able to get to know them fairly quickly.

Tinker came out and let me know exactly what she likes and doesn't like, and talked my ear off demanding attention every day. (which I loved!)

Her older sister, Bell, on the other hand, preferred to hang out in a quiet spot, enjoyed her meals, and would fall asleep every single time I pet her. She was most active on her very last day, and I took that as a sign that she felt comfortable in her space!

08/19/2026

And just like that... their time here was over.

These siblings were found on the side of the road at just 4 weeks- I can not imagine doing such a thing! 😿 Their momma said they are the best surprises she ever did find on the side of the road! I say they are just as lucky as she is! She is devoted and it shows! ❤️

Brief as it our time was, these two were nothing but JOY.

As different as they look, they are both lovable, trusting, adventurous cats- I selfishly hope that their momma needs to leave them in my care again sometime- for a longer stay! 😻

08/19/2026

As much as I love this cat, he is my foster cat, and the goal is goodbye.

He's a very special boy. He cannot hear, and he has some other needs that will need to be met by a very special person.

If you think you might be that person, or you know that person, please get in touch.

He's available for adoption through Oakbrook Cat Rescue.

He does need to be an only pet in a household that is primarily home with him all the time. He's like a naughty little toddler who's had a stroke. ❤️

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!Or, as Shadow pointed out... Monday.
08/18/2026

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!
Or, as Shadow pointed out... Monday.

Address

Lakewood, WA
98498

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cats Upstairs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category