Boarding for anxious, senior & medical cats in Cork
If your cat is nervous, elderly or on medication, it is natural to worry: Will they be frightened? Will they eat? Will I even know how they are? At Meow Motel in Watergrasshill, your cat is looked after by qualified cat behaviourists, Mark and Claire O’Mahony. We send video updates
on WhatsApp so you can see them for yourself. Guests come to us from across Cork, and from Kerry, Waterford, Limerick and Dublin.

How we help nervous cats settle
Our cattery sits in the peaceful countryside. Each cat has a multi-level room with plenty of places to climb, hide and watch. We use a Feliway diffuser (recommended by vets when cats show signs of stress), play gentle music at low volume, and ask you to bring a familiar bed, blanket or toy from home.

Mark and Claire watch how each cat is settling in, and that also decides how often we send you videos.

Care for senior cats
There is no upper age limit. If your cat has limited mobility, tell us when you book and we can provide extra stairs and ramps. Rooms are heated in colder months and the buildings are fully insulated, so older cats stay comfortable.

Cats with medical needs
We give all medication, including insulin injections, at no extra charge.
We accept most cats with medical needs. The only cats we cannot take are those that are unneutered or unvaccinated. Our Rules also ask that cats arrive free of fleas, worms and contagious illness.

If we are unsure about anything, we contact Finns Vets, or your own vet if they are not too far away, straight away. If your cat falls ill during their stay, we contact you immediately so they can get the care they need.

Special diets are discussed with you and agreed realistically before the stay. Please bring your cat’s usual food.

See your cat while you’re away: video updates on WhatsApp
A day or two after your cat arrives, we set up a WhatsApp group for you. We send short video updates every few days — usually about every 2 days, sometimes every 2–3 days, depending on how your cat is settling.

We are one of very few Irish catteries that send video updates. You do not have to chase us for news — you will see your cat for yourself.

Who cares for your cat
Mark O’Mahony and Claire O’Mahony both hold a Diploma in Feline Behaviour and Psychology (Centre of Excellence). That means we understand how cats show stress, and how to help them feel safe.

Before you book
Please check our Rules: your cat must be up to date with their annual vaccination (bring the cert), must be neutered/spayed, and must be flea- and worm-treated before arrival.

Please bring: your cat’s usual food, all medication (with clear instructions), and a familiar blanket or bed.

Prices: see our Pricing page.
Rooms: see Accommodation (Luxury Lodge and Cosy Cottage; ramps available).

What owners say

First time using a cattery for my cat Pixie. Pixie is ten years old and recently on diabetes medication so I was a bit nervous putting her in meow motel for ten days as it was all going to be new to her. From the first day my nerves went as Mark let me know she was settling in. I got videos of her when I was away which was a lovely touch. Pixie can be quite nervous and a small bit saucy😅 but thank god she was in the best of hands. I will 100% use them again and have already recommended them to my friends who have cats. Pixie has been in the best mood since she’s been home so I know she was looked after so good. Thanks again guys!!! – Roisin Harte

I highly recommend Meow Motel, Mark & Claire were wonderful with my cat Nacho. Their facility is absolutely spotless & each room has plenty of natural light and space. I got lots of video & photo updates throughout the duration of his 15 night stay. Mark & Claire had no issues to administer Nacho’s medication & regularly reported on his health issues which was very reassuring as it was his first time away. He was very happy with them & came home is happy self too. I wouldn’t go anywhere else! – Kate Houlihan

We recently had the pleasure of leaving our beloved cat in the care of Claire at The Meow Motel, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the experience. From start to finish, the communication was fantastic. Claire kept us informed with lovely messages during our cat’s stay, which provided immense peace of mind.

One of our main concerns was our cat’s anxiety with the added stress of being on medication. Claire’s reassurances and professionalism made me feel completely at ease. It’s evident that she genuinely cares for the well-being of each pet in her care.

This was the first time we’ve collected our cat from a cattery after a trip, and he’s been calm and settled back in at home straight away. Leaving your pet with Claire is truly like leaving them with family. Her warmth, attentiveness, and dedication are unmatched. The cattery itself is immaculate, with clean, spacious, and cat-friendly units that provide a comfortable environment for any cat.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Meow Motel to any cat owner. The exceptional service and care will exceed your expectations! – Aisling O’Donovan

Common questions
Do you give tablets and insulin?
Yes. We give all medication, including insulin injections.
Is there an extra charge to administer medication?
No. It is included in the boarding price.
Which vet do you use?
Finns Vets. We are also happy to use your own vet if they are not too far away. We contact the vet immediately if we are unsure about anything.
Which vaccine is needed?
Your cat must be up to date with their annual vaccination; please present the cert at check-in.
See our Rules (https://meowmotelcork.com/rules/).
How often do you send videos?
Every few days on WhatsApp — usually about every 2–3 days — once the group is set up a day or two after arrival.
Can you follow a special diet?
Yes. We discuss it with you and agree what is realistic. Please bring the food your cat normally eats.
Can my cats share a room?
Yes. Double rooms take up to three cats from the same household.
Tell us about your cat when you book
Book on our Book a stay page. After you book, you will get an email with what to bring, payment details and mobile numbers.

Questions before you book? Email meowmotelcork@gmail.com.