Our Wellness Philosophy
Meowkins is a small, boutique, cat-only facility in Norfolk focused on low-stress, high-sanitation, and individualized care. Serving the Hampton Roads community, we have designed a sanctuary where luxury meets feline-specific clinical standards, providing a dog-free environment that respects the unique personality and comfort of every cat.
Fear Free Approach
Stress-Free Sanctuary
Meowkins is committed to a Fear Free–inspired approach that prioritizes your cat's emotional well-being alongside their physical health. By reducing triggers and honoring natural feline behaviors, we create a boarding experience designed for peace of mind.
- Gentle handling and low-stress techniques tailored to each unique kitty
- A quiet, dog-free environment to prevent sensory overwhelm
- Slow, patient introductions to new spaces and enrichment
- Individualized care plans that respect unique feline personalities
- Calm, predictable routines that foster a sense of security
Health Requirements
VA Vaccines
All feline guests require:
A current Rabies vaccine
A current Feline Distemper vaccine
A negative fecal parasite exam
Contagious-Free
To protect our sanctuary environment, all cats must be free from contagious illnesses and internal/external parasites.
Stable Health
Cats must be in generally stable health. We provide individualized care plans for guests with manageable medical needs.
A comprehensive list of health requirements and documentation will be provided to all owners before reservations officially open.
Medical Care Plans
At Meowkins, we accommodate medical needs with an individual touch. Our boutique setting allows for meticulous diet monitoring and the administration of basic oral or topical medications according to your cat's specific requirements. Every guest receives a customized care plan designed to maintain their routine in a low-stress environment.
Special Health Considerations
We strive to be an inclusive sanctuary. Meowkins can accept FIV-positive cats for boarding exclusively in our private suites. These feline friends cannot be accommodated in our shared atrium areas to ensure their comfort and protection; for the most tranquil experience, we strongly recommend a full private room reservation.
Please be aware that we are unable to accept FeLV-positive cats due to the high risk of transmission to our other guests. We appreciate your understanding as we maintain the highest safety and health standards for our entire Norfolk cat community.
Illness Response Protocols
01. Observe & Separate
If a guest shows any signs of illness, they are immediately moved to a quiet, private area to rest comfortably, ensuring they receive individualized attention while preventing any potential spread to the shared atrium.
02. Immediate Owner Contact
We will contact you immediately using the primary and emergency contact information provided during intake. Our priority is keeping you informed as soon as a health observation is made.
03. Preferred Vet Coordination
We will reach out to your preferred veterinarian listed in your records to discuss your cat’s history and determine the best course of action. Following your specific vet's guidance is our first step in medical care.
04. Mobile & Emergency Care
If your preferred vet is unavailable or if urgent triage is required, we coordinate with our on-call mobile vet or transport your cat to the nearest local 24-hour animal hospital for immediate diagnostics and treatment.
05. Continuous Communication
Throughout the response process, we maintain open lines of communication. You will receive updates at every stage, from initial observations to final care recommendations, ensuring full transparency while your cat is in our care.
Safety First: Emergency Protocols
At Meowkins, your cat's safety is our absolute priority. We maintain rigorous documentation and clear action plans to ensure immediate and professional response to any health concern or emergency.
01. Daily Monitoring
We utilize comprehensive intake info and conduct daily health checks, tracking appetite, behavior, and output to detect early signs of distress.
02. Incident Reports
Every observation is documented in formal incident reports. Owners are kept informed of any shift in health status with transparent, timely updates.
03. Emergency Action
In critical events, we immediately contact a local emergency hospital, transport the cat safely, and use signed consent forms for rapid care.
This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.