Gillian’s story

It all started back in 2014 when Gillian moved to Melkbos. She soon met the inspiring women behind Peanut Animal Welfare and became a cat foster mom, seeing the dire need for foster homes for the many stray cats that are rescued. Gillian was working full time and could afford to take responsibility for the lucky cats and kittens who passed through her home. She tells us that her heart always belonged to the scared and hurt little ones, those who needed to learn to trust again and figure out just what it’s like to be loved.

In 2017 Gillian sadly lost her dad in a tragic drowning accident. Struggling to cope with the trauma, she unfortunately lost her job. With so many cats to take care of, many of which had reasons as to why they couldn’t be adopted immediately or needed love and attention to learn to trust people again, she found herself in a tight spot, having to work out how she could earn an income again to support herself and her cats. And so, the idea of the cat hotel was born: Cabana Chats Luxury Cat Hotel!.

A day in the life of Gillian

Gillian starts each day with plenty of cleaning and feeding. She is hands-on at the luxury cat hotel, with each cat receiving individual brush and playtime throughout the day. Each day winds down much as it began, with more cleaning and feeding time. Gillian suffers from lupus – a debilitating autoimmune disease – and she believes the cats are her therapy: ‘the warmth of their bodies heal the sore places, the purring heals my heart, the unconditional love heals my soul. And so many faces waiting for breakfast makes it impossible to stay in bed and be sick.’

The mission of Cabana Chats

Cabana Chats is a resort destination for guests (cats). Each cat cabana is individually designed and decorated to ensure that there is a perfect fit for every kind of guest. With plenty of sunlight, fresh air and the sound of the sea and birds singing, cabanas can have private gardens, perches, walkways and cosy chill corners to play or laze in the sun.

What makes Cabana Chats so special

Gillian pulls out all the stops for her feline guests. They can expect housekeeping twice a day, clean linen, the softest duvets and plush blankets. There’s even an evening turn-down service with night lights and goodnight catnip.

Special lunches are served on Sundays and public holidays and guests who celebrate a birthday during their stay might just have a party with snacks and gifts and photos.

Gillian also welcomes guests who require postoperative care or recuperation – the sun, fresh air, bird song and cuddles all help speed up recovery.

And you don’t just have to be going on holiday to check-in your beloved cat. Kitten day care is available to encourage socialising with other cats.

The biggest challenges

The heartbreaking side to Gillian’s business is that some families never collect their cat who is waiting patiently for them to return. So far Gillian has had six abandoned pets, which of course comes with an emotional as well as a financial impact.

Get in touch with Cabana Chats

If you are looking for the perfect place for your cat to stay while you’re away, or would like to help Gillian and her cause, you can get in touch with Gillian via Whatsapp (0833251223) or through the website: www.cabanachats.co.za