"The first thing you notice about The Cat's Cradle is it's airy openness. Divided into two main rooms, the front room houses the office, greeting area, a play area and a few of the cats' quarters; the back room houses the majority of the cats' quarters and another play area. An abundance of screened windows lets fresh breezes blow through, and screened doors allow the cats and Kristen Westhoven, owner and operator of the facility, to keep track of what is going on between rooms.

"The two-story inn contains 16 floor-to-ceiling cat rooms, most 3 feet wide by 7 1/2 to 9 feet tall. Rooms are fully washable and come equipped with a litter box and three shelves to which are attached soft velour pads with hook and loop tape. This gives the cats added pleasure and comfort, as well as something to knead with their claws.

"A geriatric unit for older cats features shelves that are closer together. These shelves were created because older cats often have arthritic legs, which makes it difficult for them to climb. Also the eyesight of older cats may be bad making it difficult for them to judge distances. The unit is also suitable for very young kittens still practicing their jumping skills.

"For a family of cats there is the penthouse, a room located in the loft on the second story. A large but cozy room with homey stenciling, it features screened windows that overlook nearby Pawtuckaway State Park as well as wicker cradles lined with feather pillows and cardboard lounges with lots of holes to peek through.

"With its black-and-white diamond-patterned floor, ceiling fans, skylights and classic post-and-beam construction, The Cat's Cradle is indeed striking. A spiral staircase adorned with tempting hanging toys that connects the back room with the upstairs loft is an appealing place for cats to climb and play. Comfy futon couches and fern plants add a feeling of home. On chilly days, an antique iron stove warms the back room and provides a cozy area for the cats to curl up for a nap. In the winter, wicker cradles are placed in front of the stove for the cats to nap and cuddle in."

For further information see "Cradle of Love" by Tiffany Lewis in Cats, June 1995.