MeowCheck

02/23/2024

She fits, she sits.

(posted with owners permission)

02/12/2024

Hi cat friends!

Who is checking on your cats when you’re away for a couple days or more? A friend? Neighbour? Young relative? Have they ever let you down? I don’t mean they missed a day or two (I understand - life happens and they’ll tell you it’s not their job), I mean they only came two or three times in 15 days. I’ve heard the horror stories many times. Do you have one?

MeowCheck is in the business of checking on your cats. That’s what we do.

But that’s not all that we do when we’re checking on your cats. While we’re there, we’ll make sure your home is secure (windows, doors). We’ll make sure there is no running water where there shouldn’t be any. We’ll bring in any newspapers or packages left on your doorstep. We’ll even turn on some random lights if that’s what you need. And we’ll make sure your appliances are operating as expected. Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as terrible as coming home after 15 days to find a refrigerator that stopped running a week ago!

With over a decade of cat care experience, MeowCheck is there when you need us.

If you’re curious about MeowCheck, or you want to book, give us a call! 403-877-2325

(pictured are my two jerks, who put up with me every day)

MeowCheck is a fully insured and bonded in-home cat care service for Red Deer and area!

02/06/2024

Hi cat friends!

I’ve met hundreds and hundreds of cats over the past 8 years. I refuse to say I’ve seen it all though. But I can say there are some special circumstances that come into play. I know. I have had to turn people away over the years because their cat didn’t meet kennel insurance standards.

Maybe your cat’s shots aren’t up to date. Maybe it’s due to a medical or age-related reason, or possibly something else. Maybe they’re not fixed. Maybe they react poorly to car rides or the mere presence of other cats, and they get stressed. I cannot judge. The fact that you have a cat is always a good start.

Don’t worry, there’s MeowCheck. Insured. Experienced. Always.

For more information, call 403-877-2325

(BC SPCA image)

02/01/2024

Innocent flier or snitch?

Something so inane as a flier can be a signal to someone that you're not home.

I make sure that's not the case.

01/30/2024

I make sure your fridge is running during my MeowCheck visits! Having said that, this is something in the news that I feel could impact my great clients...

https://youtu.be/MhPAFpr-KGo?si=aNVBXNNBWG5uVr_t

01/20/2024

How can I make it easier for you to book with MeowCheck? How about a video that I made a while back for my business friends?

In this VERY short video, I show you how to save a specific web page (in this case, the booking form) to the home screen on your phone. Kinda like creating a bookmark that you can click on as though it's an app!

Small business owners! Do you have a business where your clients interact with you through an online form within your website? Don't blow money on a mobile a...

01/17/2024

Hey cat friends!

Thank you for sticking around, or if you're new here, welcome!

Over the first year of service, I definitely make some procedural errors here and there. Generally I am quite good at changing how I do things to eliminate those problems. But sometimes I don't even know I did something wrong because no one said anything.

One thing that really helps a business thrive are reviews. Now, a good business is not going to ask for good reviews. They're going to provide a good service and let the clients determine if that service deserves a good review.

My ask today is for those of you who have used the MeowCheck service to please leave a review on Google. If for some reason you did NOT like the service and choose to give one or two stars only, please contact me first so I can see if there was a misunderstanding - a business can't learn from their mistakes if they don't get a chance to do so! If nothing can change your mind, then you have free will to do as you wish.

And remember, the review needs to go to MeowCheck, not Central Alberta Cattery. If you Google the name, it will come up on its own.

Many thanks!

Call now to connect with business.

01/15/2024

Well, we did it, Central Alberta. It's starting to warm up.

Ok, so we didn't actively push back against the cold but we weathered it. That doesn't mean it's going to be shorts and t-shirt weather though! Fortunately MeowCheck is making sure those basements aren't full of water from a water line break! If it does happen, you'll know right away and not after it's too late for insurance to help out.

We're all in this together!

Call now to connect with business.

12/31/2023

Hi Cat friends,

Well, wasn’t that a year? Roughly 75 individual MeowCheck clients, countless (I’m serious, I’m not going to spend the time counting them) visits.. Well ok, I counted 66 visits to ONE home. That’s a lot. Still, for the other 74 homes, countless visits.

One fridge full of food was saved from going bad.

Many unlocked windows were LOCKED after I was done passing through. Even two exterior side doors! I know! Good thing I was there.

Countless delivered packages were safely brought inside.

Mistakes were made, lessons learned, no harm done.

Policies were developed, sharpened, and polished.

I even got a number of excellent referrals that led to even more referrals.

In the new year, I would like to network with relevant businesses tied to the pet and travel industries. I had given up trying to network with local travel agents, as none of them seemed to understand the value of networking with a business that would GREATLY help their own clients. But there might be a new travel agent coming online in Red Deer soon and they’re already a lock for networking.

I want to thank everyone who trusted MeowCheck with their homes and their cats (and in one case, bunnies!). I have enjoyed visiting a huge variety of different homes and got to hang out with a lot of cool cats.

Here’s hoping 2024 blows the doors off of 2023! It’s ok, I’ll make sure the doors are closed again.

As always, book soon! www.cacattery.com/meowcheck

Central Alberta Cattery - Your cat's #1 choice for cat boarding destinations, and the only kennel in the Red Deer area for cats only! See it to believe it!

12/27/2023

So you've gone away for a week or two, and you're really bad with locking all of your windows (I don't keep track but it's a common occurrence!).

Why not add an extra layer of protection to your home security? Something as simple as a stick cut to the right length can prevent unwanted guests!

12/18/2023

Is your refrigerator running?

Better yet, is it NOT? If it isn't, I'll find out while checking on your cats! This year I found one that wasn't running due to a breaker that was tripped.

Am I there to check on your cats? Yes. But I will make sure there are no other problems along the way.

11/07/2023

(I had to Google "messy living room" to find this)

"But Rob, I don't feel comfortable having someone enter my messy home while I'm away!"

Trust me when I say this: I cannot judge. I'm a guy. We're good at being messy and untidy. Everyone has a reason, and I'm cool with that.

Remember, this is about your cats, not a reality TV show! And I don't post pics of the inside of my clients homes without their permission.

The holiday season is fast approaching (you can already hear the music). Book soon! www.cacattery.com/meowcheck

Central Alberta Cattery - Your cat's #1 choice for cat boarding destinations, and the only kennel in the Red Deer area for cats only! See it to believe it!

11/07/2023

It's the little things.

Like checking the door after locking it, because sometimes locks lie to us!

10/25/2023

Can't find a spot to board your cat for Christmas?

No problem. You've got MeowCheck.

09/06/2023

Hey cat friends!

Hard to believe it will soon be a full year since I did my first MeowCheck! Of course, it had a different name at the time, but it was the same service.

As with any new business venture, adjustments are made after seeing how things go for a while.

Starting October 1st, Sylvan Lake and Lacombe visits will be $26.50 per day for one visit (1/2 hour) and $28 per day for two visits (15 mins each).

For Red Deer/Blackfalds, one half hour visit per day will be reduced to $22/day while two 15-minute visits per day will be $24.50 per day.

Hopefully these are only minor adjustments from your end!

As always, I will still offer 10% off after 14 days of consecutive visits.

This will not affect anyone who books between now and September 30. For those who have already booked for dates beyond September (and there are quite a few), you’ll be given the best deal of the two options.

Thank you again for making MeowCheck successful so quickly!

(pictured is my older cat Leeloo, doing Leeloo things on a Purroducts Central wall perch)

07/13/2023

Ah, the dreaded door hanger ads. What a perfect way for your own front door to signal you're away since it's been there for two or more days..

Don't worry, I bring them inside!

06/21/2023

Uh oh! You're on vacation for two weeks and one of your toilets is slowly cycling water on its own, likely increasing your next city water bill!

Good thing you called MeowCheck! Not only are your cats being fed and cared for, but now that water is shut off and you will be informed of this upon your return. 😺

06/07/2023

Some cats are quite independent.

When booking a MeowCheck, you don't have to reserve an entire block of days if your cat has a self-feeder system. It's not uncommon to have someone book every second day! And their litter box will still be serviced on an agreed upon schedule (every visit, for example).

Keep that in mind when considering who will be checking on your cats while you are away. 😺

06/06/2023

Remember that prank phone call gag back in the day where you'd ask the person if their refrigerator was running?

As part of my MeowCheck process, not only do your cats get fed and litter box tended to, but I always check to make sure your refrigerator is running. Because one time earlier this year, there was one that wasn't!

06/06/2023

Fun fact about MeowCheck:

If you have to book last minute due to an emergency, you don't need to scramble to find a vet to update your cats shots!

Just book and we'll get you on your way as fast as possible!

It's that simple.

www.cacattery.com/meowcheck

05/16/2023

And the winner of the custom made scratching post is....

Brandy Deibert!

I already have your contact info so you will be notified through the Cattery address.

Congrats, and thank you for helping with brand awareness!

And remember, you can't spell HoMeowner without *meow*.

05/14/2023

Hey cat friends!

Want a free scratching post like the one pictured below (courtesy of Purroducts Central)?

MeowCheck needs more follows! More brand awareness! And word of mouth is golden.

Like and share this post-about-a-post for a chance to win!

05/13/2023

Hi cat friends!

Let's talk about conduct in neighbourhoods.

I live in Oriole Park. As someone who performs several MeowChecks per day, I am often found driving in other neighbourhoods. It's extremely common for me to end up driving through a school/playground zone during regular hours. I do not exceed 30km/h. It's not only a show of respect, but it's the law. And furthermore, I respect that children may actually come out of nowhere.

More times than not, a vehicle will race up behind me and impatiently ride my bumper, as if that's supposed to make a difference.

If you're driving and you see a vehicle with a company logo on the back (in my case, Central Alberta Cattery), please give us space. Don't tailgate. We're doing this for YOUR neighbourhood.

And if you're going away this summer and you'd like my car to be seen in your neighbourhood, book now!

www.cacattery.com/meowcheck

😺

Central Alberta Cattery - Your cat's #1 choice for cat boarding destinations, and the only kennel in the Red Deer area for cats only! See it to believe it!

04/27/2023

Fact: no matter how many cats you have, MeowCheck is a flat rate! That means if you have two or more cats, it's actually more economical to hire MeowCheck for your feline care needs than it is to board them at any kennel!

Book today!

www.cacattery.com/meowcheck

Central Alberta Cattery - Your cat's #1 choice for cat boarding destinations, and the only kennel in the Red Deer area for cats only! See it to believe it!

04/24/2023

Hi cat friends!

I’d just like to start by saying thank you to those who have chosen MeowCheck for their feline care needs. I am aware that I am not the only one providing such a service, but I am also aware that I have almost 7 years of Cattery operations behind me that may sway you towards MeowCheck! I genuinely thought I’d have to work a lot harder to get it off the ground, yet I have made less than a dozen social media posts about it since October (when it was still called Cats @ Home). I will be accepting resumes for casual work as things get more busy! Great for someone who is retired or has mornings and evenings free.

Now, regarding MeowCheck procedures. One thing I ask of a client when scheduling a MeowCheck is that they keep me informed of anyone who will be coming and going from the home during those days. The reason for this is that I am your eyes and ears while you’re away. If someone is in the home and they’re not supposed to be there (even if it’s a pesky family member or friend with a key), I need to relay this information to you. If they’re not supposed to be there and something were to go missing, it becomes my problem. If I don’t know who they are and they appear sketchy about being seen, I may resort to calling the police. I think you can see the importance as to why I need this information.

As I keep developing the MeowCheck system, I will be building a better pre-visit checklist which will ensure we are in full agreeance on what needs to be known.

Thank you, and enjoy the Spring weather! 😸

04/11/2023

Is your cat a self-feeder? Do they just need someone to hang out with them every couple of days and make sure their food/litter is under control?

You have the option of picking the frequency that I visit! Example: every second day.

Mew for thought! 😸

03/28/2023

I haven't posted much here yet, as I'm still fine tuning this service.

But I can tell you this: I may have saved a client hundreds of dollars in groceries tonight. I came in to do an evening MeowCheck and discovered their fridge and some other lights were out. Fortunately I had an emergency contact to notify of this issue!

MeowCheck. More than ONE less thing to worry about.

02/21/2023

Question:

Does MeowCheck charge more for a multi-cat home?

Answer:

No.

I didn't see the point in charging more when I'm already there. I currently have a four-cat client for a twice per day visit. I can get all the feedings in, litter boxes dealt with and still visit with them during each 15 minute check.

MeowCheck. Value is built in!

02/17/2023

Hi Cat friends,

So you've decided you want to use MeowCheck sometime in the future. You wrote down the number somewhere, or maybe bookmarked it but can't remember on which device!

What if there was an APP on your phone that took you directly to MeowCheck?!

Well, there isn't an app.

BUT... In less than a minute, you can create your OWN! Convenience is the name of the game.

Here, I demonstrate it for the Cattery, but just go to MeowCheck in the Cattery menu and you can do it like that.

Your small business needs a business app so that your clients can access your goods and services much faster for their convenience. Here's how! ...

02/15/2023

Hi Cat friends!

For those who would rather board their cats rather than have someone check on them, a reminder that Central Alberta Cattery is the parent company to MeowCheck!

Central Alberta Cattery - Your cat's #1 choice for cat boarding destinations, and the only kennel in the Red Deer area for cats only! See it to believe it!