Creature Comforts

It’s purrfect: Besides plenty of space to climb, amenities include chin stroking, the most tender of vittles and even a good bath. In fact, Judy Murrell, top, manager of the Holiday Hotel for Cats in West Los Angeles, makes sure the clientele isn’t staying in some fleabag. Murrell takes pride in her job and has stolen some solace too. She started at the hotel shortly after her husband died of cancer. “This has filled a big hole--I’m needed again. It gives me a reason to want to wake up.” The devotion is shared by owners like Elizabeth Hanley, right, whose cats summered at the hotel while her family waited for their quake-damaged home to be repaired. Eula Krashen bids adieu to kitty Theodora before heading for Israel. A guest makes sure the place is up to code.