Cat Boarding FAQs

Kitties are renowned for their independence. Fluffy is definitely an easy keeper. She doesn’t require walks, and spends most of her time dozing. However, this doesn’t mean she can manage entirely on her own. Your feline friend still needs daily meals and water, as well as love and playtime to keep her happy and healthy. If you’re planning to go away soon, you’ll need to make arrangements for your pet’s care. While cats may be fine alone overnight, it’s best to consider other options for longer periods of absence. Hiring a sitter or arranging boarding are both possible solutions, with the latter being the safer choice. Leaving pets unsupervised can be risky, as unforeseen circumstances may arise in your absence. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal hospital, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet answers some questions about boarding Fluffy.

What Is The Best Way To Choose A Cat Boarding Facility?

You don’t want to leave your beloved pet in the care of just anyone! It’s important for you to find the perfect place for your pet. This won’t only make things easier for you and your pet, but will also ensure she’s in good hands. 

Check reviews and ask friends and family for references. Once you have a few spots in mind, visit the facilities and get a feel for the place.

You may also want to ask the following questions:

• What is the frequency of water changes?
• Do you offer perks?
• How do you handle emergencies?
• Does the staff receive any training?
• Are  cats and dogs well separated?
• Do you offer any kitty amenities?
• Can you tell me how often my cat will be fed?
• Do you have a vet on call or on-site?
• Is there climate control?
• Is the kennel noisy?
• What is the frequency of litterbox changes?

There really are no bad questions. The more you know, the better!

Is It Possible To Take My Cat To The Kennel For A Short Stay?

Cats are creatures of routine. In fact, they often follow a consistent schedule for their daily kitty activities, such as napping, grooming, meditating, cuddling, and playing. 

Giving your feline friend a trial stay at a kennel can be quite beneficial. Even just one overnight visit can make a difference. Although your feline may not be happy about the change in her daily routine, it’s more important for her to become accustomed to the kennel. That way, when you’re away for an extended period of time, she will already be comfortable and familiar with the environment. This is a good reason to stick with the same kennel: boarding will be much easier on your cat if she’s familiar with her home away from home. 

Do I Need To Take My Cat To The Vet Before She Stays At The Kennel?

Never underestimate how important it is to make sure your feline buddy is up to date on vaccinations and parasite control products. No decent kennel will take your cat without proof of this: run from any place that doesn’t require copies of this paperwork. In addition to the core vaccines, your kennel may require some non-core ones.

There may be a gray zone here. If you have a kitten, it is possible that little Fluffy will not be fully vaccinated at all times. Because some vaccinations are administered in series, this leaves a window where your pet may be vulnerable. Many kennels do not accept kittens that are younger than sixteen weeks old. Others may just keep that kitten in kitty quarantine. Ask both your Louisville, CO veterinarian and the kennel for specific advice.

Is There Anything I Should Pack For My Cat’s Boarding Stay?

Fluffy will need a few things for her vacation. Be sure to ask the kennel what you can and can’t bring: every place is a bit different. The biggest thing is food. We wouldn’t recommend changing cat food brands just before boarding: dietary changes should always be made slowly. Please bring enough food for at least a couple of extra days, just in case you are delayed. The kennel may also appreciate it if the food is portioned out and labeled.

Additionally, you should pack a few comfort items. Fluffy will appreciate having a few familiar things, whether it’s her favorite toys or her pet bed. It’s also a good idea to bring her something that smells like you, like a shirt you’ve just slept in. Label everything clearly. 

When You Go On Vacation, Do Cats Get Sad?

While it’s easy to poke fun at Fluffy for being cold and aloof, cats actually are a lot more emotional than many people realize. Kitties get incredibly attached to their humans! (They may show this in odd ways, but that’s another topic.) 

Even if your feline pal loves her pet hotel, she will definitely miss you!

Is My Cat Going To Remember Me After Boarding?

Yes! Don’t worry about your kitty forgetting you. Cats have very good memories. In fact, they consider their humans to be their second parents. Don’t be surprised if your furry pal is extra cuddly. She may not want to let you out of her sight! 

After I Board My Cat, What Should I Expect?

Just like people, kitties are often quite relieved and happy to get home after a vacation. Your kitty will be happy to sleep in her own bed and ready to resume her busy daily schedule of doing nothing. She may be a bit hungry: if she was off her food a bit at the kennel, she will be more than ready to make up for it when she gets home. Give her a special treat and maybe a new toy to get her going again.

What Can I Do To Get My Cat Used To Her Carrier?

The vast majority of cats are homebodies. Kitties can get very scared when they are taken out of their kingdoms. Fluffy is also not a fan of car rides.

Letting your pet get used to her carrier can help quite a bit here. Leave it out between appointments, and add bedding, catnip, and toys to make it more comfortable. Give your pet a good retreat by placing the carrier in a quiet corner. To help her form positive associations with it, offer her treats and praise near the carrier. That is very important!

If all else fails, tell your feline buddy to stay out of it. She’ll probably jump right in!

In Conclusion: While cats are fairly independent, they shouldn’t be left alone for too long. Taking your pet to a kennel when you leave town is definitely a better option than leaving her home alone. Our feline pals are quite small and fragile, and they need proper care.

Visit Our Louisville, CO Cat Boarding Kennel To Book Your Pet’s Stay

Want a great place to take your cat when you’re away from home? Contact us anytime! We offer top-notch care and several amenities. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding boarding your cat. Here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal hospital, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, we’re here to help!