Cats are amazing creatures. They're adorable and funny, and many of them love to snuggle up with their favorite people. If you’re like most people, you’d love to take your cat with you just about everywhere you go. Unfortunately, that isn’t always an option. When you go on vacation or travel for work, it’s crucial that they have a safe place to stay while you’re away. The good news is that there are plenty of cat boarding facilities that are well-equipped to care for even the most finicky felines when their owners are out of town.
At Towne Center Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel, we’re often asked for recommendations when our clients need to board their pets. We’re here to help you do what’s right for your cat and are more than happy to offer some advice. In this article, we’re sharing some suggestions on what to look for in a cat boarding facility and what you should expect when boarding your feline friend. If you are located in or near Colleyville, TX, we’d love to have your feline friend as a guest. Please reach out to us at (817) 435 4783 to learn more.
What Should I Consider When Boarding My Cat?
The most important thing you can do is research the boarding facility. Be sure to ask about their policies and procedures. It’s wide to ask yourself a few questions, too.
Important questions to ask a boarding facility include:
- How often does the boarding facility clean kennels and common areas?
- Are there any restrictions on what types of food you can bring in for your cat?
- Do they have a separate area for sick cats to stay away from healthy ones?
- Can they administer any medications your cat needs? (This is especially important if your cat needs injections for diabetes, etc.)
- What forms of payment do they accept?
Some additional things to consider before boarding your cat include:
- Have you ever boarded your cat before?
- If so, how did they handle the experience?
- How is your cat’s overall health? Are they up-to-date on vaccines, or could you get them up-to-date in time for your trip?
- How well does your cat cope with new people?
What Happens if My Cat Is Sick or Injured During Their Stay?
Reputable boarding facilities prioritize their guests’ safety and comfort at all times. When you choose a good facility, the staff will notice illnesses or injuries right away and contact you. If necessary, they will provide veterinary care for your cat at your expense. Boarding your pet at an animal hospital offers a higher level of safety in case of injuries or illnesses since veterinarians are on staff, usually 24/7. If you board your cat at a regular kennel, staff will likely need to transport them to an animal hospital if they have any problems while you are away.
Boarding at a veterinary clinic increases your cat’s likelihood of receiving immediate attention for any illnesses or injuries. The staff at veterinary clinics can also provide your cat with any medications they need right away.
If you’re unsure how a particular facility handles injuries, illnesses, and emergencies, ask for more information. As a pet parent, you have every right to know what policies are in place to ensure guests receive appropriate veterinary treatment when needed.
Will My Cat Have Exercise or Socialization Opportunities?
Most facilities will offer toys and catnip to help their guests stay active. You typically can also bring your own toys from home if you'd like. Check with the facility first, though, to make sure there aren’t any restrictions. Also, keep in mind that most boarding facilities won’t be held responsible for any toys that are damaged or go missing during your cat’s stay.
Some boarding facilities provide more playtime amenities than others, but since most cats are loners rather than pack animals like dogs, they probably won’t want to engage in group play when they're away from home. However, they'll receive plenty of love and attention from staff members who will keep them engaged and ensure their needs are met. Also, if you need to board more than one cat from the same household, they may be able to share a kennel. Staying together can be much more comfortable for bonded cats than being alone.
What Will My Cat Eat During Their Stay?
Your cat's diet is an important part of their happiness and health, so it's important to know what they will be eating while they are at a boarding facility. Most boarders recommend bringing your cat's regular food from home to prevent stomach upset, but many have their own house food available, as well.
Typically, the diets boarding facilities provide are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system to minimize the risk of problems. Some locations offer house food at no additional charge, but others charge on a per-day or per-meal basis. Be sure to inquire about this in advance so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises when you arrive to pick up your feline friend.
Should I Make Any Special Preparations or Bring Anything Specific When I Drop My Cat Off?
If your cat is not used to traveling, it's a good idea to get them accustomed to their carrier before dropping them off at the facility. Cats can be very sensitive and may become frightened or stressed when they are in the environment where they will stay while you are away. Getting them used to their carrier will help them adapt to staying in a kennel.
You may also want to bring your cat’s bed, a favorite blanket, or even a few toys to provide comfort and entertainment while you’re away. Double-check with the facility to learn about their policies for items brought from home. You don’t need to worry about providing food and water dishes, a litter box, or cat litter. The boarding facility will provide all of these things and keep them clean throughout your pet’s stay.
How Far in Advance Should I Make a Reservation?
We recommend booking your cat's boarding reservation as soon as you've finalized your plans. Sometimes last-minute accommodations, but booking well in advance ensures that there will be a space for your feline friend. This is especially important if you plan on boarding your cat over a major holiday—like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the 4th of July—or during a large local event.
In addition to ensuring that there's room for your pet at the facility, booking far in advance gives you time to update any needed vaccines and provide records from your regular veterinarian as required by the facility. All in all, booking early provides peace of mind and ensures you won’t have to be concerned about whether your cat will have a safe place to stay while you’re gone in the days leading up to your trip.
Hopefully, we've given you everything you need to make informed decisions when boarding your cat. We know that finding the right place for your feline friend can be difficult, so if you have any questions or concerns at all, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're here for you, and we want nothing more than for your cat’s boarding experience to be a safe, comfortable, and happy one.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
Boarding your cat at a veterinarian’s office is the safest option. Your feline friend will receive excellent care, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind while you’re away. To board your cat with us, please give us a call at (817) 435 4783 for more information.