While you are away on a trip or otherwise unable to care for your cat, finding a proper cat boarding facility can be one of the most important decisions you have to make. Not all facilities were created equal; therefore, making sure that your feline friend will be placed in a safe, comfortable, caring environment is important to their well-being and your peace of mind.
The following article discusses what to look out for in a cat boarding facility, how to prepare your cat for their stay, and some red flags that help you choose the best option for your pet.
Table of Contents
Why Choosing the Right Cat Boarding Facility Matters
Understanding Your Cat’s Needs
Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not do well in new environments. Your cat is going to stress a little when you are away, and the environment they stay in can make all of the difference in how comfortable they are. A good boarding facility knows this and constructs an environment that caters to the particular needs of cats: quiet spaces, play opportunities, and a consistent routine.
Cats want to feel safe and in an environment where their routine, dietary, and play needs are respected. A boarding house that knows the intricacies of taking care of cats can make a big difference in how your pet copes with your absence.
The Importance of a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Safety is the factor to be considered when selecting a cat boarding facility. The facility should be hazard-free to prevent injuries and designed for the safe keeping of cats to prevent them from attempting to run away. Comfort, too, is of great importance; hence, it should have very comfortable sleeping areas, good ventilation, and climate control to maintain comfort despite bad weather.
The atmosphere across the facility should also be quiet. Cats abhor noise and chaotic conditions, which increase the amount of stress they are under. A good cat boarding facility will have quiet areas away from any barking dogs or other noisy animals to help cats unwind and feel comfortable.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cat Boarding Facility
Location and Accessibility of the Cat Boarding Facility
Another practical point about the cat boarding facility is its location. A place that is on your way to work or near your home will provide convenience when dropping off and picking up. You also want to consider accessibility in case there happens to be an emergency; you will want to be able to get to your cat right away if this is the case.
Also, a convenient location means less traveling time for your cat. The less time your cat has to spend traveling, the less stressful it will be. Not all cats are good travelers, so minimizing the amount of time they have to spend in a car going to a facility will help make it less traumatic for them.
Facility Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
The cleanliness of any cat boarding facility is one of the most important aspects. Cleanliness keeps away diseases and ensures your cat’s healthy living. While visiting a facility, take note of the overall cleanliness: Are the floors clean? Do the enclosures smell fresh? Is there a designated area for cleaning the litter boxes, and how often is that area maintained?
This will expand to cover the care given by the staff. Ask about cleaning protocols and how often the enclosures and communal areas are sanitized. A good facility will have stringent standards of hygiene and be clear about its practices.
Staff Qualifications and Experience in Cat Care
The cat boarding facility staff will include those individuals who will be directly in charge of your cat’s well-being. Staff members must be qualified, experienced, and truly like animals. Check their staff background, education, experience with cat care, experience with different temperaments, medication delivery, and health emergencies.
They will also be able to identify any signs of stress or illness with your cat and take the proper action. Knowing that your cat is in knowledgeable care will help to put your mind at ease while you are away.
Types of Accommodations Offered
Catering to the fact that individual cats differ in their needs and requirements, it’s worthy of note to search out cat boarding facilities that provide various accommodations for such. Some cats like enclosed, dark places to hide and feel secure; others enjoy larger enclosures with rooms to explore and play.
Check on the accommodation type, and what can be expected to have in each accommodation. Are there options for single-cat or multi-cat families? Can you request to provide your cat with familiar blankets or toys so that she would feel more at home? Depending on the right accommodation for her during this vacation time, it could make a huge difference in the comfort of your cat.
Security Measures and Supervision
Another important thing when opting for a cat boarding facility is its safety aspect. The place should be safe, so that cats do not run out of it; it should have barriers in place that cats can neither climb up nor jump over. It should have secure doors, and there should not be any gaps or small holes where the cat could squeeze through.
Supervision is equally important. A good facility should always have staff present, at least on a part-time basis, or provide security arrangements when no one is there. It will allow for problems, like a cat trying to flee or a situation requiring medical attention, to be dealt with right away.
Services to Look For in a Cat Boarding Facility
Personalized Feeding and Care Plans
Cats are creatures of habit, and they do so much better with routine. A quality boarding facility will have individual feeding and care plans to suit your cat’s particular needs. Be it dietary restrictions, medication, or just a finicky cat that only eats a certain kind of food, they should be able to provide this.
Also, inquire from the facility about their feeding schedule process and if they can accommodate your cat’s normal routine. This consistency will help minimize stress and let your cat feel at home during their stay in this facility.
Health Monitoring and Veterinary Care
The health of your cat should be the number one issue with any cat boarding facility. This kind of facility should adopt policies to monitor cats’ health under their care and be in a position to identify signs of illness/distress.
Find out what happens if your cat falls sick during your absence. Is the center in partnership with a veterinarian nearby? Are the caregivers trained to handle administering medicines? You will take comfort from knowing that health factors are monitored, and proper care will be provided as needed for your cat’s health.
Enrichment Activities and Playtime
However, for cats to be happy and healthy, mental and physical stimulation is required, especially when they enter a new environment. Activities of an enriching nature and some playtime should be provided by a good cat boarding facility to keep your cat engaged and entertained.
Inquire about enrichment activities provided: toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, areas for specific play with staff, or just time to be with other cats. These are items that can help make the experience much less stressful and ensure that your cat is getting adequate exercise.
How to Prepare Your Cat for a Stay at a Cat Boarding Facility
Familiarizing Your Cat with the Environment
Brief the cat on the environment at the cat boarding facility before. Should it be possible and the facility agrees, take your cat to visit the place before their stay. That should condition their response to the sights, sounds, and smells at the place such that they will transition well when it’s time for them to stay for real.
You also might consider leaving something with your cat that has a familiar odor—such as their blanket or a piece of your clothing. That comfort would help to allay whatever anxiety they might feel in a strange setting.
Packing the Essentials for Your Cat’s Comfort
While preparing your cat for taking them to a cat boarding facility, prepare a bag containing everything they may need during their stay. Include their regular food, medication, favorite toys, and bedding to make the cat feel at home with such familiar stuff to reduce their stress from staying in a new place.
Always make sure to identify all your cat’s belongings with their name and your contact information for easy identification. This will keep everything in order, and the staff knows whose belongs to your cat.
Communication with the Facility During Your Cat’s Stay
Knowing what is occurring at the cat boarding facility during your cat’s stay can help put your mind at ease. Many facilities provide updates regularly, which sometimes include photos or videos of your cat so you can see how they are doing. Some have live webcams so you can check in on your cat any time you want.
Be sure to provide the facility with your contact information and how you would like to get updates. Clear communication can go a long way in keeping you updated regarding the well-being of your cat during their stay.
Red Flags to Watch Out For in a Cat Boarding Facility
Unclear Policies or Lack of Transparency
A good, reputable cat boarding facility is going to have policies in place for almost everything and be forthright with their practices. If they do not share information or seem vague about their procedures, that may be a red flag. You want to feel comfortable knowing the facility has a plan in place for everything from feeding schedules to emergencies.
Request that the facility outline its policy for items such as vaccinations, emergency care, and special needs cats. If they seem reluctant to give you this information, or if any of their replies are vague, maybe keep searching for another facility.
Overcrowded or Poorly Maintained Facilities
Many cat boarding facilities have a problem with overcrowding which results in stressed and sick cats. If the facility appears to be overcrowded or if the enclosures appear small and cramped, then it may not be the correct environment for your cat.
Notice also the general upkeep of the facility. Are the animal enclosures clean and tidy? Does the building seem well-maintained? A poorly maintained facility is a huge red flag—it shows a lack of attention that could carry over to the well-being of the animals in its care.
Negative Reviews or Poor Reputation
Before deciding on a cat boarding facility, it is advisable to do the due diligence of making inquiries from other pet owners and reading reviews. If either has uncomplimentary information about the place or, even worse, a local reputation, those are red flags that what you’re looking at won’t provide the standards of care you feel your cat deserves.
Look for constant complaints in reviews, from cleanliness and staff behavior to an indication of unhealthy animals. One or two bad reviews might not be the final straw, but a pattern of them certainly should be raising red flags.
Making the Final Decision: Choosing the Best Cat Boarding Facility
Visiting the Facility Beforehand
One of the best ways to make sure a cat boarding facility will be a good fit for your cat is to visit in person before you decide. During your visit, take note of how clean the facilities seem to be, the attitude of the staff, and the general atmosphere. Are the cats in this facility relaxed and content? Does the staff seem interested and knowledgeable?
Further, it will allow you to pose any remaining questions and get a feel for whether the facility is a good match for your cat’s needs.
Asking the Right Questions
When visiting a cat boarding facility, certainly don’t hesitate to ask questions. Here are some very useful questions you could ask:
- How do you handle feeding and medication schedules?
- What is your protocol for a medical emergency?
- How often do the cats receive attention and playtime?
- Can I bring my cat’s food, bedding, and toys?
- How do you handle stress in cats?
The answers to these questions can provide valuable insight into how the facility operates and whether it’s the right choice for your cat.
Trusting Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts about the choice of a cat boarding facility. If something inside of you does not feel right, or if you do have some doubts regarding the level of care they give, then it is worth looking elsewhere. Your cat’s comfort and safety should be the most important factors when you put your cat into a facility, so it is very critical to pick one where you feel your cat will be OK.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Positive Experience at a Cat Boarding Facility
Great consideration should be given to choosing the correct cat boarding facility, involving factors such as the environment and accommodations, staff qualifications, and services offered. By taking the time to research and visit potential facilities, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you will be able to find one that meets your cat’s needs and puts your mind at rest.
Ultimately, one wants to ensure a safe, comfortable, and stress-free period for one’s cat while away so that one can enjoy their time apart knowing their feline friend is in good hands