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Written by Anne Moss
Vacation time poses a challenge to many a cat owner – what do we do with our precious feline companion while traveling away from home? Options most often include leaving the cat at home with some form of a pet sitter, leaving her at a pet boarding facility, or less frequently, taking Kitty on the road. The decision can be so emotionally demanding that some cat owners actually choose to cancel their plans and stay at home with their cat!
In order to make the right decision, you need to gather information, and then put some thought into finding the best solution for your own cat. We have covered the topic of Pet Sitters on TheCatSite.com here: Pet Sitters – A Pet Owner's Guide
It's now time to look into cat boarding facilities, which may come under different names. They are sometimes called kennels or even catteries (make sure it's not a breeding cattery!); they even come with more upscale titles such as a cat hotel, cat spa and cat resort! The essential idea is the same – a facility where trained staff take care of your cat, providing her with the best possible living conditions while you're away. You can find a long list of such establishments here –
Boarding Facilities at Meowhoo.com
Choosing the Right Boarding Facility
Visit potential facilities before making your final decision and look into the following –
Double Fencing
Even the most easy-going cat can bolt out of the best caregiver's arms and out of its enclosure. The last thing you want is for your cat to be loose outdoors in a strange new environment. This means double fencing is essential - whatever enclosure your cat is in, has to be within a larger fenced area.
The Cat's Enclosure
Obviously, you do not want your cat locked up in a small cage. Make sure each cat has a decent size enclosure (height matters, as long as it is utilized properly), preferably with a fully enclosed outdoor-run, where your cat can enjoy some fresh air.
Disease Prevention
A big risk factor when boarding cats together is transmission of disease. Make sure that all cats boarded in the establishment are required to show proof of vaccinations. In addition to that, cats from different households should never come into contact with each other during their stay. The boarding area should be well-ventilated, and enclosures should be well-separated. Surfaces in each enclosure should be easy to disinfect between occupants – avoiding use of carpets and other surfaces which may harbor germs.
Daily Routine
Ask and try to see for yourself what the daily routine of boarded cats is. Cats should have enough companionship, grooming and playtime with their caregivers, preferably more than once a day, and with consideration of each cat's character and needs. Feeding schedule should also be custom tailored to each feline's habits and needs.
Exclusive feline boarding facilities
Check to see if other types of animals are being boarded at the facility, and if so, are they separate from the cats? You probably don't want your cat boarded next to noisy dog kennels, or in a similarly stressful environment. This doesn't mean the boarding facility has to be feline-exclusive, but that the cats should have a calm and peaceful area dedicated to them.
Trust Your Instincts
Visit more than one place; spend some time at each place, and talk to the owners and staff. Trust your gut instinct – if it doesn't feel right for your cat, it probably isn't.
Things to do when bringing your Cat to a Boarding Facility
Follow the staff's instructions, as they will guide you through the specific process. Here's a list of several things you will probably be asked to do –
Use a cat carrier to bring in your cat. You should always carry your cat in a fully secured carrier when outside your home, and this holds true at cat boarding facilities as well. If your cat and carrier don't mix well, read this article for more advice – The Dreaded Cat Carrier
Provide veterinary papers to prove that your cat is spayed/neutered and current on all vaccinations.
Provide full contact info for your regular vet. The facility should have their own emergency vet at hand, but in case of an emergency, they may want to contact your vet for more information about any specific health issues.
Set up a contact back home, authorized to make decisions regarding your cat while you're gone, and provide full details of where they can be reached. If possible, you should leave details of where you can be contacted during your holiday as well.
Bring along one or two items your cat is attached to. These could be a favorite blanket, towel or stuffed toy. Do not wash them beforehand, so that they still carry the familiar scent of home.
If your cat has any special needs in terms of medication, special food or grooming – you should leave detailed instructions in writing for the managing staff. You will probably be asked to bring along the medications, and any special foods as needed.
In conclusion –
A good boarding facility can be an invaluable asset, allowing you to travel in peace, knowing that your beloved cat is in good hands. Do your research, ask for recommendations and visit several places before making your decision. Don't forget to do so well in advance, as many of these establishments are quite busy, especially during national holidays and vacations. Booking well ahead in time is often essential.
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