Cats have a reputation for being mostly self sufficient, but there are times when they still need to be boarded. Easier said than done: many boarding facilities simply aren’t cat-friendly, despite advertising that they accept feline clientele. This makes identifying the best cat-friendly boarding facilities more difficult than it should be, which is why cat parents need to know exactly what to look for.
Boarding your feline friend at a facility can be a hard decision. But the right facility offers peace of mind, professional care, safety, and socialization for them while you’re gone.
Let’s dive into what to look for in a high-quality facility to ensure a low-stress environment for your furry friend.
What makes a place ‘cat friendly’?
There’s a difference between a facility that also boards cats and a cat boarding facility. This difference matters because some boarding places aren’t designed with cats in mind.
For starters, if the boarding facility also houses dogs, it can be a stressful environment for cats if there isn’t enough separation. Cat parents want their pets to feel safe, comfortable, and not threatened, but any exposure to dogs (or their barking) can put them on high alert.
Like dogs, cats also need individual areas and private spaces where they can move unrestricted. Ideally, this space comes with multiple levels since cats are natural climbers. They should be able to roam freely without feeling overwhelmed or crowded. They need their alone time, just like you do.
These spaces should be clean and well ventilated, while also taking care to close any gaps or escape hatches. Cats are limber and flexible, often able to squeeze into tight spaces or through small openings. These freedom spaces should account for cats’ liquid-like nature and ensure they stay in place.
Catering to your cat’s needs
Cats require a different level of understanding and patience than dogs. Some enjoy playing with others, while some enjoy solitude. They might not want human interaction, but still require a high level of care (e.g., food and water, a clean litter box, toys).
Finding a facility with trained, experienced staff is a key consideration, too. Cats’ moods can quickly shift if they’re put on alert. Their behaviors are different too, and trained staff with knowledge of ‘normal’ cat behavior can quickly identify signs of stress or illness.
Trained and experienced boarding staff also:
- Ensures a consistent feeding schedule
- Can administer medication if needed while you’re away
- Takes care of any unexpected health issues that may arise, including taking your cat to an ER vet if needed
- Can offer spa services like pedicures, bathing, and brushing
- Has surveillance in place to regularly have all eyes on the cat’s well-being, whether in private or communal areas
- Keeps your cats safe and secure
This peace of mind is invaluable for cat parents who have no choice but to board their feline while they’re away.
Creature comforts to look for
Like dogs, cats need mental and physical stimulation, just in a different way. Stimulation prevents boredom, plus it can help put your cat at ease. For the ultimate support while you’re away, look for facilities with these creature comforts.
Comfortable sleeping areas
Cozy sleeping means a stress-free kitty. Look for facilities that offer soft bedding and quiet surroundings. Window perches for outdoor bird watching are a huge bonus.
Scratching posts and toys
Cats need an outlet for energy and their natural scratching behaviors. These toys eliminate boredom and give a sense of familiarity in a new place. You might also ask if you need to bring a toy from home or if there are enough scratchers and other playthings available for all the cats. Some facilities even offer extra perks like laser pointer playtime, snuggles, and treats.
Pheromone diffusers or calming music
These items aren’t deal breakers, but they are helpful to reduce stress in cats who have high anxiety. It shows a big commitment on the facility’s part to provide cat comfort. You might also ask which scents they use in their facility, as not all fragrances or essential oils are cat-friendly (even if they smell amazing).
Sanitary considerations
Let’s not forget the most important thing – the facility’s health protocols and hygiene practices. This is key to ensuring the health and well-being of your cat while they’re staying there.
Health protocols include the facility’s disease prevention protocols and vaccination requirements. Most require pets to be current on rabies and FVRCP. These protect cats against contagious diseases that can spread easily amongst cats in close quarters.
Also, ask about the facility’s cleanliness and hygiene routines. At a minimum, there should be daily cleaning and disinfecting protocols, quarantine protocols for sick cats, clean meals and water everyday, and litter box cleanouts. A solid routine keeps contagions at bay and stops spread of disease between cats to keep them healthy.
Choosing a cat-friendly facility you can trust
When choosing a boarding facility for your cat, make sure they speak “meow” as fluently as they do “woof.” Many facilities claim to be cat-friendly, but in reality that might only mean that they accept cat boarders. This is not the same as being cat-friendly, and things like sleeping arrangements, activities, cleaning protocols, and security can be very telling about the facility’s commitment to felines.
If possible, take an in-person tour of the facility. Look for things like cleanliness, attentive staff, proper security, and comfortable accommodations. Your cat’s health, safety, and emotional well-being depend on it.