What to Know Before Boarding Your Cat — and Which Cats Shouldn’t Be Boarded

1 Cat Boarding: Precautions and How to Choose a Safe Option

1. Which cats should not be boarded

1. Timid cats. If your cat is very timid and tends to lose bladder or bowel control whenever it goes out, or becomes extremely frightened, boarding is likely to trigger severe stress and even a refusal to eat until you return, and it may try to escape. For the cat’s wellbeing, avoid boarding a timid cat. If you have a friend the cat knows well and who has time, ask them to look after it for a while.

2. Cats that have not finished their vaccinations. If a cat has not been vaccinated or is still in the vaccination period, it is best not to board it, because you cannot be sure the other animals at the facility are healthy; there is a real risk of catching bacteria, parasites, or serious illness, which could be life-threatening. Unvaccinated cats should not be boarded.

3. Cats with serious illness. Cats with major health problems also should not be boarded. On one hand, the change of environment can lower their immunity and worsen the condition; on the other, their illness may be contagious, and most facilities will not accept them anyway.

4. Pregnant cats. Pregnant cats are also not recommended for boarding, because the environmental change causes stress and fear that affect the mother psychologically, especially in late pregnancy. And when she is about to give birth, the staff may not notice in time, leading to poor care and possibly the loss of kittens or other accidents. Generally, do not board a pregnant cat.

2. Preparation and precautions for boarding

1. Timid cats with delicate stomachs do not tolerate frequent food changes, so bring along some of the cat food it is used to, to avoid digestive upset from a sudden switch. Also bring its own bowl and a few familiar items to reduce stress after boarding.

2. Before boarding, prepare a carrier, the vaccine booklet, a blanket, and food, and you can bring a favorite toy. Also call ahead to reserve a spot so the facility is not full.

3. When dropping off, tell the staff about the cat’s eating habits to avoid discomfort from big diet changes, and sign a boarding agreement (keep a copy each) to prevent disputes.

3. Common boarding options

Common forms of cat boarding and their pros and cons:

1. Veterinary clinic boarding: Pros: better medical conditions and more professional care. Cons: clinics usually house mixed species, possibly cats and dogs together, which keeps the cat stressed; it also carries a disease-infection risk.

2. Pet store boarding: Pros: cozier environment and easy to find. Cons: pets are densely packed and illness is harder to treat.

3. Home boarding: Pros: more space and attentive care. Cons: mostly free-roaming, so unfamiliar cats may fight and become stressed or unsettled.

4. In-home visits: Pros: the pet stays in its own environment and is less likely to be stressed. Cons: letting a stranger into your home carries theft risk, so use someone you trust.

The above covers the key points of cat boarding. We hope owners consider every aspect before boarding so the experience is safe and stress-free for the cat.