How to Board a Cat: What to Know Before You Go

How to Board a Cat: What to Know Before You Go

Cat boarding — leaving your cat at a professional facility while you travel — is a good option when a cat sitter isn't available or when your cat needs more supervision than a daily visit provides. Here's how to choose a good facility and prepare your cat for the experience.

Cat Boarding vs. Cat Sitting: Which Is Better?

For most cats, staying in their own home with a cat sitter is less stressful than boarding. Cats are territorial and highly sensitive to environmental change. However, boarding is the right choice when:

• No reliable cat sitter is available
• Your cat has medical needs requiring professional monitoring
• Your cat is very social and does well with new environments
• You'll be away for an extended period (2+ weeks)

Types of Cat Boarding

• Cat-only boarding facilities: The best option for most cats. No dogs, quieter environment, staff experienced specifically with cats.
• Veterinary boarding: Ideal for cats with medical needs. On-site vet care available.
• In-home boarding: A sitter takes your cat into their own home. More personal but less predictable environment.
• Traditional kennels: Usually dog-focused. Generally not recommended for cats.

What to Look for in a Cat Boarding Facility

• Cat-only or cat-separated from dogs
• Individual enclosures (not communal housing with unknown cats)
• Clean, well-ventilated spaces
• Natural light and window access
• Daily playtime and human interaction
• 24-hour supervision or on-call staff
• Vaccination requirements for all boarders (protects your cat)
• Clear emergency protocols and vet access

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Are cats housed separately from dogs?
• How many cats per staff member?
• What vaccinations are required?
• What happens if my cat gets sick?
• Can I bring my cat's own food and bedding?
• Will you send photos or updates?

Preparing Your Cat for Boarding

• Bring familiar items: your cat's own bedding, a worn T-shirt with your scent, and their regular food
• Spray their bedding with FELIWAY Classic Calming Pheromone Spray before packing it — the familiar pheromones provide comfort in the new environment
• Bring their regular food to avoid digestive upset from a diet change
• Bring their favorite toy, such as the Potaroma Catnip Crinkle Pillow Kicker Toys
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date — most facilities require rabies, FVRCP, and sometimes Bordetella

Vaccination Requirements

Most boarding facilities require:

• Rabies (legally required in most states)
• FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
• Some require Bordetella (cat flu vaccine)

Ensure these are current before booking. Some facilities require vaccinations to be administered at least 2 weeks before boarding.

Identification

Ensure your cat is microchipped and wearing an ID collar. The Airtag Cat Collar Breakaway with Apple AirTag holder provides real-time location tracking if your cat escapes during transport to or from the facility.

Final Thoughts

A good cat boarding facility provides a safe, clean, stimulating environment with experienced staff. Visit before booking, ask the right questions, and bring familiar items to reduce your cat's stress. For most cats, a cat-only facility with individual enclosures is the best boarding experience available.