From an extensive home renovation to an extended vacation, there are several reasons why you may need to board your cat. If your cat has never been boarded in the past or has never even spent a night away from your home, the thought of leaving your cat with strangers can be terrifying. Additionally, your cat might become nervous and have trouble adjusting to the boarding facility.
If you are preparing to board your cat, here are a few simple dos and don'ts to remember.
Do: Tour the Facility
Before you agree to board your cat at a facility, schedule a tour. While on tour, pay attention to where your cat will be kept and the state of the facility. Consider working with an alternate cattery if the facility is not well kept and the cats are overcrowded.
Don't hesitate to ask questions about the facility before you agree to board your cat. For example, ask about the cat's feeding schedule, how often the litter boxes are cleaned, how many cats are kept in the facility, and if someone is on-site throughout the day.
Additionally, be aware that many boarding facilities require your cat to receive certain core vaccinations, including rabies vaccination, before you can drop off your cat.
Don't: Forget to Pack All of Your Cat's Essentials
The boarding facility will provide you with a complete list of everything you must bring with you when dropping off your cat, such as proof of vaccination and proof that your cat has received a flea and tick treatment. You should pack other items to ensure your cat remains calm and enjoys its stay at the cattery.
For example, pack your cat's regular food, some of your cat's favorite toys, and a favorite cat blanket or small cat bed. Inquire if you can fill the cat's litter box with the same litter you use at home. Many cats will only use a litter box that is filled with a familiar brand of litter.
Don't forget to pack some of your cat's favorite treats and your cat's medications, as well.
Do: Check Up on Your Cats
Finally, check up on your cats daily to ensure that your cat is adjusting. The cattery might even allow you to talk to your cat over a speaker phone to provide your cat with some needed familiarity and comfort.
With the right preparation and some cat treats, it is possible to help your cat make it through their first experience at a boarding facility.
For more information, contact a company like The Cat's Meow.
Share27 September 2022
Our pets are like our children — they need to be cared for when we are away. After being a stay at home mom for many years, I had to make some serious adjustments when I reentered the workforce. My children are all grown, but my dog just can't be home by himself. I had to find a day care for him to go to when I went to work. I was conflicted — how do I choose the day care that will provide him with the love, care and attention that he is used to? This blog will provide you with the same tips that I was given that helped me choose.