How To Prepare Your Cat For Boarding

Cats are not just our pets, they’re our family and many cat owners struggle with the thought of leaving their best friend behind when going on holiday. However, bringing your cat along on your travels is often difficult and can be more damaging to your cat’s health than leaving it at a professional cat boarding facility.

To make sure you don’t put unnecessary stress on your feline friend when it’s time to go away, it’s important to be prepared for cat boarding beforehand. Getting your cat used to travelling in a carrier, being around other cats and being in new environments are all great exercises that will make boarding easier for your furry friend. Here are our best tips:

Research the facility

Certainly, you have to research the hotel you’re staying at when on holiday, now give your cat the same courtesy. Deciding to leave your cat in a cattery is no easy decision, but with a bit of research, you’ll soon find many professional facilities where your cat will thrive while you’re away. A great way to ensure the cattery is up to standard is by asking your Vet for recommendations. Another tip is to visit the facility and ask for a guided tour. Then you can see for yourself how your cat will live while you're away, and who will be looking after it. It’s a good idea to sit down and make a checklist of things that you would like to see at the facility, and a list of questions to ask the staff members.  

Cat carrier & car familiarity

You will most likely be required to take your cat to the cattery by car. Many cats are already familiar with going in both carries and cars because of vet visits when sick, which unfortunately can be associated with negative experiences for your cat.

Taking your cat for planned short drives in the carrier and ensuring it’s a pleasant time for your friend is a great way of preparing your cat for longer drives. Providing treats and cuddles at the end of the drive will also help your cat with a positive association and will minimise anxiety while travelling.

Book in a trial stay

If possible, start cattery training for your cat already as a kitten. Young cats are more accepting of new environments and are more likely to associate being away from home with something exciting and fun. Booking your cat in at the intended cattery for a short trial stay is a great idea. Have your cat stay for a night or two so you can assess how well they are doing with the new environment, and being around other cats and people. This way you will find out if any wrinkles need to be ironed out before you go away on a longer holiday.

Bring what your cat needs

Cats, jus like humans, have different things; items and routines they like. To make their stay at the cattery as pleasant as possible you must pack a bag of love for your cat to bring. The bag can include things like your cat’s favourite toys, pet bedding that smells like home, some yummy treats or any item to make them feel more secure. It is also important you tell the trained staff about your cat’s needs and any do’s and don’ts. This makes it easier for the staff to best look after your cat.

Diet

It is never advisable to change your cat’s diet all of a sudden. Any alteration in diet should be slow and gradual to not upset your pet’s stomach. It is always best to take the food that your pet normally eats. Some catteries include food in the price for long-term boarding, however, it’s best to take enough food for a week at least to allow for a transition period. This will also help provide a bit of familiarity for the pet. If your cat has any other dietary needs, make sure you discuss this with the facility before dropping your cat off. You want to make sure the facility can see to your cat’s needs to avoid any problems.   

Your cat’s health

Before you drop your cat off at any boarding facility, you have to make sure their vaccinations are brought up to date and their worm and flea treatments applied. This is a requirement at all pet boarding facilities and essential for the health of all guests. A good cattery should have trained staff available to administer medication but always speak with them before leaving your pet. Also provide the facility with instructions detailing any dosage required, how and when it is to be administered and the reason for the medication. Also, leave details of the prescribing vet. 

Board Your Cat at Alida’s Pet Resort

Alida’s Pet Resort is the perfect place for your fur baby to settle. Our cat boarding suites are spacious and well ventilated. Each suite comes with elevated views of the surrounding grounds and plenty of room for your feline friend to jump around and keep active. To provide you with updates, photos of your pet are taken every Monday afternoon and uploaded to the website on Tuesdays. 

Contact our experts at Alida’s Pet Resort at 07-5546-2275 to book a reservation for boarding your pet before going on a holiday. Visit our FAQ page for any other query.