What To Look For At A Boarding Facility For Your Cat
While it's ideal to leave your cat at home where they are most comfortable, that's not always possible if you are leaving for an extended period; cat boarding can be a good option in these cases. However, some owners may worry that their cats will be too stressed out for boarding. The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to improve your cat's experience.
Before your extended trip, you should tour a boarding facility to see if it's a good fit. Here are some features to look for when choosing a place.
Stacked Cat Condos
Some boarding facilities may have kennels, but these aren't ideal for long stays since they aren't tightly enclosed and can get cold. Look for a boarding facility with cat condos instead. Some cat condos can be temperature controlled and carpeted, so they are usually more comfortable for cats. Look for cat condos that are stacked and that have hidey-holes, as this will give your cat a better sense of security. Some kennels may be cramped and have the litter box and food dishes near one another, which your cat may not like, so stacked condos can be a better fit since there is more space to operate.
Defined Barriers
You may be lucky enough to have a cat-only boarder in your area, but if you do not, you should look for boarders that have defined barriers between the cat and dog sections. If the dog section of the boarding facility is too close to the cat section, your cat may be stressed out by the scents and the barking.
Play Areas
While some owners may think that only dogs need play areas, like a yard, cats can benefit from a play area as well. Your cat can exercise and burn energy in these areas. Even if your cat doesn't play, staff members can comfort anxious cats by holding them and brushing them. A play area can be helpful since the boarding staff can give your cat extra attention instead of just at mealtimes.
Veterinary Services
Even if your cat is in great health, it's a good idea to choose a boarding facility that has adjunct veterinary staff. At the very least, the boarding facility should be close by to a veterinary office. Veterinary services can be helpful if your cat is on any medications or a special diet as well.
Reach out to an animal boarding facility in your area today for more information.