Choosing a Boarding Facility for Your Cat

September 9, 2025

 Ellen Vogel, CFMG, Elite FFCP

Most cats are okay to be left alone for one night. If you are out of town longer than overnight, your cat should be looked after by a responsible person. In this situation, you may decide to board your cat. As you research options for boarding, you will want to ensure the facility and its team members will meet all your cat’s needs. Here are my suggestions for things you need to consider when choosing a place for your cat:

If it is required by your state or by the facility’s location, the facility should be licensed. You can check the website for your state licensure board to find out if your state requires pet day care, kennels, and boarding facilities to be licensed. Before deciding where to board your cat, you should make a visit to check the cleanliness of the facility, especially that of your cat’s assigned living quarters.

You should ask about the types and frequency of staff interactions with your cat. Your cat should be given plenty of attention in addition to basic care. You want to ask the staff what type of playtime or social enrichment will be provided for cats staying in the facility. While some cats will want to stay in their initial space the first few days, they probably will enjoy being spoken to and receiving some head rubs. Once your cat learns the routine and becomes acquainted with the caregivers, they may want to spend time outside of their cage or suite. You should know about the area they are allowed in and what environmental enrichment is available.

You should inquire about the food that will be served to your cat. You want to be sure the facility’s staff is asking about your cat’s feeding schedule and for instructions about what and how much your cat eats. If your cat is on a prescription diet or requires special food, you will want the option of being able to bring your cat’s regular food for them to eat. Being away from home is difficult for everyone, and having familiar food, whether prescription or over the counter, can be comforting to your cat. Most facilities require you to fill out a questionnaire that includes information about food and feeding. Keeping your cat on their normal schedule will help reduce stress. You also do not want your cat to be overfed or underfed while in their care. While the facility may or may not be able to feed at the exact times your cat is fed at home, staff should have a regular schedule so that your cat will be able to adjust to the facility’s routine.

If your cat is taking any medications, it is critical that the staff can administer them properly while in their care. If you normally give medications in food, the staff needs to be sure the treat or food is completely finished by the cat. For cats that need to be pilled, the staff needs to know the correct way to safely pill your cat. If your cat receives medication given via another route, the caregivers must understand how to give the medication and must be aware of any precautions they may need to take. The most common non-oral medications are transdermal or subcutaneous.

The cage or suite your cat will be staying in should be cleaned, including the litter box, at least twice a day. The housing area does not need to be emptied and disinfected frequently, but the caregivers should be checking the litter box, and it should be cleaned whenever they notice it has been used. Any soiled bedding should be replaced, and the food and water bowls should be cleaned at least daily. Any dirt or soil on the floor, walls, or other surfaces should be cleaned.

We all know that cats can get sick, and accidents do happen. You need to be sure the staff has the authority to obtain medical care for your cat. They should also know if you want lifesaving measures such as CPR given or not. Permission should be in writing and signed by you, the owner, in the event they are not able to immediately reach you by phone.

Finding a facility that you trust and that meets your cat’s needs will allow you to enjoy your time away from home. You will be free from worry, knowing your cat is receiving the proper care.