How to See That Cat Boarding is a Good Option

If you have a cat and are forced to go out of town on a regular basis, you probably feel torn as to what to do about your cat while you are away. Review this information and see why cat boarding is a viable option for your kitty when you are away.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Some pet owners will leave their cats at home alone with extra bowls of food and water readily available for their pets. However, these pet owners are usually distracted on their trips by thoughts of guilt, worry and fear about what is going on with their cats while they are alone. If the home should catch on fire or if your cat became ill, the life of your cat is put at risk.

2. Other pet owners have tried to travel with their pets. Traveling with a cat is stressful--not only on the owners, but the cats! Traveling with a cat is no easy task. It is often hard to find lodging that will welcome felines. If you do find lodging, your cat will probably be left alone much of the day in a strange environment. A cat will not be happy locked in a crate all day long. If you leave your cat out of his crate and let him roam freely in the hotel room, you are risking that he might escape the moment someone cleaning or replacing the towels enters your room.

3. More and more cat owners who travel are turning to cat boarding as the only feasible option for them and their cats. Cat boarding ensures that your cat will receive the supervision and attention that he needs while you are away from home. The key to quality cat boarding is finding a facility that is staffed by professionals who are loving, nurturing--and who also specialize in cats! You should not take your cat and drop him off at just any place that claims to welcome cats. Find one that specializes in cats and is set up to care for them properly. This does not mean that you cannot leave your cat at a kennel that also accepts dogs. It just means that you should make sure the facility is also set up for cat boarding.

4. When you arrive to inspect a cat boarding facility let your eyes and nose be the first thing you pay attention to. Does the place smell sanitary and clean? Does it look sanitary and clean? Is it properly ventilated, or is it stuffy? What about the lighting? Is it dark and dreary, or is it bright and happy? Next, take notice of the temperature of the cat boarding facility. Is it overly warm or cold?

5. When you talk to the staff at the cat boarding facility, do they seem to be caring? Are they knowledgeable about cats and their preferences? Are the pets that are allowed at the kennel up-to-date on vaccinations? Ask to be shown the area where your cat will be housed. Is there enough room for your cat to be comfortable? Will your cat have access to an indoor or outdoor cat run? Will your cat be kept away from other cats? (A good cat boarding facility will not allow cats to come in contact with each other unless they come together from the same home). Is the litter box spaced away from the food and water dishes? Is the cat housing unit heated and cooled?

6. You should also inquire about any special things that are offered in addition to cat boarding. Do they have offer grooming? Do they offer health care if your cat becomes ill? Will they give your cat one-on-one attention and petting? There are some luxurious cat boarding facilities that are more like mini cat spas. These places will pamper your cat from the time he arrives until you come to pick him up. These services will cost more than an ordinary cat boarding facility, but if money is not a problem it will probably be something your cat would enjoy.

7. Once you decide upon a cat boarding facility and the time arrives to take your cat there, be sure to take any medications, special food or play toys that your cat may need. If there is anything special about your cat that the staff should know – such as allergies, personality traits or nicknames – be sure to write them down so it can be on your cat’s record.

8. Once your cat is settled snuggly in at his cat boarding home away from home, take your trip without excessively worrying about your cat. If you do become overly concerned or worried call the cat boarding staff and ask them how your cat is doing. However, do not be surprised if you hear that your cat is doing just fine.

[momandpopoften]

on 6/22/2008 I never knew that there were boarding facilities that specialize in cats! Great to know!