If you’re planning a trip and need to ensure your feline companion is well cared for in your absence, choosing the right cat boarding facility is critical. Leaving your cat in someone else’s hands can be stressful, but finding a reputable, professional boarding center will provide peace of mind—and ensure your pet stays healthy, secure, and happy while you’re away.
So, what should you be looking for in a cat boarding facility? Let’s break it down by exploring the essential pillars of quality cat care: safe and cozy accommodations, staff with a deep understanding of feline behavior, and reliable access to veterinary care and emergency services.
Secure and Comfortable Accommodations
Cats are creatures of habit, and unfamiliar surroundings can be intimidating. That’s why the physical environment of a boarding facility is your first major consideration. A quality facility should be designed with feline comfort, safety, and stimulation in mind.
Enclosure Size and Enrichment Toys
Cats need more than just food and a litter box. Look for boarding facilities that offer spacious enclosures where cats can stretch, climb, and explore safely. Ideally, each cat should have its own private space—not just to sleep, but to roam a bit, perch at different heights, and indulge in their natural instincts.
Toys, scratching posts, tunnels, and climbing shelves are a huge plus. These types of enrichment items help cats stay mentally stimulated and reduce stress. A bored or anxious cat may resort to overgrooming, hiding, or refusal to eat. Stimulating environments support both their physical health and mental well-being.
Ventilation, lighting, and temperature regulation should also be evaluated. Cats are sensitive to extreme temperatures and odors, so the air should be fresh, and the space well lit (with the option for dimmer settings for cats who prefer dark hideouts).
Staff Experience with Feline Behavior
Even the most luxurious suite won’t matter if the people caring for your cat aren’t familiar with feline body language, habits, or medical cues. Experienced, compassionate caregivers make all the difference in your cat’s boarding experience.
Monitoring and Check-In Policies
Professional boarding facilities should have routine check-in and monitoring protocols to keep an eye on each cat’s behavior, appetite, litter box use, and overall mood. Daily logs of your pet’s habits are a sign of high-standard care.
Staff should be trained to identify early signs of stress, illness, or aggression, and know how to respond calmly and effectively. Ask if they can tell you what changes in a cat’s body language may signal discomfort or health issues. If they talk about piloerection, flat ears, hiding behavior, or refusal to eat, you know they’ve done their homework.
Another important aspect? How they handle introductions. Your cat should not be forced to interact with unfamiliar animals, even through the bars of a shared room. Reputable facilities typically separate cats from dogs and maintain species-specific areas to reduce anxiety.
Don’t hesitate to ask how many staff members are on duty during a shift and whether someone is on-site overnight. Round-the-clock presence offers invaluable reassurance for pet owners.
Veterinary Support and Emergency Plans
Health and safety should always be the top priority. Whether your cat has special medical needs or you’re just playing it safe, understanding a facility’s veterinary protocols is vital.
Medication Administration Procedures
Does your cat require daily medication, supplements, or special dietary accommodations? Be sure to inquire about how staff manage and administer medications. A trustworthy facility should have clear documentation processes, vet-approved methods, and strict schedules for dosing.
Better yet, some facilities have a licensed vet tech on staff or a close relationship with a local veterinarian. Ask what would happen in the case of an emergency—do they transport pets to a 24-hour vet hospital? Do they contact your regular vet?
A good boarding center will also request your cat’s medical history up front and have you fill out detailed intake forms. This ensures they’re prepared with all the information needed in case of an emergency.
Another green flag: facilities that require up-to-date vaccinations, such as rabies and FVRCP. This protects your pet—and others—from potential outbreaks and illnesses.
Other Considerations Before Booking
Beyond the core essentials, a few more factors can influence your decision—and make a huge difference in your cat’s comfort and your peace of mind.
Cleanliness and Odor Control
A quick walk through the facility should tell you a lot. Look for clean litter boxes, sanitized surfaces, and little to no unpleasant odor. Cats are extremely sensitive to smell, so a strong or unclean environment could increase their anxiety.
Communication with Pet Parents
Can you call or email to check in on your cat? Even better—do they offer photo or video updates? Top-tier facilities understand how hard it is to leave your furry friend and provide regular updates to reassure you that your kitty is in good hands.
Trial Stays or Acclimation Periods
Some cats are more sensitive to boarding than others. Ask if the facility allows trial stays—short visits or half-day stays to help your cat get used to the environment. This is especially useful for cats with a history of separation anxiety or those who have never been boarded before.
Why Choose a Facility That Specializes in Pet Care?
Not all boarding centers are created equal. Some facilities offer combined dog and cat boarding, and while that’s not inherently a red flag, these spaces must be properly divided and soundproofed. Cats become stressed by the smell, sight, and sound of unfamiliar dogs.
Boarding your pet at a facility that specializes in pet care—and provides additional services like grooming, training, and supervised play—is a major plus. This indicates a deeper investment in pet wellness and professional standards.
Make the Right Choice for Your Cat’s Well-Being
Your feline friend deserves a safe, enriching environment filled with attentive caregivers and all the comforts of home. While cat boarding may not be your first choice over a cozy night in together, the right facility can make the experience positive, healthy, and stress-free for both you and your pet.
When you’re touring boarding centers, remember to:
- Ask about the size and features of enclosures
- Ensure the staff is trained in feline behavior
- Check that there’s a clear plan for veterinary emergencies
- Look for daily monitoring and updates
- Confirm the facility’s cleanliness, security, and safety protocols
Looking for Exceptional Pet Care in Canal Winchester, OH?
While Lucky Bones Pet Resort is best known for our premium dog daycare and boarding, we’re just as committed to providing a professional, caring environment for all pets. Our mission is simple: treat every animal as if they were our own.
Located in Canal Winchester, OH, Lucky Bones Pet Resort offers:
- Spacious and secure boarding areas
- Enrichment-focused playtime
- Grooming services to keep your pet looking and feeling their best
- Professional training programs
- A team of passionate, pet-loving staff members
Whether you’re heading out of town for a weekend getaway or a long vacation, we provide peace of mind that your pet is in loving hands.
Schedule an appointment to tour our facility, register online, or give us a call today. At Lucky Bones Pet Resort, your pet’s happiness, health, and comfort are our top priorities.