9 Tips for Preparing Your Cat for an Overnight Boarding Stay

Leaving any pet somewhere unfamiliar overnight can be unsettling, to say the least. But sometimes there’s just no other choice. When you’re heading off on an adventure and planning to have your cat stay at a boarding facility overnight, there are a few things that can help get you both prepared. Lucky for you, we’re here to share 9 tips for preparing your cat for an overnight boarding stay!

1 – RESEARCH

We can’t overstate the importance of finding a place where you feel comfortable leaving your little fur baby. Look into your options and see what places are around you with solid reviews.

2 – Do a pre-stay visit

Allowing your cat to get a sense of the space before staying there overnight can help to get them acclimated to the sights, sounds, and smells that they’ll be in. Many boarding facilities will allow a site visit with you and your kitty before a stay.

3 – Health updates

Make sure your little one is up to date on all vaccinations and has any medications of supplements they may need.

4 – Pack something familiar

When you pack their bag for their stay, be sure to include a few familiar items from home. This can be their favorite blanket or toy, something that gives them a piece of their regular environment.

5 – Pack something of yours

Include an item of yours in the overnight bag, as well. This will give your cat a little bit of you to keep them calm during their stay.

6 – Communication

Be sure to provide the best ways to reach both you and an emergency contact. You can also do check ins while you’re away.

7 – Keep calm

Pets can sense your emotions, so when it’s time for drop off, play it cool. If you’re relaxed, that will help your cat feel relaxed.

8 – Provide a routine

As part of your boarding set-up, create a schedule of your cat’s typical routine for the staff at the facility. Cats love their routine, so this will help the team keep them on schedule as much as they can.

9 – Prepare for decompression

Keep in mind that when your kitty gets home after a boarding stay, they may need a day or two to reacclimate to the space. This isn’t a reflection of them missing you or not, just a natural thing when they’ve been in a different environment.

Read More: 7 Reasons Cat Boarding is Safer Than Leaving Your Pet at Home

Finding the right boarding facility for your cat’s overnight stay is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to them feeling at ease. These tips we’ve shared, courtesy of our team here at Prestonwood Kennels, will help you and your furry little angel feel ready for their overnight boarding stay. And hey, if you’re local to Houston then we suggest stopping by for a visit to check out our Cattery! It’s like a little resort stay for your sweet kitty, with all of the amenities you’d want them to have for safety and comfort.