What to Know Before Boarding Your Cat

Cat boarding costs money upfront and requires planning weeks ahead, not days

Cat boarding runs between $25 and $75 per day at most facilities, though prices vary by location, facility type, and what services you add. You will need to book 2 to 4 weeks in advance during peak travel seasons (holidays, summer), and many facilities fill up completely. Unlike dog boarding, which is common and widely available, cat boarding has fewer options in most areas — some towns have only one or two facilities that take cats at all. The earlier you book, the better your choice of dates and facilities.

Boarding is not your only option. Cat sitters who visit your home once or twice daily cost $15 to $40 per visit and let your cat stay in familiar surroundings. Some owners use a combination: a sitter for short trips and boarding for longer ones. Understanding the trade-offs between these options before you need them means you will not be scrambling when your travel plans are set.

Key Takeaways

• Most cat boarding facilities charge $25 to $75 per day and require booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead during busy seasons.
• You will need to provide your cat's medical history, current medications, feeding schedule, and behavioral notes before drop-off.
• Facilities vary widely in what they offer: some provide only basic housing and feeding, while others include playtime, grooming, or medication administration.
• In-home cat sitters are often cheaper than boarding and keep your cat in a familiar environment, but require someone trustworthy with house keys.
• Cats can become stressed during boarding, so starting with a trial stay or short trip helps you see how your cat handles it.

What boarding facilities actually provide

A basic boarding package means your cat gets a clean enclosure, food, water, and a litter box cleaned once or twice daily. That is the floor. Many facilities offer nothing beyond that — no playtime, no handling, no interaction. Your cat sits in a room or a cage for the duration. This is not cruel, but it is not enriching either, and some cats become stressed or stop eating.

Premium packages add supervised playtime, window perches, toys, or even separate "suites" with more space. Some facilities offer medication administration if your cat takes pills or injections. A few provide grooming or nail trims. Ask what is included in the base price and what costs extra. A $30-per-day facility with free playtime is not the same as a $30-per-day facility with nothing but a cage.

Check whether the facility keeps cats in individual enclosures or in a shared room. Individual housing is more common and reduces disease transmission, but some cats do better with visual contact with other cats. Ask about climate control, lighting, and noise levels — cats are sensitive to stress, and a loud, hot facility will make your cat miserable.

Documents and information you need to bring

Bring a signed copy of your cat's medical history, including vaccination records (most facilities require proof of rabies and FVRCP vaccines within the last 1 to 3 years). Bring a list of any medications with exact dosages and timing. Bring your veterinarian's name and phone number. Bring your own phone number and an emergency contact who can make decisions if you are unreachable.

Write down your cat's normal feeding schedule, portion size, and the exact brand and type of food you use. Bring enough food for the stay — do not assume the facility has your brand. Write down any behavioral quirks: whether your cat is shy, aggressive with other cats, prone to hiding, or has litter box issues. Note any medical conditions the staff should watch for, like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart problems.

Bring a recent photo of your cat in case it escapes. Bring any comfort items your cat is attached to — a blanket, a toy, or a piece of your worn clothing. Some facilities allow these; some do not. Ask ahead.

How to prepare your cat for boarding

If your cat has never been boarded, a trial stay is worth the cost. Book one night or a weekend while you are still in town, then pick your cat up and see how it reacts. Some cats eat normally and seem unbothered. Others refuse food, hide, or become aggressive. Knowing this before a two-week trip means you can adjust your plans or try a different facility.

Visit the facility with your cat before the actual stay if possible. Let your cat see the space, smell it, and get used to the idea. Some facilities allow this; others do not. If you cannot visit, ask for photos or a video tour so you know what to expect.

In the days before boarding, keep your cat's routine as normal as possible. Do not change food, litter, or schedule. A stressed cat is more likely to get sick or stop eating during boarding. If your cat is on medication, make sure the facility knows the exact timing and has written instructions.

What to expect during drop-off and pick-up

Arrive at drop-off with all documents, medications, and food in hand. The facility will ask you to sign a form confirming your cat's health status, emergency contact information, and authorization for veterinary care if needed. Read this form carefully — some facilities require you to authorize treatment up to a certain dollar amount, and some require you to pay for any vet visit upfront.

Tell the staff about any behavioral issues or medical concerns in person, not just on paper. Ask how often they will contact you and how. Some facilities send daily photos or updates; others only call if something is wrong. Ask what happens if your cat stops eating or shows signs of illness — will they call you, or will they take your cat to a vet without asking?

Pick-up times are usually set — often a narrow window like 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on your last day. Missing the window may mean paying for an extra day or picking up the next morning. Confirm the exact time when you book.

Signs your cat is stressed during or after boarding

Some stress is normal, but excessive stress can lead to illness. Watch for loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation in the days after boarding. Some cats become withdrawn or aggressive. Others overgroom or develop urinary issues. If your cat shows these signs, talk to your veterinarian — stress-related illness is real and sometimes needs treatment.

If your cat has a severe reaction to boarding, consider alternatives for future trips. In-home sitters, trusted friends or family members, or even taking your cat with you (if possible) may be less stressful. Some cats simply do not do well in boarding facilities, and that is okay. You are not failing your cat by finding a different solution.

In-home cat sitters as an alternative

A cat sitter visits your home once or twice daily, feeds your cat, refreshes water and litter, and provides some interaction. Costs run $15 to $40 per visit depending on your area and the sitter's experience. For a week-long trip, that is $105 to $280 — often less than boarding, and your cat stays home.

The trade-off is trust and reliability. You are giving someone keys to your house and access to your belongings. Use a sitter you know personally, or hire through a service that does background checks and has insurance. Ask for references and call them. Confirm the sitter's backup plan if they get sick or have an emergency — who covers for them?

Start with a trial visit while you are home, so you can see how the sitter interacts with your cat and make sure your cat is comfortable. Some cats warm up to sitters quickly; others remain wary. If your cat hides or refuses to eat when the sitter is there, boarding might actually be less stressful.

Finding boarding facilities in your area

Search online for "cat boarding near me" or "cat kennels" in your town. Call each facility and ask basic questions: Do they take cats? What is the daily rate? When are they open for drop-off and pick-up? What vaccines do they require? How far in advance do you need to book?

Ask for references — other cat owners who have used the facility. Call at least two and ask about their experience. Did their cat eat? Did the staff seem knowledgeable about cats? Was the facility clean? Did they feel their cat was safe?

Visit in person if you can. Look for clean enclosures, good ventilation, and staff who seem comfortable handling cats. A facility that treats cats like dogs — loud, chaotic, no quiet spaces — is not a good fit. Trust your gut. If something feels off, keep looking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I board my kitten?

Most facilities require kittens to be at least 12 to 16 weeks old and fully vaccinated. Very young kittens need more frequent feeding and monitoring than most boarding facilities provide. Ask your veterinarian whether boarding is safe for your kitten's age, or consider an in-home sitter instead.

What if my cat has medical conditions?

Tell the facility about any medical issues upfront — diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems, or behavioral issues. Ask whether they have experience managing that condition and whether they will administer medications. Some facilities will not take cats with complex medical needs. Your veterinarian may recommend boarding at a facility with veterinary staff on-site, or using an in-home sitter instead.

How much should I tip the boarding staff?

Tipping is not required, but $5 to $10 per day is common if the staff went above and beyond — extra playtime, special attention, or good communication. If you are unhappy with the care, do not feel obligated to tip. If you are very happy, a tip or a positive review helps the facility and encourages good service for future visits.

What if my cat escapes during boarding?

Ask the facility what their escape protocol is before you book. Do they have a secure outdoor area? Do they search the neighborhood? Do they contact local shelters and vets? Bring a recent photo so they can post it if needed. Most facilities are careful, but accidents happen — knowing their plan gives you peace of mind.

Can I board my cat for just a few hours?

Some facilities offer half-day or hourly rates, but many have a one-day minimum. Call ahead and ask. For very short trips, an in-home sitter or a trusted friend might be cheaper and less stressful for your cat.