How do you arrange for placing your cat in a boarding facility?

Stop by your local boarding facility and visit with the owner.  Get acquainted with the people who will be caring for your cat. Ask questions – take nothing for granted.  Find out if toys or bedding are welcome. Find out about the diet the facility provides. Discuss safety features.  Boarding cats requires good security to prevent escapes. Discuss frankly any qualms you may have about boarding your cat.  The boarding facility staff will appreciate your frankness and your interest.

The experienced staff members at a boarding facility are trained to recognize the warning signs of potential health problems, and will contact a veterinarian if they feel it is called for.  Many times it is easier for the boarding facility staff to detect problems than it is for the owner of the cat. For example, urinary problems, a warning sign that deserves attention, can more easily be detected in the boarding facility than at home, since the cat is closely supervised.

It is not, however, part of the staff’s job to diagnose or to prescribe.  If your cat requires veterinary aid while he or she is boarding, you should be aware that you are financially responsible for such aid.  Discuss, before boarding, any medication or special care your cat might need. Most boarding facilities offer a certain amount of individual care (playing with, talking to, and petting) but you must be reasonable.  Asking the facility owner to allow your cat privileges that might result in an escape is not fair to either the boarding facility or your cat.

Make certain that you understand the rate structure for all services and hours of operation.  The fee for boarding includes, not only the care of your cat, but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your cat is safe and with someone you can trust.