Is Cat Boarding Stressful for Cats? How to Make It Easier
It's a fair worry. Cats are creatures of habit and territory, and boarding takes them away from both. Some cats find boarding stressful, especially at first; others settle within a day and seem quite content. You can't control everything, but there's a lot you can do to make a stay easier, from choosing the right facility to how you handle drop-off and the first days back home.
Why boarding can be stressful
Cats rely heavily on smell and familiar surroundings to feel safe. A boarding stay changes many things at once:
- A new place with unfamiliar smells, sounds and people
- The journey in a carrier and car, which many cats dislike
- Other animals nearby, including the sound or smell of dogs in mixed facilities
- A different routine, such as new feeding times, a different litter or less freedom to roam
- Separation from you and from other pets they're bonded with
How much this affects a cat varies a great deal by individual. Age, past experience, health and personality all play a part.
Signs a cat is stressed
Mild stress for the first day or so is common. Signs can include:
- Hiding, or staying at the back of the suite
- Eating less than usual, especially on the first day
- Grooming more or less than normal
- Hissing or swatting at staff
- Changes in litter box habits
Most cats improve as they get used to the space. A good facility will tell you if your cat isn't eating or is showing signs of illness. A cat that eats nothing for more than a day or so should be checked by a vet, because going without food can be harmful for cats. Ask how the facility monitors eating and when they would call you or a vet.
Before the stay
Choose the right kind of facility
For many cats, a quiet setting makes the biggest difference. Look for a cat-only facility or one where the cat area is genuinely separated from dogs, suites big enough to keep the litter box away from food and bed, and somewhere to hide. Our guide on how to choose a cat boarding facility has a full checklist.
Consider whether boarding is right at all
For some cats, particularly very fearful ones who aren't on medication, staying home with a reliable sitter may be less stressful. For others, especially those needing medical care, boarding is the safer choice. See cat boarding vs. a pet sitter to weigh it up.
Get your cat used to the carrier
If the carrier only appears before vet visits, your cat will learn to dread it. A week or more before the stay, leave the carrier out in a room your cat uses, with the door open and a soft blanket inside. Drop a treat or toy in now and then. A carrier that opens from the top as well as the front makes it easier to lift a reluctant cat out.
Do a short trial stay
One or two nights before a longer trip lets your cat learn that the place is survivable and that you come back. It also tells you how your cat copes.
Get the vet visit done early
Check what vaccines the facility needs and book the vet well ahead, so your cat isn't dealing with a vet trip and boarding in the same week. If your cat is very anxious, ask your vet whether anything could help; some vets prescribe anti-anxiety medication for travel or boarding. Don't give any medication or supplement without your vet's advice.
Packing for comfort
- Your cat's usual food. A sudden diet change on top of a new environment can upset the stomach.
- Something that smells of home. A small blanket or an unwashed t-shirt you've worn.
- A familiar toy, as long as it's safe to leave unsupervised.
- Clear written instructions on feeding, medication and quirks (for example, 'only eats if you leave the room').
- Ask about your cat's usual litter, since some cats are fussy and the facility may let you bring it.
Our full list of what to pack for cat boarding covers paperwork and what to leave at home.
At drop-off
- Keep it calm and brief. Cats pick up on tension. A long, emotional goodbye doesn't help.
- Cover the carrier with a light towel in the car and while waiting, so your cat feels hidden.
- Tell staff about your cat. Mention whether they're shy, what helps them, which treats they like and anything that worries you.
- Confirm contact details for you, an emergency contact and your vet.
During the stay
Most facilities are happy for you to call or will send updates; some have webcams. It's normal to want news, but try not to worry if your cat spends the first day hiding. Ask specifically about eating and litter use, as those are the most useful signs of how they're coping.
After you get home
- Give your cat space. Let them come out of the carrier in their own time and re-explore. Some cats are clingy after a stay; others ignore you for a while.
- Offer food and water, but don't be alarmed if appetite takes a meal or two to return to normal.
- Watch for signs of illness over the following week or so, such as sneezing, eye or nose discharge, diarrhea, lethargy or not eating. Contact your vet if anything concerns you.
- Reintroduce carefully in multi-cat homes. A returning cat can smell unfamiliar, and housemates sometimes hiss or react. If needed, keep them apart briefly and swap bedding before reuniting them.
Will it get easier next time?
For many cats, yes. Once a cat has boarded somewhere and come home, later stays at the same place are often easier, because the setting and people are familiar. Sticking with one facility you trust helps. If your cat struggles badly every time, even somewhere quiet and well run, talk to your vet and consider an in-home sitter instead.
The bottom line
Boarding can be stressful for cats, but with the right facility, a bit of preparation and a calm handover, most cats cope well, and owners can travel knowing their cat is supervised. Planning ahead, including checking how much cat boarding costs by city, makes the whole process easier.
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