What to Pack for Your Cat's Boarding Stay
Most cat boarding facilities supply the litter box, litter, bowls and bedding, but every facility is different. Check your facility's own instructions first, then use this checklist.
Paperwork
- Vaccination records from your vet (most facilities ask for rabies and FVRCP; some also require FeLV testing or flea treatment)
- Your vet's name and phone number
- An emergency contact who can make decisions if you can't be reached
- Signed boarding agreement or registration form, if the facility uses one
Food and medication
- Enough of your cat's usual food for the whole stay, plus a day or two extra, in labeled airtight containers
- Written feeding instructions (amount and times)
- All medications in their original labeled containers, with written dosing instructions
- Any treats or pill pockets your cat accepts
Comfort items
- A small blanket or t-shirt that smells like home
- One or two favorite toys (avoid strings or anything that could be swallowed)
- A secure, labeled carrier for drop-off and pick-up
What to leave at home
- Large beds or cat trees, unless the facility says they fit
- Valuable or irreplaceable items
- Open bags of food or unlabeled pill bottles
Before drop-off
- Book early for holidays, when many facilities have minimum stays
- Ask how medication is given and whether there is a fee
- Ask whether cats are housed away from dogs
- Make a note of drop-off and pick-up hours
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