Thinking About Boarding Your Cat? Here are Some Important Considerations

When planning a vacation or any other trips away from home, cat owners often face the dilemma of what to do with their feline friends. While some cats can be left alone with a reliable pet sitter or a friend checking in, there are some compelling reasons to opt for a boarding facility. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best option for your cat, ensuring that you’ll enjoy peace of mind and your kitty will stay safe, happy, and healthy while you’re away from home.

Benefits of boarding your cat at a facility vs. hiring a pet sitter 

While it may seem that your cat would be happier in the comfort of their own home, boarding facilities offer a few key advantages:

• When home alone, your cat may become bored—which may cause them to look for trouble. As much as you might try to kitty-proof your home, it can be difficult to eliminate all potential hazards, which can become a serious threat to your cat’s safety if no one is around all day to keep an eye on them.
• You won’t need to worry about what would happen to your cat if there were an emergency at your home. From common problems like your A/C unit failing to disastrous situations like a fire or flood, it’s terrifying to think of what could happen to your cat if they were home alone when an emergency occurred. At a qualified boarding facility, you can rest assured that there will be employees and/or cameras monitoring the premises at all times to ensure the animals’ safety.
• At a boarding facility, trained professionals will keep an eye on your cat’s health and ensure that they receive prompt veterinary care if needed. 

Factors to consider when choosing a boarding facility for your cat

As with any other type of business, not all boarding facilities offer the same level of quality. Here are a few factors to consider to help you choose the best option:

• IBPSA Membership. All IBPSA Members have access to safety programs and ongoing education to help them create safe and responsible pet care environments. They also must pledge to provide conscientious care, deal honestly and fairly, respect customer confidence, continuously learn more and improve services, and operate their business honorably. As a pet parent, this provides you with invaluable peace of mind when you choose an IBPSA boarding facility.
• Before making a reservation, take the time to visit the facility in person to get an idea of where your cat will be staying. Pay close attention to the cat enclosures, ensuring they are secure and separate from other animals, as well as the overall cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere of the facility.
• Staff knowledge and training. Inquire about the qualifications and training of the facility’s staff, making sure that they have experience with cats. Knowledgeable, caring professionals will be better equipped to handle your cat’s needs, especially if your cat has unique behaviors or requires extra attention.
• Opportunities for playtime and exercise. Ask the facility whether they provide opportunities for exercise and playtime for your cat. Many places offer supervised play sessions to keep cats mentally and physically engaged during their stay, which can be especially important for sociable and active cats.

While leaving your cat at a boarding facility while you’re away from home can be nerve-wracking, taking a few steps to verify the facility’s qualifications can help ensure a safe and relaxing stay for your favorite feline. To find an IBPSA Member near you, check out our directory at https://business.ibpsa.com/member-directory!