These days, many pet owners are on the lookout for a place to leave their cats when they can’t be home. All-cat boarding is a great option. This article will tell you all about the good things that come with all-cat boarding. It will also give you practical advice on how to choose the right boarding place and what to expect.
Benefits of All-Cat Boarding
Safety and Security
Cats need a safe place when their owners are away. At an all-cat boarding facility, there are trained workers. They know how to take care of cats. The facility is kept clean and in good shape. This means cats are safe from danger. Cats that get nervous easily, especially when separated from their owners, feel calmer in this kind of environment. There are no big dogs or other animals that might scare them. Also, the boarding place has security measures. This keeps unwanted people out and stops cats from running away.
Professional Grooming
Most all-cat boarding services offer professional grooming. Groomers are good at their jobs. They can brush a cat’s fur regularly. This helps stop hairballs. They also trim a cat’s nails. Long nails can be a problem for cats. They can get caught in things and hurt the cat. Groomers can also clean a cat’s ears and eyes. This keeps the cat healthy. Some cats don’t like being groomed at home. But at the boarding place, they get used to it because it’s done regularly.
Socialization
Cats may seem like they don’t need other cats, but they can benefit from socializing. At an all-cat boarding place, cats get to meet other cats. They learn how to get along. This is good for their mental health. The staff at the boarding place watch the cats. They make sure the cats interact in a friendly way. If a cat is too shy or too aggressive, the staff can step in. They can separate the cats if needed. This helps all the cats have a good time.
Veterinary Care
Some all-cat boarding places have a vet on site or nearby. If a cat gets sick or hurt, the staff can get help right away. The vet can give medicine, treat wounds, or do other things to make the cat better. The boarding place also keeps track of a cat’s health records. They know when a cat needs shots or other medical care. This is much better than leaving a cat at home with no one to take care of it if something goes wrong.
What to Look for in an All-Cat Boarding Facility
Cleanliness
The first thing to check is how clean the boarding place is. The cat rooms should be clean. The litter boxes should be emptied and cleaned often. There should be no bad smells. The food and water bowls should also be clean. A dirty place can make cats sick. Look at the floors, walls, and bedding. Everything should be spotless.
Space
Cats need enough space to move around. Each cat should have its own area. It can be a cage or a small room. The area should be big enough for the cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. There should also be a place for the cat to sleep, eat, and use the litter box. Some boarding places have play areas where cats can run around and play.
Staff
The staff at the boarding place are very important. They should be kind to cats. They should know how to handle cats. They should also know about cat behavior. This way, they can tell if a cat is happy or sad. The staff should be able to answer your questions. They should tell you how they take care of the cats.
References
Ask the boarding place for references. Talk to other pet owners who have used the service. They can tell you if they were happy with the boarding place. They can also tell you if their cats were well-taken care of. You can also look at online reviews. But remember, some reviews may not be true. So, it’s better to talk to people you know.
Preparing Your Cat for Boarding
Health Check
Before you take your cat to the boarding place, take it to the vet. The vet can check if the cat is healthy. The vet can also give the cat any shots it needs. This is important because it helps keep the other cats at the boarding place healthy. The vet can also give you a health certificate. The boarding place may ask for this.
Identification
Make sure your cat has identification. You can put a collar with a tag on the cat. The tag should have your name, address, and phone number. You can also get a microchip for your cat. This is a small chip that is put under the cat’s skin. It has information about the cat. If the cat runs away, the microchip can help find it.
Favorite Items
Take some of your cat’s favorite items to the boarding place. It can be a toy, a blanket, or a bed. These items have the cat’s smell on them. They can make the cat feel more comfortable in a new place. The cat may also feel less homesick.
What Happens During Boarding
Arrival
When you take your cat to the boarding place, the staff will ask you some questions. They will ask about your cat’s food, medicine, and behavior. They will also check the cat’s health certificate. Then, they will show you where your cat will stay. They will introduce you to the staff who will take care of your cat.
Feeding
The staff at the boarding place will feed your cat. They will follow your instructions. If your cat has a special diet, they will make sure the cat gets the right food. They will also make sure the cat has enough water. The staff will watch how much the cat eats. If the cat doesn’t eat, they will let you know.
Playtime
Cats need to play. The staff at the boarding place will play with your cat. They will use toys to make the cat active. This is good for the cat’s physical and mental health. Some boarding places have play areas where cats can play together. The staff will watch the cats to make sure they are safe.
Health Checks
The staff at the boarding place will check your cat’s health every day. They will look at the cat’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. They will also check the cat’s fur and body. If they think the cat is sick, they will take it to the vet. They will let you know right away.
Pick-Up
When you go to pick up your cat, the staff will tell you how the cat did. They will tell you if the cat ate well, played well, and was healthy. They will also give you back your cat’s things. Make sure you check your cat when you get home. Make sure the cat is okay.
Conclusion
All-cat boarding is a good option for pet owners. It offers many benefits for cats. But it’s important to choose the right boarding place. Make sure the place is clean, has enough space, and has good staff. Also, prepare your cat well before boarding. This way, your cat will have a good time at the boarding place. And you can enjoy your time away knowing your cat is in good hands.
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