From time to time, nearly every cat owner will find it necessary to leave town for a week or two. You may have to travel for business or visit distant relatives. Or maybe, you’ll finally get a chance to take the vacation you’ve been needing for months.
No matter the reason for your trip, one thing’s almost certain: You’ll likely have to leave your cat behind.
It’s not only challenging to jump through all the hoops airlines require to get on a plane with your cat, but you’ll also find that very few hotels welcome whiskered pets anyway.
So, most cat owners do the only thing they know to do; they board their kitty. But this is rarely the best thing for Fluffy – especially when there’s a much better option available.
We’ll explain why boarding is less-than-ideal for your feline and share a better option below.
Is Boarding Stressful for Cats?
It’s often hard to make generalizations regarding animals – Mother Nature rarely deals in absolutes. But this is one of those few cases in which broad statements do typically apply; most cats hate being boarded.
Boarding tends to cause cats to have very high stress levels, which may cause them to refuse food, have trouble sleeping, or develop behavioral problems. It’s also worth noting that your cat will be exposed to countless communicable diseases while being boarded.
All of these things mean that boarding often ends up being a pretty bad experience for your kitty.
What Are Some of the Reasons Boarding Is Stressful for Cats?
Boarding can cause cats to suffer from stress in a variety of ways, but some of the most notable reasons it’s so tough on them include:
- It breaks their daily rituals. Cats are unquestionably creatures of habit, who often develop elaborate daily rituals over the course of years. But staying at a boarding facility will prevent your furry boy from having the chance to do the things he normally does. This may sound like a minor issue, but it can actually be quite stressful for cats.
- The quarters are often cramped. Even the laziest kitties generally move all over the house over the course of the day. They lay on the couch for a while, then travel down the hall to use the litter box, then sniff around for food in the kitchen, and then go lay by the window and soak up the sun. But they can’t move around much at all in many boarding facility crates.
- Everything smells different. Cats learn a lot about the world through their noses, and boarding facilities smell very different from residential homes. In a best-case scenario, your cat will find this slightly concerning; in a worst-case scenario, your cat may completely panic.
- The facility is often chaotic. Boarding facilities are far from “chill.” At most hours of the day and night, your kitty will see other cats (and maybe even dogs) moving around, vocalizing, and rattling crate doors, while humans are busy tending to the cats and going about their jobs. All of this commotion can cause cats to feel very stressed out.
- It’s unlikely your cat will have all of the toys and furniture she loves. Some boarding facilities may allow you to bring one toy or pillow to help your cat feel more comfortable, but that’s rarely enough to really soothe a frazzled kitty’s nerves.
- The social factors at play in a cattery are often stressful. Some cats really struggle with the social factors at play in a typical boarding facility. Even though they’ll be kept in separate cages, seeing, hearing, and smelling other cats all the time can lead to a lot of anxiety for the kitties.
- Staying at a boarding facility is just plain boring. A lot of owners fail to recognize the harm unrelenting boredom can cause. It’s one thing for your cat to be bored for a couple of hours while you’re at work, but enduring a week that’s largely spent inside the confines of a small crate can drive them a bit crazy. Mental stimulation is a crucial component of compassionate cat care, and it’s sadly something many boarding facilities are unable to provide to their visitors.
It’s Not Just Cats: Boarding Is Also Stressful for Owners
Even owners who understand that placing their furry friend in a cattery for several days may be stressful on the four-footer don’t realize that it’s hard on two-footers too!
For starters, boarding is often very expensive. Boarding facilities only have so much space, so they have to make as much money as they can from each and every crate they have available. You’ll also have to try to fit the initial drop-off into your already-hectic schedule on the morning you leave.
Many owners also feel a bit of trepidation when trying to explain their cat’s idiosyncrasies to an often-overwhelmed staff, who’s responsible for dozens of other cats. It just never really feels like your cat is getting the personalized care he deserves.
Even setting all of these things aside, it’s important to note that boarding facilities are often booked solid months in advance. So, you may not be able to find a space for your cat, even if you aren’t bothered by all the stress it will cause him.
Can Boarding Have Long-Term Consequences for Your Cat?
Unfortunately, many owners are forced to board their cat – even if they understand that it may be relatively stressful. However, they often suspect that the stress will be short lived and won’t lead to long-term consequences.
And sometimes, that is the case. Exceptionally confident cats occasionally complete their stay at a boarding facility, get over the initial stress, and return to normal.
But other cats – especially sensitive individuals – suffer long-lasting problems. In some cases, this may mean nothing more than a slightly increased anxiety level. But in other cases, cats can suffer from long-term inappetence, lasting sleep disturbances, or separation anxiety.
Hire a Professional Pet Sitter: The Cat-Friendly Option
Now that you understand the myriad reasons boarding is often stressful for cats, you’re left with a question: What do you do with your cat next time you have to leave home for a few days or weeks?
Many people opt to have a friend or relative watch their cat, but this goes poorly almost as often as it goes well. Social media platforms are littered with stories of former friends who share a cat-sitting-gone-wrong story. And even if your chosen person is familiar with cats, unexpected things can happen, which most people are unprepared to deal with.
That’s why the very best decision you can make – for your cat and yourself – is to hire a professional cat sitter to watch your kitty. The Comforted Kitty only employs knowledgeable, experienced cat sitters, who know exactly how to keep a cat safe and happy while you’re traveling.
Additionally, all of our sitters are bonded and insured, so you know you’ll be protected should anything unusual happen. You’ll even have the chance to meet your sitter beforehand, so you can make a proper introduction to your cat and inform him or her of any special requirements your fluffy friend has.
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There are obviously exceptions; a small number of cats don’t appear seriously troubled when boarded for a few days. However, these cats are certainly outliers, and the vast majority become significantly stressed by being forced to stay in a strange place for several days – never mind how bad they feel during longer stays.
So, the next time you have to leave your cat behind while you travel the world, do the right thing for your furry friend – hire a professional pet sitter.
Not only will your cat feel better than he would at a boarding facility, but you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with knowing he’s in the best possible hands.