Tips to Make Your Cat’s Boarding Stay a Purrfect Success! 🐾
- Retreat Nuggets
- Feb 12
- 4 min read

Going on vacation but feeling a little worried about your cat’s stay at the pet retreat? Don’t stress – we’ve got all the tips you need to make sure your kitty’s time at Cessna Pet Retreat/any boarding facility as smooth and stress-free as possible! 🐱💕
Before the Big Day
1. Health Check & Vaccinations
Let’s talk health – we want your kitty to be in tip-top shape for their stay with us! Here’s what you need to check off:
Up-to-date on all vaccinations (this is a must!)
Flea and tick free (we don’t want any unwanted guests)
Recently dewormed (for those extra cozy vibes)
Healthy and showing no signs of illness (we’re all about happy, healthy kitties!)
Pro Tip: Boarding facilities (like ours!) require vaccination records from your vet. Be sure to have them ready when you check in!
2. Trial Stays Are Your Friend
Feeling unsure about how your cat will handle their stay? Try a quick daycare session before the full boarding experience!
Let your kitty explore the space
Meet the wonderful caretakers who’ll be pampering them
Get a feel for the daily routine (spoiler: they’re going to love it!)
3. Pack Their Comfort Kit
We know your cat has their favorite things that make them feel safe and comfy, so don’t forget to pack:
Their regular food (portion-packed)/ we, at Cessna Pet Retreat provide customized food, so we can serve up their meals just like home!
Favorite toys (2-3 will do – a little playtime goes a long way!)
Their bed or cozy blanket (familiar scents = happy kitty)
Any medications (with clear instructions, of course!)
Those tasty treats they can’t resist
Making the Transition Smooth
1. Maintain Regular Routines
Your cat thrives on consistency, so keep their routine as close to normal as possible:
Stick to their feeding schedule
Don’t change their diet right before boarding
Keep up their regular playtime or naptime (cats love their routines)
Continue any meds they’re on (we’ll follow their plan, no worries!)
2. Emotional Preparation
Cats are super in tune with our emotions, so here’s how to make the drop-off easier:
Stay calm and positive! Your cat will pick up on your mood, and a relaxed you means a relaxed kitty.
Keep the goodbye short and sweet – no need for tears (it’ll be harder on you than them, we promise!).
Trust that the boarding facility knows exactly how to care for your kitty. We’ve got tons of experience and love for cats!
3. Emergency Contact Information
Make sure we have all the info we need in case of anything:
Your contact details (just in case we need you!)
Backup contact person (because it’s always nice to have a plan B)
Your vet’s info (we’ve got the connection for any check-ups)
Any special care instructions or concerns you may have
Special Considerations for Cats
Every kitty is unique, and we want to make sure their stay is absolutely purrfect! Here’s what to think about:
Does your cat prefer solitude or enjoy hanging out with other cats? (Let us know so we can respect their social needs!)
Don’t forget their favorite litter type (we’ll make sure to have it ready)
Any specific hiding spots they love? (We’ll make sure they have a cozy nook for when they need some quiet time)
Let us know their play preferences! Do they love interactive toys? Or maybe they’re more of a “snuggle and nap” kind of cat? 😊
Red Flags to Watch Before Boarding
To make sure your kitty is feeling 100%, keep an eye out for:
Sudden changes in appetite (not normal for your cat? Let us know!)
Unusual lethargy (if they’re extra sleepy or sluggish, it’s worth mentioning)
Signs of stress or anxiety (things like excessive grooming, hiding, or meowing more than usual)
Any health concerns (no matter how small, we want to know!)
After the Stay
1. Give Them Time to Adjust
After being away for a little while, your cat will need a bit of time to readjust to home:
Let them rest and decompress – all that fun can be exhausting!
Gradually get them back into their regular routine
Give them some extra cuddles and love (they missed you, after all!)
2. Watch for
Sometimes, a stay away from home can cause a few new habits or behaviors to pop up:
Any changes in behavior (maybe they’re more playful or need some extra quiet time)
A different appetite or eating pattern
Stress signs like more grooming or withdrawal
New quirks they picked up during their stay (maybe they learned a new trick or two!)
The Boarding Facility Checklist
When you’re choosing the best place for your cat, here’s what to look for:
24/7 supervision (because we never want your kitty alone!)
Enough sunlight (cats love their sun baths)
Clear emergency protocols (we’ve got a plan in place for everything)
A clean, safe environment (we know how important that is for you and your kitty)
Regular updates while they’re staying with us (so you can keep track of their adventures!)
Fun playtime (because cats need a little exercise too!)
Access to medical care (just in case your kitty needs a little TLC)
Final Thoughts
Boarding doesn’t have to be stressful for your cat – in fact, it can be a fun, enriching experience! With the right preparation and an experienced team (like us!), your kitty’s stay can be a calm, stress-free break. They might even look forward to their next stay!
Ready to make your cat’s boarding experience purrfect? Come on by for a tour of our facility at Cessna Pet Retreat! Our team can’t wait to show you why cats love staying with us! 🏡✨
This blog is brought to you by Cessna Pet Retreat, where every pet is family. For bookings and inquiries, contact us today!
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