Guide to Cat Boarding and Cat Sitting Services
Cats are known for their independent nature, and that's just one of the traits that make them such great pets! Most cats are perfectly happy if you leave them alone during the day. However, if you have to leave them alone for a longer period of time, you should look for a cat kennel or cat sitter.
Since cats doze off for about two-thirds of their day (and even more as they age), they shouldn't mind being left to their own devices for shorter periods of time – as long as they're provided with plenty of love and enjoyable playtime when they're awake.
However, if you're away for more than a day, you'll need to make sure your cat is well taken care of. If you can't find a helpful friend, try a cat boarding kennel or use a cat sitting service.
Leaving cats at home
Cats are territorial creatures attached to their homeland. Therefore, it is best that you find a way to have your cat cared for at home when you travel. She is unlikely to feel stressed when she is in her familiar environment with its familiar smells, objects, and sounds.
If you're lucky, you might find cat-friendly acquaintances or neighbors who are happy to stop by to feed them, clean their litter box, provide fresh water, and pet them!
House sitters not only take care of your cat, but also water the houseplants and make sure that it looks "inhabited" in your home to deter burglars.
There are also alternatives to house sitters. For example, you can hire a professional pet sitter or cat sitter. Services vary depending on the person or company, but you can usually expect a pet sitter or cat sitter to come to your home at least twice a day to feed your cat, play with them, and clean their litter box.
So you don't have to worry, you can keep your cat indoors while you're away. Not only will she be there when the pet sitter arrives, but you'll also be more relaxed knowing that she won't get into trouble in the great outdoors.
Cat sitting apps
If you're struggling to find a reputable cat sitter in your area, there are a number of cat sitting apps and websites to make your search easier! Here are a few suggestions (please note that we haven't "checked" them):
Cat in a Flat
Cat in a Flat is a great cat sitter app that lets you find cat sitters near you. It's really easy to use: just enter your zip code and find cat sitters near you. All cat sitters have a profile page where their references are displayed – and you can schedule a face-to-face meeting beforehand to make sure you're a good match. You can opt for overnight stays or visits once or twice a day – depending on what you need. Some cat sitters also offer additional services, such as watering the houseplants, and may also take care of other small pets.
Trusted Housesitters
If you travel a lot for work or pleasure, you could Trusted Housesitters be the perfect cat sitting app for you. Owners only need to purchase an Owner Plan, which includes a one-time annual payment – then you can have as many supports as you want! Your cat sitter can send you updates and photos through the app, and you and your cat sitter have round-the-clock access to vet advice.
Pawshake
Pawshake is a super simple cat sitting app. You don't have to subscribe, you only pay for the cat sitter that suits your needs. Booking is done directly through the app and you can get to know all the potential cat sitters beforehand to make sure everyone involved is happy (including your cat). All cat sitters are also vetted – so you can be sure that your pet is in good hands.
Prices for cat sitting
Cat sitting prices can vary greatly depending on the individual's experience. Expect to pay more for weekends. The agencies often charge additional fees. So ask about all the costs in advance so you can compare.
Cat boarding services
If you don't want anyone to come into your house, or if your cat prefers to have company 24 hours a day, consider a cattery. This is a popular choice, and there are many well-run, caring cat boarding houses across the country.
It is important that you find a reputable, approved cat boarding facility with knowledgeable, caring staff and good, clean and comfortable facilities. The International Cat Care website offers excellent advice for choosing a cat kennel, as well as questions to ask when visiting.
Choosing a Cat Boarding House
We always recommend visiting a kennel beforehand to make sure it's clean and that the cats look relaxed and happy there. This way you know whether your cat is in good hands there and will feel comfortable.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a cat boarding kennel:
First contact:
- How friendly does the staff seem on the phone? Are they interested in your cat? A reputable boarding house will at least ask questions about the breed, age and temperament of the cat.
- Are viewings offered before your cat's stay? You should always be offered a tour of the facilities before you book.
- Check the references: Look at Google, Facebook and of course listen to good old word of mouth!
On the first visit:
- Is the owner or manager happy to show you around?
- Is there a member of staff who has at least Level 3 qualifications? The new regulations stipulate that someone with this qualification must be on site at all times.
- Is it checked whether all vaccinations are up to date? This is required by the new regulations.
- What does the facility smell like? The kennels should be cleaned and refreshed at least twice a day. There should be no bad odors.
- What is the general mood in the facility? How much howling or meowing can be heard? There should be an overall calm and relaxed feeling.
- Are the enclosures big enough? The new regulations state that in cat boarding kennels, the sleeping area should be at least 0.85 m² and the exercise area at least 1.65 m² in size and 1.8 m high.
- Is there adequate equipment and bedding? There should be a variety of bed types, and each cat should have its own bed and bowl.
- How do the cats react when the staff is near them? You should be happy to see them and never be afraid. Keep in mind that every cat is different, and some are naturally more anxious than others.
- How does the staff react to the cats? It should show interest and interact with the cats.
- What does the daily routine look like? Cats should have at least 4 visits per day.
- Is the kennel heated? The regulations state that the temperature should be at least 10 degrees Celsius and not exceed 26 degrees Celsius.
- Is natural or artificial light offered? If it's artificial, it needs to be on for at least 10 hours a day, so it should be on at the time of your visit.
- How many cats are housed in each enclosure? Only cats from the same household can be accommodated together.
- How are older cats cared for? Can they administer medication orally and/or by injection? In addition, someone trained in first aid for animals must be on site.
- What about security? Look around and look out for video surveillance and padlocks on doors and gates.
On arrival
- Can your cat do a trial stay? Reputable boarding houses offer the opportunity for your cat to get used to the décor, sounds, smells and staff before its first longer stay.
- Is the information provided satisfactory? The minimum requirement is that basic information is provided. The cattery should also inform you about the terms and conditions and what you can expect.
- How does the staff react to your cat and vice versa? Your cat should respond positively and the staff should be friendly to you.
- Is there a contact number? You should be able to call and ask about your cat during opening hours. Some guesthouses also offer the possibility to send pictures and videos.
- Have you told your vet that your cat will be housed in a cattery? This is a good idea because it allows the kennel to discuss any issues and access medical records without your prior consent.
Admission
Make sure that the kennel has a license, as this means that it must comply with various regulations related to hygiene and safety. A copy of the license should be prominently displayed both in the facility and on the website. Since 2018, new regulations have been in place for the care and welfare of animals. These new regulations are very detailed, offer a star rating and also a license period. Good cat boarding should have at least a 3-star rating, so be sure to pay attention to that.
To be on the safe side, don't put off your booking until the last minute, as the best cat boarding houses are usually fully booked long in advance. If you want to travel during the busy summer months or over the Christmas and Easter holidays, you should find out in good time.
Required paperwork
Before your cat can be placed in a boarding house, you must provide proof of current vaccinations. In case of emergencies, it is also advisable to provide the boarding house with your veterinarian's data, the cat's microchip and all relevant veterinary documentation. If your cat is taking medication, you should give clear instructions about how and when to administer it. Nutritional or behavioral problems should also be reported.
The more they know about your cat's likes and dislikes, the more comfortable the cat will feel, so that both you and your pet can relax during the holiday!
Prices for cat boarding houses
The prices for cat boarding can vary greatly depending on the facility. Some offer a discounted rate if you want to accommodate another cat.
It's understandable to worry about leaving your cat in someone else's care, but a reputable cat sitter or kennel will give you peace of mind that your pet will be happy and healthy while you're away.
Want to know more about your new kitten or cat? Learn more about how your cat experiences the world in our article here.