Important Things To Do Before Boarding Your Cat

Pet boarding is often considered a necessity, and boarding will help keep your cat safe, happy, and out of trouble. If you have never used a pet boarding or cattery facility, then you should know that there are several things you need to do before your cat arrives. Keep reading to find out what these things are.

Buy Extra Food

Most pet boarding facilities will provide food, water, and treats to the animals being kept in the facility. Boarding can be extremely stressful on your cat though, and distress can be amplified if your feline's food is changed during boarding.

Stress can cause your cat to eat far less than he normally would, and this can reduce the amount of essential proteins and calories your cat consumes. Discomfort and food changes can also cause your feline to develop a condition called gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammatory stomach and intestinal condition that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

To reduce stomach and intestinal concerns, make sure to purchase several containers of your cat's regular food. Place the food in a large airtight container and label it with both your name and your cat's name. Deliver the food to the boarding facility when you drop off your cat. Also, indicate how much food your cat typically eats and the times when he is fed. This way, pet professionals can assess whether or not your cat is consuming enough food each day.

Provide Medical Information

Most pet boarding facilities have veterinarians on call who can assist with medical problems if there is a need. Tests, treatments, and medications can all be provided. Although there is a veterinarian available to treat your feline, conditions may be difficult to diagnose without a proper medical history. This is especially true if your cat already has a preexisting heart, kidney, gastrointestinal, or bladder condition.  

It is wise to inform the boarding facility of both current and previous health problems to avoid confusion if your cat becomes ill. Make sure to provide the date the condition was diagnosed and treated, and indicate whether or not your cat received medication.

Once you provide medical details, also give the boarding facility the name and phone number of your cat's regular veterinarian. Call your animal doctor as well to inform him or her that the cattery can have access to medical records in case of an emergency. This is wise, because a thorough examination of your cat's medical history may be needed.

Secure Your Cat

If you need to pack suitcases, clean your house, and move things around in preparation for your trip, then your cat will likely experience some fear based on the changes in his natural environment.

When cats become fearful, they will hide, run away, or become aggressive. All of these behaviors are considered normal, but they can make it incredibly difficult to locate and secure your cat in a carrier. Cats often have negative associations with cat carriers as well, especially if they are used to transport your cat to the veterinarian.

Keep Your Cat Calm

You can ensure a less stressful trip to the pet boarding facility by placing your cat's carrier in a bathroom, office, bedroom, or other secluded location several weeks before your trip. Set your cat's bed in the carrier and place treats in it as well, so your cat gets used to going in and out of the container. When it is time for you to start packing, close the door to the secluded room.  

Consider playing classical music in the space while you pack. The music will calm your pet and mask the noise you make while you get ready for your trip. When you are ready to leave your house, place several treats in the cat carrier and gently close the door as your cat enters the container.

If you are going on a trip, then you should think about sending your cat to a pet boarding facility while you are away. Make sure to do the things listed above first though, to ensure a stress free adventure for both you and your feline.