Cat staying in a cat boarding facility

What Should I Look for in a Quality Cat Boarding Facility?

Blogs
July 23, 2025•4 min read

Choosing the right place to board your cat can be stressful. You want your feline friend to be safe, calm and cared for. A great cat boarding facility does more than just provide a place to sleep. It offers comfort, structure, cleanliness, and care from people who understand cats. Here's what to look for when you're searching for a reliable cat boarding service.

Cleanliness and Comfort Come First

1. Clean Facilities

Hygiene matters. Cats are clean animals by nature, and their space should reflect that. Look for:

  • Fresh-smelling spaces with good airflow

  • Litter boxes are cleaned at least twice daily

  • Food and water dishes are cleaned after each use

  • The bedding changed between guests

2. Comfortable Cat-Specific Spaces

Cats need privacy and predictability. Quality facilities will offer:

  • Individual condos or suites

  • Cosy bedding and safe hiding spots

  • Perches or climbing shelves

  • Quiet zones are free from loud barking or traffic

Staff Knowledge and Daily Routine

Taking care of the cat at car boarding facility

1. Trained Cat Care Specialists

Cats aren’t small dogs. They have different needs, behaviours, and stress triggers. A good facility will have:

  • Staff trained in feline behaviour and stress cues

  • Hands-on experience with cats of all temperaments

  • Gentle handling practices and a calm approach

At Just About Pets, we take pride in our team of holistic professionals who understand what makes cats thrive, including our feline-focused stylists and nutritionists.

2. Predictable Daily Schedule

Routine helps cats feel secure. Ask about:

  • Regular feeding times with portion control

  • Play sessions or grooming routines

  • Quiet hours for rest

  • Monitoring for changes in appetite, mood, or litter habits

Safety and Health Standards

1. Clear Health Policies

Facilities should set basic standards to keep all guests safe. Look for:

  • Required proof of core vaccinations like Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

  • Wellness checks before intake

  • Clear policies for dealing with sick or stressed cats

2. Emergency Preparedness

Even in holistic settings, plans matter. A quality facility will:

  • Keep updated health records on file

  • Have a system for contacting owners quickly

  • Work with animal wellness professionals as needed

Open Communication and Transparency

1. Facility Tours

You should be able to visit before booking. During your tour, check:

  • Sleeping and feeding areas

  • Cleanliness and lighting

  • Where and how cats are monitored

Our cat boarding service is designed to be a calm, clean, and cat-focused environment with cozy suites, enriching activities, and holistic care.

2. Regular Updates

Being away from your cat is hard. Great facilities offer:

  • Daily updates via text or email

  • Photos showing your cat’s mood or activities

  • A contact person to answer questions

Enrichment and Special Services

Cat playing at a cat boarding facility

1. Play and Mental Stimulation

Cats need more than just food and sleep. Quality care includes:

  • One-on-one playtime

  • Enrichment tools like puzzle feeders

  • Soothing environments with calming scents or music

2. Tailored Support for Unique Needs

If your cat has special requirements, ask if they provide:

  • Custom diets prepared by pet nutritionists

  • Gentle grooming by trained stylists

  • Quiet, separate spaces for seniors or anxious cats

Why Choose Just About Pets?

At Just About Pets, we go beyond basic boarding. We believe in providing a calm, clean, and caring environment guided by holistic principles. Our team understands cats on a deep level and treats each guest with love and respect. Whether your cat needs a weekend stay or longer care, they’ll be in good hands with us.

Conclusion

Finding the right cat boarding service takes time, but it's worth the effort. Look for a facility that prioritizes hygiene, employs staff who understand feline behaviour, and offers a calm, engaging atmosphere. If the business promotes holistic wellness, even better. Your cat deserves a safe and nurturing experience while you're away.

At Just About Pets, we are proud to offer a stress-free, expert-led environment designed with your cat's well-being in mind. Contact us today to see how we can make your cat's next stay a positive one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if a cat boarding facility is clean and hygienic?
A clean facility should have fresh air, no strong pet odours, and visibly well-maintained litter and feeding areas. Ask if they follow a strict cleaning schedule, and look for transparency about their sanitizing process. This shows how committed they are to your cat's well-being.

2. What questions should I ask during a tour of a boarding facility?
Ask about how often they clean, what a cat's daily routine looks like, and how they handle emergencies or signs of stress. These questions help gauge their professionalism, readiness, and ability to care for your cat holistically.

3. Will my cat get enough attention and playtime?
Cats benefit from daily enrichment. Look for facilities that offer personal play sessions, grooming, and tools like puzzle feeders. Great boarding services adapt the level of interaction to your cat's personality so they feel comfortable and stimulated.

4. Can I leave my cat's food, bedding, or toys?
Yes, and it’s encouraged. Bringing familiar items from home helps your cat feel more secure. Most facilities are happy to accommodate specific feeding instructions and personal belongings that smell like home.

5. What health requirements does a boarding facility have?
Top-tier cat boarding facilities require up-to-date core vaccinations like FVRCP. They also have systems in place to identify early signs of illness and isolate affected pets if needed, ensuring all cats remain healthy during their stay.

Back to Blog