While cats can be relatively independent and self-sufficient, they require boarding care services if their owners leave them alone for several days. Finding a reputable boarding service ensures that your cat is in a safe location and is well taken care of while you’re gone.
While the national average for cat boarding is $25 per night, most boarding services charge higher prices.1 The price will depend on your location and the type of care that your cat needs. Our price guide will help you anticipate what you’ll have to pay to ease any worries and ensure your cat is in good hands.
The Importance of Cat Boarding
Even if you have an independent cat, it’s essential to use a boarding service if you plan to be away for a few days. Even if your cat is at home, you never know what might happen while you’re gone.
Cat boarding ensures that someone is available to watch your cat. Boarding facilities have trained professionals who understand cat behavior and can adequately tend to your cat’s needs. If you have a cat that feels a lot of stress when outside your home, you can also find services that do overnight pet sitting at home.
How Much Does Cat Boarding Cost?
As mentioned before, the national average for cat boarding is $25 per night. The prices vary depending on the range of services included in a facility’s boarding package. For the most part, you can expect your cat to be fed, supervised, and have their litter box cleaned.
Kennels and catteries are the most basic boarding options and tend to be the cheapest. They’re ideal if you only plan to board your cat for a few days. Cat hotels and pet resorts are another option, and they’re more suited for situations where you plan to leave your cat for a more extended period. They’re more expensive than kennels but provide additional services, like bigger living spaces, individual playtime, and extra treats.
Prices also vary slightly depending on where you live. Here are some average prices you’ll find in various cities in the US:
| City | Average Price (per night) |
| Atlanta | $30 |
| Chicago | $35 |
| Dallas | $20 |
| Los Angeles | $40 |
| Minneapolis | $25 |
| New York City | $40 |
| Portland | $30 |
| Washington, DC | $30 |
Additional Costs to Anticipate
You can expect to be charged extra if your cat has additional needs. For example, most facilities charge a small fee for administering medication. Some cats are more social than others and need extra playtime. Individual play sessions are usually an extra service you have to add to the boarding facility’s basic care package. Facilities can also give your cat extra treats outside of mealtimes for an additional fee.
Most facilities offer a multi-pet discount if you have more than one cat. So, make sure to ask about any specials and discounts before you book a stay with a cat hotel.
What Do I Need to Bring to Cat Boarding?
A reputable cat boarding service will require updated vaccine records from your veterinarian. The following are common vaccines that cat boarding services request:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Feline leukemia vaccination
- Negative fecal test
It’s also helpful to pack your cat’s meals in individual serving packets to eliminate guesswork about portion sizes. You can do the same for your cat’s medications. Make sure to include feeding instructions and any food allergies.
Some facilities may allow you to send a blanket or favorite toy with your cat, but check with the facility about its policy for bringing personal items.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Boarding?
Cat boarding isn’t a standard service covered by pet insurance because it usually only reimburses you for accidents and illnesses. If your cat requires overnight stays at a medical facility due to illness or surgery, pet insurance may help pay for them. These types of stays have to fall within their coverage parameters. Pet insurance companies will not accept claims for overnight stays related to pre-existing conditions and preventable injuries and illnesses.
Some pet insurance companies offer add-ons and riders to their insurance plans that expand coverage to boarding care. For example, Trupanion has a Pet Owner Assistance Package that will help pay for boarding care if cat owners are hospitalized.
How To Prepare Your Cat for Cat Boarding
While we can’t verbally communicate to our cats that they’ll be in a boarding facility, we can still do our best to prepare them for a less stressful experience. First, check to see that your cat has all the required vaccinations for your boarding facility. Some facilities require a fecal exam taken within 12 months of your boarding date.
So, check your cat’s records to ensure the last fecal exam date falls within the facility’s required timeline. Next, prepare and package all of your cat’s food. You can also include treats for your cat to enjoy. If your cat is picky about their litter, you can also pack their favorite type so they won’t avoid the litter box at the boarding facility. Just make sure to mention it to the facility staff before dropping off your cat.
Lastly, be as calm as possible on the day you’re dropping off your cat. Your cat will feel any emotional distress from you, which can cause them to feel stressed out and anxious. If your cat doesn’t enjoy car rides, try tiring them out before getting in the car or using a calming supplement.
Conclusion
Cat boarding is a helpful service that ensures your cat is in good hands while you’re gone. You can expect to pay around $25 per night, but the price increases if your cat requires specialized care or individual attention. Whatever the cost, finding a reputable cat boarding service can help you enjoy your vacation or focus on whatever you need to get done without worrying about your cat’s safety and well-being.
Featured Image Credit: Bussakorn Ewesakul, Shutterstock
