- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If your feline companion is entering their golden years, it may seem daunting to find care that meets their unique needs. Senior cats often require extra attention, from managing chronic health conditions and medications to accommodating mobility challenges and maintaining familiar routines.
Whether you’re considering a traditional boarding facility, in-home boarding at a sitter’s home, or another option altogether, it’s important to choose the care that best supports your senior kitty’s comfort, health, and well-being. Here’s what to know about the different boarding options and the key factors to consider before making your decision.
Boarding Options for Senior Cats
When choosing the best boarding option for your feline friend, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some senior cats will do better being closely monitored at a vet facility, while others might happily enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation lounging in a sitter’s home. Considering your cat’s temperament and any health needs is a good place to start when reviewing boarding options.
“If a patient hasn’t been to the vet in a while, I advocate for getting a wellness exam and bloodwork done before you go out of town,” says veterinarian Dr. Beauchamp. “If there’s anything your cat needs to be treated for, care can start right away rather than waiting until an emergency when you’re out of town. Being proactive is one of the best ways to care for your senior kitty prior to a trip.”
Traditional cattery
According to Dr. Beauchamp, when choosing traditional boarding, look for one that’s a cat-only facility. Known as catteries, these facilities specialize in feline care and are better equipped to meet your senior cat’s needs. You also won’t have to worry about your cat getting stressed out by catching wind of any dogs on the premises.
Specialized vet boarding
Many veterinary clinics offer boarding services, which can be a reassuring option for senior cats with ongoing medical needs. The staff at these clinics are equipped to administer medications and monitor complex health concerns. Many are also diligent about keeping dogs out of sight and earshot.
If you’re considering this option, ask your veterinarian what accommodations they offer for feline guests.
Boutique cat boarding
Boutique cat boarding provides another cat-only option, often with more spacious accommodations and extra amenities, like private suites, enclosed catios, grooming add-ons, and one-on-one play sessions.
While offerings vary, these facilities focus on creating a calm, enriching environment designed specifically with cats in mind. These luxury experiences are like a spa vacation for your feline friend and can often be on the pricier end of care.
In-home boarding
With in-home boarding at a cat sitter’s, your cat stays at a caregiver’s home instead of a traditional boarding facility. This option allows your cat to stay in a home environment with often more individualized care.
But you’ll want to know the specifics to ensure it’s the right fit for your senior. Are there other pets in the home? Are there rambunctious little ones? How long will they be left alone? If your feline is heading to a calm environment with an experienced sitter who can tend to their senior needs, then it can be a good option for full-time care.
Cat sitting or house sitting
For many senior cats, staying at home is the least stressful option. In this scenario, a sitter checks in on your cat throughout the day or offers overnight cat sitting services and stays in your home to maintain their typical routine in a familiar environment.
“Oftentimes, I prefer cats with chronic health issues to stay in the home,” says Dr. Beauchamp. “Senior cats don’t deal with stress as well as younger cats, and if they have certain conditions such as liver disease, stress can become a hazard to their health. This is especially true for cats who haven’t left their home before.”
Liam Bell via iStock
When Boarding Is a Better Option
While your senior cat will likely appreciate staying in the comfort of their home and sticking to their usual routine, drop-in visits or house sitting may not always be the best option. Many senior cats do well with these methods of care. But in some situations, boarding may be the better choice, including if:
- Your senior cat needs frequent medical care. Vet boarding with trained medical staff may be better equipped to provide the level of care your cat needs if they require multiple daily medications or close monitoring for a chronic condition.
- Your cat needs more frequent supervision. Boarding can offer more consistent monitoring and peace of mind if your sitter can only drop in several times a day.
- Your senior cat has a higher risk of medical emergencies. Cats recovering from surgery or living with serious health conditions may be safer in a vet clinic setting where trained staff can quickly recognize changes and respond if something goes wrong.
- Your home isn’t the most reliable option. If you’re concerned about power outages, heating or air conditioning issues, plumbing problems, or other household disruptions while you’re away, boarding can help eliminate those uncertainties.
- Your cat hides from unfamiliar people. Some cats spend the entire visit tucked away when a pet sitter arrives, making it difficult to confirm they’re eating, taking medication, or using the litter box normally. In a boarding facility, staff are generally better able to monitor these daily habits.
- You plan to be away for an extended trip. If you’re traveling for several weeks or months at a time, you might consider boarding your cat in someone’s home. This is typically far too long to rely on drop-in care (as your cat will become very lonely) or to board them at a facility.
Packing List for Senior Cats
Since cats are creatures of habit, providing them with as much normalcy as possible is critical when boarding them. As you prepare to drop off your cat, consider packing the following items:
- Travel carrier that your senior cat can easily get in and out of
- Shallow litter box or one that they can easily access
- Comfy bed or blankets
- Pheromone spray or calming collars to help lower stress
- Toys that are safe for independent play
- Wet food, broth, or meal toppers to entice your senior cat to eat
- Care instructions with vet contact, your contact, and other essentials the caretakers may need to know
