Boarding your Cat at a Pet Hotel: A Detailed Guide to Choosing and Preparing

Many cat owners consider boarding their cats at a pet hotel when they are away from home for a few days.

Recently, pet hotels exclusively for cats have emerged, and there is an increasing number of facilities where you can leave your cat with peace of mind. However, since you are entrusting your precious cat to them, you don't want to make any mistakes in choosing a pet hotel.

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce tips on how to choose a pet hotel and the necessary preparations to ensure your cat stays in good hands.

Pros and Cons of Boarding Your Cat at a Pet Hotel

If you prepare enough food and water and are careful about climate control and locking up, it is possible for your cat to stay home alone for one or two nights. However, if you are going to be away for three days or more, there is also the option of "boarding them at a pet hotel."

A pet hotel is a facility where pets such as cats and dogs are looked after, and staff take care of feeding, cleaning the litter box, and other needs on behalf of the owner.

You should decide whether or not to board your cat at a pet hotel based on the length of time you will be away and your cat's personality.

What are the benefits of boarding a cat at a pet hotel?

The benefit of boarding your cat at a pet hotel is that it "eliminates concerns about hunger, household accidents, or running away."

Since you can leave them in the care of staff who are well-versed in cat behavior, it can be more reassuring than leaving them home alone. If the pet hotel is attached to an animal hospital, it provides extra peace of mind in case of any sudden health issues.

What are the drawbacks of boarding a cat at a pet hotel?

Cats are creatures with a very strong sense of territory. Because of this, some find it stressful to be away from their home, which is their own territory.

The biggest drawback is likely "stress caused by changes in the environment." While it seems some cats enjoy their hotel stay, most will inevitably feel nervous.

Additionally, while there are various types of pet hotels, accommodation costs can be high depending on the service level.

Important Points for Choosing a Pet Hotel

You can easily look up information about pet hotels on the internet. Besides checking websites and reviews, it is also recommended to actually visit the location for a tour.

When you entrust your precious cat to someone, many concerns likely come to mind. Let's confirm the important points to check when choosing a pet hotel.

Checking the environment where the cat will stay

Pet hotels come in various styles, including "pet hotel specialty shops," as well as "pet hotels attached to animal hospitals" and "pet hotels attached to grooming salons."

There are many specialty pet hotels exclusively for cats, which are reassuring for cats that might be scared of the sound of dogs barking. Beyond cage-style boarding, some hotels offer completely private rooms.

Furthermore, pet hotels attached to animal hospitals are recommended for cats with underlying health conditions. Cats that require special care, such as medication or specialized diets, can be boarded there with peace of mind.

Is sanitation management and infection control thorough?

It is very important whether the space where the cats stay is clean. If possible, try to arrange a tour in advance.

Also, many pet hotels make vaccination and flea/tick prevention a requirement for boarding. It is crucial to verify that such infection control measures are firmly in place.

Do the staff have professional expertise?

To operate a pet hotel, registration as a "Type 1 Animal Handling Business (Custody)" is required. Furthermore, a "Qualified Animal Handler" is mandatory, so check if this is listed on their website or brochure.

It is also important whether the staff treats you and your cat with care. A trustworthy pet hotel is one that properly interviews you about your cat’s health, personality, eating habits, and litter box usage.

Procedures for nighttime and emergencies

Nighttime protocols vary by pet hotel—some are unattended with monitoring cameras, while others have staff on-site 24/7.

Also, be sure to confirm what support is available in the event of unexpected health issues. In this regard, pet hotels attached to animal hospitals provide the most peace of mind, but it is still worth checking if there is a partner animal hospital and if there is specialized staff on hand.

Can you check on your cat's status?

It is reassuring if they offer a service that provides photos or videos of your cat during their stay.

Are the fees clear?

The price range for boarding a cat at a pet hotel is approximately 2,500 to 6,000 yen per night. Since costs vary based on the services provided, be sure to confirm this in advance.

Preparations for Boarding Your Cat

To board your cat at a pet hotel, you will need to prepare infection control measures, cat supplies, and a health log.

Infection control measures

Since pet hotels are places where many cats gather, make sure not only to get them vaccinated but also to carry out thorough flea and tick prevention.

Things needed when boarding at a pet hotel

A pet hotel is an unfamiliar place for a cat. To help them relax as much as possible, it is recommended to leave them with items that carry their scent.

• Carrier bag
• Their usual food
• Food dishes
• Treats
• Bed/blanket
• Toys/scratching post
• Used cat litter
• Cat health notebook

Furthermore, if you have a "health notebook" that notes down your cat's profile, personality, and medical history, bring it with you. If the staff understands their usual eating and litter box habits, it will make it easier for them to provide care.

It is also convenient to keep their vaccination certificate and flea/tick prevention records in one place.

Summary

There are various types of pet hotels where you can board your cat. If you are choosing a specialty pet hotel, a facility exclusive to cats is recommended.

Since you are entrusting your precious cat to them, be sure to thoroughly check the environment and sanitary conditions. If possible, a tour or a trial stay beforehand is ideal.

Also, when your cat returns home, they may feel tense for a while. Watch over them by keeping an eye on their eating and litter box habits. And, of course, don't forget to give them plenty of rewards.

When boarding your cat at a pet hotel, prepare well so that they can spend their time comfortably.

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