Putting your cat into a cat boarding facility for the duration of your holiday is a great way to ensure that they remain safe and happy whilst you are gone. However, if your pet has never stayed in this type of place before, you may feel somewhat apprehensive about the prospect of leaving them. Here are a couple of tips that should help to make this a positive experience for both you and your cat.

Handle any health-related issues well in advance

The vast majority of reputable pet boarding facilities will only accept cats with up-to-date vaccinations. As such, it's important to check with your vet about your cat's current vaccination status and to have any necessary injections administered. Ideally, you should address this issue at least a couple of weeks before your cat is due to be left at the boarding facility.

Additionally, if your pet has any health conditions that require daily medication, it's crucial to ensure that your vet provides you with a supply that will be large enough to last for the length of their boarding stay. Failing to do this could result in your pet becoming ill whilst you are away. Make sure to write down detailed instructions regarding how this medication should be administered, including information about dosages and the frequency with which it needs to be given. This will significantly reduce the chances of the staff at the boarding facility making a mistake when medicating your pet. 

Lastly, if you're concerned about the possibility of your cat contracting fleas or ticks during their 'holiday', it may be a good idea to invest in a flea collar for them.

Try to minimise stress

Cats are creatures of habit and are at their calmest, and happiest, when in familiar surroundings. As such, it's possible that your pet may become a bit stressed when they first arrive at the boarding facility. If your pet is prone to nervousness, it might be sensible to book them in for a half-day at the facility a week or two before they are due to actually stay there. This will give them a chance to familiarise themselves with the sights, smells and sounds of the facility and hopefully ensure that they feel at ease when the time comes for them to stay there for a bit longer.

It can also be helpful to bring a few of their favourite blankets and toys along; these creature comforts should help them to feel more at home in their new surroundings.

Additionally, don't forget to discuss the various quirks of your pet's personality, as well any behavioural issues they have, with the staff who will be looking after them. The more information you provide about the things that calm your cat down, or that cause them distress, the easier it will be for the employees of the cat boarding facility to keep your pet happy and stress-free.