Getting Your Cat Ready for a Boarding Stay

Cats like their routines, their territory, and their favorite sunny spot. A trip away can feel like a lot to ask of them. The good news is that a calm boarding stay is very doable with a bit of preparation, starting a few weeks before you leave.

Here’s how to help your cat settle in, from the carrier to the first quiet night.

1) Start with a cat-only, quiet space

The biggest stress for many cats isn’t being away from home. It’s noise, unfamiliar animals, and too much activity. That’s why the setting matters.

• Away from dogs: Cats do best where they can’t see or hear barking and busy play.
• Room to perch and hide: A cat tree, a cozy bed, and somewhere to tuck away help a cat feel safe.
• Calm, predictable care: Gentle handling and a steady daily rhythm help cats relax faster.

Our cat boarding area is set up just for cats, with quiet cat condos and climate-controlled comfort.

2) Make the carrier a normal part of life

If the carrier only comes out for vet visits, most cats learn to dread it. A few weeks of practice can change that.

• Leave it out in a room your cat already likes, with the door open.
• Make it cozy: Add a soft towel or blanket that smells like home.
• Reward visits: Toss a few treats or a meal inside, and let your cat walk in on their own.
• Practice short closings: Close the door for a few seconds, then longer, then pick it up and carry it around the house.
• Try a short car ride once your cat is comfortable, ending with a treat at home.

3) Use a secure carrier on travel day

A sturdy, well-latched carrier is the safest way to bring your cat in. Cats can slip out of arms or loose bags in a split second, especially in a parking lot.

• Hard-sided or sturdy soft carriers with secure zippers or latches work best.
• Check the latches and any zipper ends before you leave the house.
• Cover part of the carrier with a light towel to help your cat feel hidden and calm.
• Keep the cat inside the carrier until you’re indoors and our team is ready.

4) Bring their food and write down their habits

Cats can be picky, and a sudden food change on top of a new place can put them off eating. Bringing their usual food and sharing a few notes helps a lot.

• Their regular food, portioned and labeled, plus a little extra.
• Feeding notes: how much, how often, wet or dry, and any favorite routines.
• Litter preferences: the type of litter they use and any box habits we should know.
• Medications in their original containers, with written instructions.
• Personality notes: likes chin scratches, prefers to be left alone, loves a wand toy, and so on.
• Your contact info, an emergency contact, and your vet’s phone number.

5) Check the Rabies vaccine requirement

For cat boarding, we require a current Rabies vaccine. Check the date on your cat’s records when you book, and make sure it stays current through your whole stay.

If a booster is due, schedule it with your vet early and ask about timing. Send the record to us ahead of time, or give us your vet’s contact info and we can call them.

6) What a calm routine looks like

Cats settle best when each day feels predictable. A calm boarding routine usually looks something like this:

• Meals at consistent times, following your feeding notes.
• Fresh water and a clean litter box, checked through the day.
• Quiet rest time with soft lighting and space to nap, perch, or hide.
• Gentle attention at your cat’s pace, from play to a quiet sit nearby.

For drop-off and pickup, we’re open until 7 PM, and our doors are not opened after closing. If getting your cat here is tricky, our Pet Valet transports cats too, always in a secure carrier. It’s $12 for the first 5 miles, then $3 for each additional mile.

Learn more about cat boarding in Las Vegas, read our FAQ, or contact us to talk through your cat’s needs. With a bit of prep, your cat can enjoy a quiet, comfortable stay while you’re away.

Next: Puppy Socialization: Making the Most of 12 to 20 Weeks