Which Cat Boarding Option Is Best For You?

So What Is Cat Boarding?

Cat boarding means your cat stays outside your home while you travel.

This can be at:

• a cat-only boarding facility
• a multi-species facility
• a veterinary clinic
• a board-certified behavior or rehab center
• or someone else’s home (private boarding)

Boarding usually includes:

• food + water
• litter maintenance
• medication administration
• social time
• enrichment time depending on the facility

Do Cats Actually Like Boarding?

Many cats struggle with relocation stress, especially:

• seniors
• newly adopted cats
• medically complex cats
• cats who hide during change
• flat-faced breeds (risk of breathing issues)
• cats who panic at carriers or new smells

Typical relocation triggers include loss of familiarity and predictability that comes with life at home.

The behavioral signs of stress all boarders should look for:

• hiding or shutdown
• decreased appetite
• constipation or diarrhea
• urine retention
• reduced grooming or matting
• hissing or swatting when normally friendly

For cats prone to these behaviors, in-home sitting may be best.

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Your Cat Boarding Options in San Jose

1️⃣ Cat-Only Boarding Facilities / Cat Hotel Suites

Best for cats who:

✔ are social and adventurous

✔ adjust to new places quickly

✔ are up-to-date on vaccines

Pros:

• no dogs → quieter
• more vertical space and cat-specific enrichment
• staff usually cat-trained

Cons:

• still a relocation
• risk of appetite drop or shutdown
• limited oversight after hours

Some recommendations: The Comforted Kitty and The Kitty Hotel.

2️⃣ Veterinary Boarding (Vet Clinics & Hospitals)

Best for:

✔ cats who need daily meds or medical monitoring

✔ cats recovering from procedures

Pros:

• medical professionals onsite
• medication accuracy & monitoring
• sedation capability if needed

Cons:

• often noisier due to dogs
• exam-room smell can elevate stress
• expensive depending on needs

View Yelp recommendations here.

3️⃣ Multi-Species Boarding Facilities

Best for:

✔ young, confident cats

✔ cats who are dog-neutral

Pros:

• usually more availability
• can accommodate long stays
• add-on enrichment options

Cons:

• dog noise → major stress trigger
• limited cat-specific enrichment
• appetite declines more common

View Yelp recommendations here.

4️⃣ Private Home Boarding

(Someone boards cats in their own house)

Best for:

✔ social cats

✔ cats who love people

Pros:

• home-like feel
• lower volume than facilities
• personalized attention

Cons:

• unclear vaccination standards
• variable sanitation + enrichment routines

5️⃣ In-Home Cat Sitting (Boarding Alternative)

Best for:

✔ anxious, shy, senior cats

✔ cats with kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other medical concerns

✔ cats who hate travel

✔ cats who shut down outside their home

Pros:

• no relocation stress
• cat keeps routines, territory & scent
• reduced risk of urinary and appetite issues
• sitter monitors elimination, hydration, grooming, mobility

Cons:

• depends on sitter experience
• sitter availability varies during holidays

Note: Studies show that cats experience lower stress when cared for at home, especially those with mobility limitations or emotional sensitivity (source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery; PetMD behavioral stress guidelines).

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Before You Book: Questions to Ask Any Boarding Facility

1. How do you monitor appetite + litter output?
2. What happens if my cat stops eating? (critical)
3. How many cats per staff member?
4. Is there a separate quiet wing my cat can stay in?
5. Can I bring my cat’s litter + food?
6. Do you send daily updates?
7. How do you handle fearful cats?

Final Recommendation

If your cat is healthy and social, it is OK to try boarding facilities and San Jose offers many options. If your cat is anxious, senior, or medically complex, in-home sitting typically provides the least stressful experience for everyone while you travel.

Considering in-home sitting for future trips?

Want us to come to your city?

To help determine demand for service expansion ->

📩 Email “San Jose waitlist” to kristin@kristinskittycare.com

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FAQ: Pet Boarding for Cats

Is boarding stressful for cats?

Boarding can be stressful for many cats, especially those who are anxious or senior.

In-home sitting usually results in lower stress levels because your cat stays in familiar territory.

How early should I book boarding in San Jose?

About 4 weeks before major holidays; earlier if your cat needs medical care.

Is cat boarding better than cat sitting?

It depends on your cat.

Cats who hate any disturbance to their routine will do best at home. Cats who love novelty may actually enjoy boarding!

Do cats get depressed when their owners travel?

Some cats show:

• decreased appetite
• reduced grooming
• hiding or vocalizing
• urinary changes

A consistent sitter can help detect these changes early.

Can cats share boarding space?

Cats will only share a room if they already live together.

It is not recommended that cats from different households share open space freely. Fortunately, many boarding facilities maintain seamless routines for separated kitty care in shared spaces.

What vaccination records do boarding facilities require?

Most require FVRCP + Rabies; some may require FeLV.

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