Handling Separation Anxiety in Kittens During Cat Boarding

As a cat owner who regularly uses boarding services in Perth, I have learned many ways to help kittens handle their first stays away from home. Young cats often feel stressed in new places, but good preparation makes a big difference to their experience.

Starting with short practice stays helps build confidence. I always book a single overnight stay before any longer bookings. This lets kittens learn that boarding is temporary and that I will return. My kitten Luna did much better on her week long stay after two short practice visits.

Choosing the right facility matters tremendously for anxious kittens. Look for places with special areas just for young cats. Good facilities keep kittens away from adult cats to reduce stress. The best places have staff trained in handling nervous young cats.

Familiar items from home provide comfort and security. I send Luna with her favorite bed and toys from home. The smells of home help her feel safe in the new space. Staff tell me she sleeps with her special blanket every night at the facility.

Meeting staff before the stay builds trust. Many good facilities let you bring kittens for short visits before boarding. This helps them know the people who will care for them. Luna now gets excited when she sees her favorite staff member at dropoff.

Maintaining normal routines reduces anxiety. Give the facility details about your kitten regular schedule. Tell them about feeding times and play preferences. Good places try to match home routines during the stay.

Calming aids can help very nervous kittens. Talk to your vet about natural products that reduce anxiety. Some kittens benefit from special collars or sprays. My vet suggested calming treats for Luna first stay.

Positive dropoff experiences set a good tone. Keep goodbyes quick and happy. Long emotional farewells make kittens more anxious. I give Luna a quick cuddle and leave while she explores her space.

Regular updates from staff provide peace of mind. Good facilities send daily photos or messages about your kitten. These updates show how well they are settling in. My facility uses a special app to share pictures and notes.

Exercise and playtime help reduce stress. Make sure the facility provides regular play sessions. Physical activity helps tired kittens rest better. Luna always sleeps well after her special play times.

Meal times need careful attention for anxious kittens. Some young cats refuse food when stressed. Good facilities offer various food options to tempt worried kittens. They monitor eating habits closely and report any concerns.

Other kittens can provide comfort during stays. Some facilities let friendly kittens share spaces. Having a playmate often reduces anxiety. Luna made friends with another kitten during her last stay.

Staff should know about specific anxiety signs. Tell them how your kitten shows stress at home. Share any special tricks that help calm your pet. Good facilities adjust their care based on individual needs.

Medical concerns need proper monitoring. Stress can affect kitten health. Good facilities check temperature and appetite daily. They contact owners about any health changes.

Pickup times matter for anxious kittens. Choose quiet periods for collection if possible. This gives staff time to prepare your kitten. Avoid busy pickup times that might cause extra stress.

Recovery at home needs patience and care. Some kittens need time to settle after boarding. Give them space to adjust back to home life. Luna usually takes a day to return to normal routines.

Each stay usually gets easier for young cats. They learn that boarding means a holiday, not abandonment. Most kittens become more confident with each visit. Now Luna walks into her boarding space like she owns it.

Remember that anxiety is normal for kittens. Good facilities understand this and provide extra support. With proper care and preparation, most young cats learn to handle boarding well. Patient training helps create positive boarding experiences for the future.