What to Expect from a Standard Cat Boarding Facility

What to Expect from a Standard Cat Boarding Facility

Having boarded my cats at many places across Australia, I want to share what most standard facilities offer. This information helps new pet owners know what normal services they should expect when boarding their cat.

Basic accommodation usually includes individual cat units. These spaces typically measure about two meters by one meter. Each unit has separate sleeping and toilet areas. Standard units include raised beds, food stations, and litter boxes.

Daily feeding follows regular schedules. Most places feed cats twice daily with quality dry food. They provide fresh water throughout the day. Staff clean food bowls at each meal and record how much each cat eats.

Regular cleaning happens every morning. Staff remove dirty litter and replace it with fresh material. They wipe down all surfaces in the unit. Most places do extra cleaning if needed during the day.
Temperature control keeps cats comfortable all year. Standard facilities maintain temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. They use air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. Good airflow systems remove pet odors.

Exercise time comes standard at most places. Cats usually get time in a shared play space each day. These sessions last about 15 minutes per cat. Staff supervise all exercise periods to ensure safety.
Basic monitoring includes regular health checks. Staff look at each cat several times daily. They check eating, drinking, and toilet habits. Most places weigh cats staying longer than a week.

Security features protect cats from escape risks. Standard facilities have double door entry systems. They use proper locks on all unit doors. Most places have security cameras in main areas.
Staff training meets industry requirements. Workers know about basic cat care and behavior. They can spot common health problems. Most places have at least one senior staff member with advanced training.

Medication services handle common needs. Staff can give basic medications to cats. They keep detailed records of all medicines given. Most places charge extra for these services.

Emergency plans cover common problems. Facilities have links with local veterinary clinics. They keep emergency contacts for all cats. Most places have backup power for essential systems.
Booking systems include standard paperwork. Places need vaccination records and owner details. They ask about feeding and medication needs. Most facilities require booking deposits.

Communication includes basic updates. Staff tell owners about any problems. They usually share how cats settle into their stay. Most places provide contact numbers for questions.
Insurance coverage protects against basic risks. Standard facilities have public liability insurance. They cover vet care for emergencies. Most places make owners sign care agreements.

Operating hours follow regular patterns. Most facilities open daily for limited hours. They often close on major holidays. Many places charge extra for pickups outside normal hours.

Grooming services handle basic needs. Staff brush long haired cats to prevent matting. They clean dirty ears and wipe eyes. Most places tell owners about grooming concerns.

Bedding and equipment meet basic standards. Facilities provide clean bedding daily. They use proper food and water bowls. Most places allow owners to bring familiar items.

Social interaction happens during care tasks. Staff talk to cats while cleaning and feeding. They note which cats enjoy attention. Most places give extra time to nervous cats.

Payment systems accept common methods. Facilities take cash and card payments. They provide proper receipts. Most places need full payment at pickup.

Cancellation policies follow standard rules. Places usually need notice for booking changes. They may keep deposits for late cancels. Most facilities help rebook for different dates.

Staff ratios meet basic care needs. Standard places have enough workers to check cats regularly. They keep proper care records. Most facilities increase staff during busy times.

These standards ensure good basic care for your cat. While some places offer extra services, these basics form the foundation of proper boarding. Understanding these standards helps owners choose suitable facilities for their pets.