A first stay is mostly about preparation. The steps below are short and take away most of the guesswork.
Two weeks before
Check that your cat is 16 weeks or older and has current rabies and FVRCP vaccines, good through your pick-up day. The FVRCP vaccine protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Upload the records to your online account, email them or bring a copy. Fill in the boarding agreement once; you can download it, or ask for it by email. See which vaccines a cat needs for boarding.
Get the carrier ready
International Cat Care says a carrier works best when it is a normal, comfortable part of home: leave it out with the door open, put treats and a familiar-smelling blanket inside, and let the cat walk in on his own. A top-opening carrier makes handling easier. Read choosing and using a cat carrier for more.
What to pack
Bring the carrier and little else. The cattery supplies a litter box and a blanket per cat, and house food is free: canned pate and chicken-and-rice kibble. If your cat eats something special, bring it in the original bag with amounts written in cups, teaspoons or tablespoons. Mark belongings with your name. One familiar blanket is plenty; a favorite toy is best left at home in case it is lost.
The first day
A cat in a new place often hides, sleeps and eats lightly on the first day. This is normal. Each cat has an individual four-level tower with its own box, so there is always somewhere to climb and somewhere to retreat. Hold off on worry unless your cat is not eating for a day or more; see cat not eating after boarding.
Check-out is by 11:30 AM. Afternoon pick-up, 2:00 to 5:00 PM, adds half of the nightly fee of $35 on the 2026 rates.
At home again
Open the carrier in a quiet room and let your cat come out on his own. Offer water and a small meal. Many cats sleep a lot the first day. The guide on bringing your cat home covers the next 48 hours.