Cat Kennel Checklist

You’re soaking up rays on a pristine Hawaiian beach. So how come all you can think of is your cat and whether its needs are being sufficiently met? Leaving your best friend’s welfare in the hands of another during your absence may strike fear in your heart, but you can rest assured you’ve selected a quality boarding facility by ensuring it meets important criteria.

Phil Samuelson, a director at the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), says the range of services available at kennels has never been greater. For example, he notes that cats with special needs, such as diabetes, can be boarded at facilities specially designed to cater to such pets. Not all facilities have these services, but if your cat requires them, you can find one that does. Also, if the facility boards both cats and dogs, the cat section should be located away from the dog section for a more stress-free stay, according to Melissa Bain, DVM, with the Companion Animal Behavior Program at the University of California, Davis. Bain also recommends that the kennel have an additional interior space suitable for hiding, such as a cat condo, so the cat can “get away” if needed.

Samuelson considers the following checklist a thorough rundown of items to evaluate when choosing a cat kennel. Use this checklist to choose a top-notch cat kennel for your pet:

To receive the cat kennel checklist as a PDF, click here.

1) Does the reception area appear to be clean and organized?
Yes No

2) Is there a veterinarian on staff in case of medical emergencies?
Yes No

3) Is the boarding area clean?
Yes No

4) Are the products used to clean the cages “pet-safe”?
Yes No

5) Are the cages/rooms of sufficient size to allow your cat some mobility?
Yes No

6) Are cats and dogs separated into different areas?
Yes No

7) Is your cat familiar with the brand of food provided?
Yes No

8) Does the facility require updated shots for all boarded pets?
Yes No

9) Are staff members on the premises at least eight hours per day?
Yes No

10) Does the facility have an adequate plan to handle emergencies?
Yes No

11) Is the pet permitted to have "free time" outside the cage?
Yes No

12) Does the cat receive fresh water at least three times daily?
Yes No

13) Is the facility approved by the ABKA?
Yes No

14) Is the facility listed with the Better Business Bureau?
Yes No

15) Are the cages cleaned at least daily?
Yes No

16) Does the cat receive a sufficient number of minutes/hours of daily human interaction?
Yes No

17) Is there a webcam so you can check up on your cat while away?
Yes No

18) Are there grooming services available?
Yes No

19) Are suitable exercise options available (e.g., cat trees, toys)?
Yes No

20) Can the facility provide references?
Yes No

21) Are the cages placed far enough from one another so as not to spread disease?
Yes No

22) Does the facility offer rooms/suites as opposed to cages?
Yes No

23) Does the facility offer diversions such as music or television?
Yes No

24) Is the staff well-qualified?
Yes No

25) Are the grooming supplies disinfected?
Yes No

26) Are any animals boarded aside from cats and dogs?
Yes No

27) Does the facility have smoke/fire prevention and detection systems?
Yes No

28) Can the facility cater to cats with special needs such as diabetes, if needed?
Yes No

Kristin Grant is a freelance writer based in Baton Rouge, La., where she lives with her four cats, Max, Daphne, Jasmine and Sushi.