Imagine this: while you're away from home during the day, your kitty could be hanging out with their feline friends, relaxing on a cat condo, getting their head scratched. It's not just a dream, pet parents. Cat daycare facilities do exist and, more than likely, there's a cat boarding location near you with fabulous amenities and expert medical care for your kitty.
Why You Should Consider Daycare for Cats
While the average amount of time that you can safely leave your cat home alone depends on their age, behavior and health status, in general, you should never leave your kitty home alone for more than about twelve hours. If you're away longer than that, they could get lonely, and even anxious.
If you tend to work long hours, boarding your kitty at a daycare for cats could be a good option. Just like day cares for children (and doggy day cares), many cat boarding facilities offer hours that accommodate work schedules. You could drop off your kitty on your way to work, pick them up on the way home and then have a nice dinner together.
Kitty day cares also offer entertainment and enrichment opportunities, perfect for cats who are prone to causing mischief when home alone. While cats are sometimes less inclined to socialize with other cats, they love to spend time with humans, and they'll find plenty at a kitty facility.
Cat day cares also offer short-term care for those times when having your kitty around could be stressful for both of you — moving day, for example, or the day you bring home a new baby.
How to Choose a Day Care for Your Cat
You should allow yourself plenty of time to find a cat boarding facility that's best for your furry friend. Start by asking your veterinarian for recommendations — they're most likely to be able to suggest facilities that are a good match for your cat's temperament and health needs. Ask your family and friends for referrals, too.
Take into consideration your cat's dietary and medical needs. Does the facility provide on-site medical care? What is
its protocol for emergencies? Can the staff stick to your kitty's medication schedule? If your cat is on a specific diet, make sure you're allowed to bring in your own food.
Before your cat's first visit to the day care, schedule a tour so that you can evaluate whether it's right for your pet. Photos are great, but an in-person tour will give you a real feel for the place and let you see how the staff interacts with the animals. You'll also want to check out the cleanliness of the facility, especially in the feeding, sleeping and play areas, and around litter boxes.
Tasty Tips
Dropping Off Your Kitty at Day Care
To help your fluffy friend feel as comfortable as they do at home, Animal House of Chicago recommends that you bring a couple of toys from home when you drop them at day care. Also consider including an item of clothing that carries your scent — a favorite T-shirt, a comfy sweater — that kitty can snuggle with when their missing you.
Also, make sure that she is outfitted with a collar that has your up-to-date information on it. While you shouldn't need to worry about her making a break for it while at daycare, it is always a good idea to keep a collar on her when you take her outside of the home.
It's natural to be worried about your fur baby when they leave the nest, especially the first time; but you can take comfort in knowing that they'll be well cared for at a cat daycare.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced beef in precisely balanced nutrition. Provides a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Related articles
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
What Types of Litter, Food & Supplies Are Safe for Kittens?
Learn which types of products and supplies are safest for your kitten, including specific kinds of litter, food, shampoo, carriers, collars and toys.
Managing Cat Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn tips for managing your cat's diarrhea, including how to recognize it, what might be causing it and treatment options your vet could recommend.
All About Cat Fleas
Discover how your indoor cat can get fleas, how to spot signs that she has them, and tips for getting rid of them & preventing them in the future.
Why Do Cats Try to Eat Plastic?
You may wonder why your cat loves chewing & eating all kinds of plastic. Find out why she's fascinated by these items and what you can do to discourage it.
Weight Control Food for Cats: Key Features and Feeding Tips
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
How to Read a Cat Food Label
Learn important things to look for on a cat food label, such as the difference between ingredients & nutrients, and how it can help you pick a cat food.
Cat Jumping? How to Keep Her Paws on the Ground
Learn why cats like to jump and be up high, as well as how to provide her with alternative options for jumping off your countertops and furniture.
Cat Travel Checklist: All the Things You Need
Going on vacation? Use this cat travel checklist to make sure you've got all her important supplies, such as food, toys & her vet info, for your trip.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Why Cats Like to Pounce
Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.
Ear Mites in Cats & Kittens: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Know the warning signs that your cat might have ear mites, so you can take the proper steps to treat the infectious parasite.
Cats & Ingrown Nails: Spotting Them & What You Should Do
Cats & Ingrown Nails: What You Should Look For
When Are Cats Full-Grown?
Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Are Bananas Safe for My Cat?
Are bananas safe for your cat? Learn helpful information on whether bananas are a good treat for your cat and why other options might be better.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you also save her life. Here's why getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
Top Cat Pet Peeves: What Cats Hate
Just like humans, cats have pet peeves that drive them crazy. Learn common things your cat probably hates and how you can make her feel more comfortable.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.