Tips for boarding
your cat
Cats react much differently
in a strange environment than dogs do. Cats are instinctively solitary. They
don’t run in packs so when confronted with strange surroundings, their normal
response is to withdraw physically and mentally into a protected, solitary
state. For this reason cats enjoy the "protected" feeling they get from being
caged while in the kennel. While it is true that most dogs want to run around
and get acquainted your cat will likely want to sit in the corner of his cage
and stare until he feels comfortable in the new environment. Human contact does
not normally accelerate their acclimatization. It has to take place at the cat's
own speed.
Many cat owners oppose
caging because "kitty loves to run around." Perhaps he does at home, but while
he is in unfamiliar surroundings his cage gives him a feeling of safety. "But
what about exercise?" Here again, cats are different than dogs. Dogs need space
to exercise, whereas cats exercise isometrically. This means that if a cat has
enough room to stretch, he can exercise every muscle in his body. When your cat
is in strange surroundings, around strange cats, he will undoubtedly prefer
"safety" to "space."
Stress is a Factor.
Any animal in strange surroundings suffers from stress. This means that their
normal immune process is affected as well as eating and digestive habits. Rock
Creek Kennels’ experienced,
PCSA Certified personnel are trained in animal
care and will do everything possible to minimize the effects of stress on your
cat. You can minimize the effects of stress by trying to make the boarding as
pleasant as possible for your cat. Remember that the more often your cat boards,
the more adjusted he will be to the kennel environment, and the easier the
boarding process becomes for him. Therefore, several short periods of boarding
prior to a lengthy vacation will do more to help your cat adjust than will
anything else.
Welcoming Kitty Home.
After you pick kitty up from the kennel, be sure to keep him locked in at home
for a few days before allowing him to roam outside. Just as he had to adjust to
the kennel, he will have to adjust to being home again. Allow him to find that
"at home" feeling again before letting him out of the house.
Rock Creek Kennels is in the
business because we love cats. We want boarding to be a pleasant experience for
both you and your cat!
