Preparing Your Cat for Boarding: A Complete Checklist

Start preparing before travel day

Boarding goes smoothly when preparation starts days — not hours — before drop-off. Cats notice changes in routine: the suitcase appearing, altered feeding times, increased anxiety from their owner. Starting early gives you time to gather supplies, update vaccination records if needed, and communicate your cat's needs to the boarding facility.

At Valley Cat Hotel in Berwick, we recommend contacting us as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Call 902-698-3827 or email valleycathotel@gmail.com with your dates, number of cats, feeding schedule, and any medical requirements. Early booking also secures availability during busy seasons.

What to pack for your cat's boarding stay

Food: Bring enough of your cat's regular food for the entire stay plus three extra days. Sudden diet changes during boarding can cause digestive upset. Label the container with your cat's name and feeding instructions.

Medications: Provide all medications in original containers with clear written instructions for dose, timing, and administration method. Include your veterinarian's contact information for emergencies.

Comfort items: A favourite blanket, bed, or toy that smells like home helps cats settle into their private suite faster. Avoid items your cat might ingest — no loose strings or small parts.

Records: Vaccination history may be requested, especially for first-time guests. Have your veterinarian's name and phone number available.

Feeding and routine instructions

Write down your cat's exact feeding schedule: brand, amount, frequency, and any treats. Note preferences — wet food only, dry food left out, refrigerated portions. If your cat requires warming or special preparation, include those details. Our daily care team follows your instructions precisely.

Include behavioural notes: Does your cat hide when nervous? Are they friendly with strangers? Do they have a favourite shelf height or sleeping spot? Any history of urinary issues or stress-related behaviours? The more we know, the better we can care for your cat.

Drop-off day tips

Keep drop-off calm and brief. Long, emotional farewells increase your cat's anxiety. Bring your cat in their regular carrier — familiar carriers smell like home and provide security during transport. Allow time for us to review instructions and answer any last-minute questions.

Confirm your contact information and emergency contacts. Provide travel dates and your expected return. If plans change, call us immediately so we can adjust care arrangements.

During and after the stay

While you travel, rest assured that on-site owners monitor your cat daily. We contact you if anything seems unusual — appetite changes, litter box concerns, or behaviour shifts. Many owners follow our Facebook page for peace of mind between check-in calls.

When you return, give your cat time to readjust at home. Some cats are immediately affectionate; others need a quiet day to re-establish territory. Maintain their regular feeding schedule and offer familiar spaces. If you notice prolonged behaviour changes, consult your veterinarian.

Ready to book? Contact Valley Cat Hotel to reserve a private suite for your cat's next stay.

Vaccination and health requirements

Confirm with us whether current vaccination records are needed for your cat's stay. Even in private suites, basic health documentation protects all guests. If your cat is due for a veterinary visit before travel, schedule it early — clinics across the Annapolis Valley book up before holiday seasons.

Discuss any recent illness, surgery, or behavioural changes with us before drop-off. Transparency helps us provide appropriate care and set realistic expectations for how your cat will adapt to boarding.

After boarding: helping your cat readjust

Most cats walk back into their home territory and resume normal behaviour within a day or two. Offer their regular food, familiar bedding, and quiet time. Avoid introducing new pets, furniture, or visitors immediately after pickup — let your cat re-establish scent and routine first.

If your cat seems unusually withdrawn beyond 48 hours, contact your veterinarian. Occasional post-boarding adjustment is normal; prolonged changes warrant professional attention.

Creating a boarding kit for future trips

After your first successful boarding stay, assemble a dedicated travel kit: a labelled food container, medication bag, carrier with familiar liner, and a copy of care instructions you can update between trips. Keep your veterinarian's number and Valley Cat Hotel's contact information together. Preparation becomes faster with each trip — and your cat benefits from the consistency that comes with knowing what to expect.

Special needs cats and boarding preparation

Cats with diabetes, kidney disease, anxiety disorders, or post-surgical care requirements need extra preparation before boarding. Work with your veterinarian to confirm travel is safe, gather written care protocols, and discuss any warning signs we should watch for. Valley Cat Hotel administers medications and follows veterinary instructions — but thorough preparation before drop-off ensures nothing is missed during your cat's stay at our Berwick facility in the Annapolis Valley. Call ahead if you have questions about special needs boarding.

Boarding for Annapolis Valley holiday travel

Christmas, March break, and summer cottage season fill boarding calendars quickly across Nova Scotia. If your travel dates are firm, reserve as soon as your plans are set — especially for multi-cat households or cats with medication schedules that require suite continuity. A confirmed booking lets you focus on your trip instead of scrambling for last-minute care. Valley Cat Hotel's Berwick location is an easy drive from most Valley communities for drop-off before you head to the airport, the ferry, or the cottage.