3 Things You Should Do Before You Board Your Cat
Boarding your cat at a kennel means your kitty will have a safe and secure place to stay while you're away from home. However, most kennels have requirements you must fulfill before they'll allow your cat to stay there. These safety measures are taken in order to protect your cat and all the other cats who stay at the kennel. This guide will quickly explain what you need to make sure your cat is accepted by a kennel and remains healthy, too.
Vaccinations
One of the biggest requirements the vast majority of kennels have is proof that your cat's vaccinations are up to date. Since diseases like feline leukemia can be spread through bites or other physical contact with infected cats and their bodily fluids, it's important for your cat to be protected and not risk infecting other kitties at the kennel.
If your cat hasn't received all of their vaccinations, or they're overdue for booster shots, get them to your vet right away. Kennels may require a waiting period after they receive their vaccinations to make sure they have full immunity. Otherwise, if your cat is already up to date on their vaccinations, provide a copy of their vaccination receipt from your vet (or request a copy if you don't have one) to prove that your cat is good to go.
Flea Treatment
Fleas can be a real problem when cats are in close quarters to one another, as fleas reproduce at an alarming speed, with a single flea potentially producing 40 to 50 eggs per day. Some kennels require that your cat has received an anti-flea treatment before being boarded. If you apply anti-flea treatments to your cat yourself, or you use a flea collar, let the boarding facility know when your cat was last treated. They may choose to treat your cat again while you're away, if their due date for another application comes up while you're gone.
If your cat hasn't been treated for fleas at all, consider visiting a vet before your trip. Cats are susceptible to anemia, blood diseases, and tapeworms if they've been exposed to fleas, so a physical exam may be necessary. In addition, your vet can determine whether your cat has any fleas, and choose a treatment based on their analysis. For example, a cat with no fleas can just have a topical anti-flea treatment applied, but if your cat has fleas, they may need baths, repeated groomings, and anti-flea treatments to fully get rid of the pests.
Health History
This step isn't generally required by kennels, but it's helpful for the staff to know if your cat has a unique medical history. If your cat has previously undergone any medical procedures or surgeries, takes medications, or has chronic problems like digestion issues, let your kennel know. Ask your vet for a copy of your cat's medical history for the kennel to keep on-hand, and bring any medications that your cat takes with you when you bring them to the kennel. While most kennels are equipped to handle medical issues if they arise, knowing what your cat has previously gone through will help the staff to quickly assess your cat's condition and determine what to do.
Part of what makes animal kennels a safe place for your cat is that all pet owners are required to make sure their cats are in good health and protected from illnesses so they don't make other cats sick. Plan ahead for your cat's stay and follow these steps so that your cat will be accepted at the kennel and have a safe stay while you're away.
For more help, contact a center like Chester Valley Veterinary Hospital.
Share