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Find The Perfect Kity Boarding Kennel
If you think cats can make you pay for leaving them alone, you’re right! Maybe you are only taking your briefcase off to work, but while your cat is at home alone he is getting bored and maybe even using his claws on things he would never touch when you are at home. You and your cat will be happier if he spends his days getting more stimulation and play than he would alone at home. .Before you pack up your cat’s luggage for the day, an overnight, or a more extended stay at the kennel, here are the right questions to ask.
Find out as much as possible about the kennel on the phone. Ask about price and availability, and what immunizations they require. Is the cat area completely separate from other pet guests? Having a private place away from barking and frenzied activity helps eliminate boarding anxiety. Are their facilities, heated or air-conditioned if needed? Find out if they can accommodate any special needs your cat might have--a geriatric cat may have trouble jumping up onto a chair, a social cat may want a lot of contact with other cats, and a reclusive cat may simply be happier alone. Is there entertainment for the kitties, such as TV Viewing and Aquarium Viewing? What pet suppliesgoldie can you bring for your cat? Can you bring his own food, his own toys, and his own cat bed? These are things that can reduce the stress of separation. Do they offer brushing and holding time?
Once you have picked your list of possible kennels, here’s what to look for when you check them out in person:
If you go in unannounced, and they don’t want to give you a tour, scratch that one off your list. Realize that if you go in at cleaning time, things may be in disarray, but if you arrive in the afternoon and the cages and runs have yet to be cleaned, that’s a bad sign. The facility should be well ventilated, well sanitized, and free of offensive odors. There should be no sign of animal feces or parasites like fleas, ticks or flies. Ask how frequently they change the litter.
Ask to see where your cat will sleep, and play. There should be solid dividers between each boarder, to keep male cats from urinating into adjacent runs and to provide a comfortable sanctuary. Each kitty apartment should have a comfortable cat bed where a kitty can curl up. How large are the kitty suites? 4’ X 3’ is a nice size. Will your cat be allowed out of his cage to play with other cats in a common area? Are playmates selected to be of like size and temperament?
Find out how often the cats are fed. They should be fed a high quality, name brand diet twice a day. You may, however, prefer to bring in your own food, so find out if this is possible. Also, each pet should have its own water bowl, and ask how often they are given water.
Notice whether the employees are friendly and cooperative. Are they willing to take the time to answer your questions? Are they trained, caring and observant? How they interact with the other boarding cats. Do they take their time when handling them and treat them gently? The employees in many cat spas walk around cuddling a kitty most of the time, so if no one is holding a cat, you might wonder why. Do they appear hurried, impatient, in a rush? Is staff on premises 24 hours a day. Also be sure to observe the behavior of the other cats.
Find out if there is a veterinarian available and if he or she is certified, along with what actions are taken if a cat appears ill or refuses to eat. Look for the fire system, and if you don’t see one, ask. Is the building fire alarmed directly to a local fire station?
The best recommendation for a kennel is your cat himself. Before leaving him for an extended stay, let him stay overnight. If he seems happy when you arrive, (as opposed to stressed and trying desperately to escape to your car), you know you have found the right place.
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