If you are wondering what your cat’s first day at cat boarding will be like, knowing what happens after you arrive can make leaving them feel a little easier.
At Hotel for Cats, we begin by getting to know your puddycat through the person who knows them best: you. Their usual meals, favourite blanket and feelings about a brush or a cuddle all help us understand how to care for them.
Here is how their first day unfolds at our cat hotel in Blakehurst.
Quick answer: What happens on the first day at cat boarding?
At Hotel for Cats, we welcome you into our check-in room to discuss your cat’s food, medication, comforts and individual needs. We confirm important details, including an emergency contact, and apply flea treatment. Our team then takes your cat to the suite we prepared that morning, where they can begin settling in at their own pace.
Planning your cat’s first stay? Explore our rooms and suites and check availability.
A proper chat at check-in
When you arrive, we take you into our check-in room and talk through your cat’s needs and requirements.
This is your chance to tell us about the little things that make a difference at home. We will discuss:
- Their usual food, portions and feeding routine.
- Any medication and the instructions that go with it.
- Toys, blankets or other personal comforts you have brought.
- The attention they enjoy, whether that is play, brushing, cuddles or quiet company.
- Any health concerns or changes we should know about.
- Your contact details and an emergency contact while you are away.
Perhaps your cat adores a brush but prefers to keep all four paws on the ground. Maybe they have very firm opinions about dinner. Those details help us get to know the guest behind the booking.
If your cat takes medication, please tell us when booking so we can confirm arrangements before arrival. Bring it in its original packaging with clear veterinary prescription and dosage instructions. Our guide to cat boarding with medication explains how to prepare.
Flea treatment before settling in
Our team applies flea treatment as part of check-in, before your cat goes to their suite.
You can bring a suitable treatment for us to apply or purchase one from us. If you plan to supply your own, check our flea-treatment requirements beforehand so you have the right product ready.
A suite prepared for their arrival
Your cat’s suite has already been prepared that morning, ready to welcome them.
Once you have said your goodbyes, our team takes your cat through to their accommodation. Any favourite blanket or toy you have brought can go into the suite with them, adding a familiar touch to their new surroundings.
Their accommodation is private. Cats from different households are never mixed, so your cat can settle without meeting unfamiliar feline neighbours.
For cats from the same family who already live happily together, sharing may be an option. Our article on cats sharing a room while boarding explains what to consider.
Settling in on the first day at cat boarding
Some guests are ready to investigate straight away. Others prefer to spend a little time watching their new surroundings before introducing themselves.
We allow each cat to settle at their own pace. A confident guest might welcome company early on, while a quieter cat may appreciate a gentler introduction.
What you tell us at check-in helps us choose that approach. Your cat’s first day is an opportunity for us to learn about them, as well as for them to become familiar with us.
If you are wondering how your cat might respond, our blog on why some cats settle into boarding faster explores those different personalities.
Meals that take their usual routine into account
Food is one of the details we discuss carefully at check-in. We want to know what your cat eats, how much they usually receive and any particular feeding requirements.
You are welcome to bring their regular food from home. Please pack enough for the stay, label it clearly and include straightforward feeding instructions.
We also provide premium dry food: either Black Hawk Adult Indoor Chicken or Royal Canin Neutered Adult, depending on supplier availability. Meals are usually served twice daily, with portions adjusted to the information you provide.
Wet food and special dietary options can also be arranged for an additional charge.
Our guide to keeping your cat’s usual diet while boarding covers food from home, prescription diets and preparing feeding instructions.
Litter, play and the comforts of daily life
Our litter trays contain a mixture of premium tofu litter and clay clumping litter.
When it comes to enrichment, we take our lead from your cat’s personality and the preferences you share. That might mean play, brushing, pats, cuddles or one-to-one time with our feline butlers. For a guest who prefers a quieter approach, companionship can be just as valuable.
The aim is to offer attention they enjoy as they become comfortable with their surroundings.
You can watch our team explain food, litter and enrichment in the video FAQs for a closer look at these parts of hotel life.
Getting to know how your cat is doing
Alongside helping your cat settle, our team monitors their appetite, behaviour, toileting and general wellbeing.
The information you share at check-in gives us a useful starting point. Knowing whether your cat is usually chatty, reserved or enthusiastic about dinner helps us recognise changes that may need attention.
Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet, so we can arrange veterinary assessment if we have concerns about a guest’s health.
Our article on what happens if a cat gets sick while boarding explains how we manage concerns and keep owners informed.
Frequently asked questions about your cat’s first day
What time can I check my cat in?
Check-in begins at 12pm, Monday to Saturday. If you need an earlier arrival, please discuss arrangements with our team before the day. An additional fee applies.
Can I bring my cat’s favourite blanket or toy?
Yes. You are welcome to bring familiar comforts for your cat’s suite. Tell us what you have packed during check-in so we can include them when settling your cat into their room.
Can I take my cat into their suite?
We welcome owners into the check-in room, where we discuss your cat’s needs and you can say goodbye. Our team then takes your cat to their suite. Keeping the accommodation areas for guests and trained staff helps protect the privacy and calm of the hotel.
Can I check how my cat is settling in?
Yes, you are welcome to call us. Every stay includes one complimentary weekly photo or video update with a written summary. Additional photo or video updates can also be arranged for $20 each.
Ready to plan your puddycat’s first stay?
Your cat’s first day at cat boarding begins with us listening to you and learning what matters to them. From their food and medication to their favourite comforts, those details help shape their care.
Hotel for Cats welcomes guests from Blakehurst, Hurstville, St George, the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney.
Check availability and book your cat’s suite online. If you have questions about their needs before booking, call our team on (02) 9547 2750. We will be happy to talk them through with you.