One of the hardest parts of going away is wondering what your cat is doing without you.
Have they eaten? Have they found their favourite sleeping spot? Are they playing, smooching the staff or spending most of their holiday asleep?
That is why updates are included as part of a stay at Hotel for Cats.
Quick Answer: How Often Will I Get Updates While My Cat Is Boarding?
Every guest receives a complimentary photo update on Day 2 of their stay.
If Day 2 falls on a Sunday or public holiday, we send it on the next available update day.
For longer stays, we provide further updates approximately once a week.
After the initial Day 2 photo:
- Guests in our Grand Suites Collection, The Estate and Penthouse Suites receive video updates
- Guests in Executive Junior Suites, Junior Suites, Senior Suites and Comfort Condos receive photo updates
Each update also includes a short summary from our team.
Additional photo or video updates can be arranged for $20 each.
You can compare the inclusions for every accommodation category on our Rooms & Suites page.
Why Is the First Update on Day 2?
The first day is about giving your puddycat time to settle.
Some cats arrive and immediately begin inspecting everything. Others prefer to sit back and work out what is going on before deciding whether their new feline butlers are acceptable.
Both are completely normal.
By Day 2, we have had time to see how your cat is settling, where they like to sleep and how they prefer to interact with us.
That means the first update can actually tell you something useful rather than simply proving your cat has arrived.
Our article What Happens on a Cat’s First Day at Hotel for Cats? explains what happens after check-in.
If this is your puddycat’s first holiday away from home, our first-time cat boarding guide is also worth a read.
What Will My Cat’s Update Include?
Your update includes a photo or video, depending on the room category, along with a short summary from our team.
There is no standard script because there is no standard cat.
We might tell you that your puddycat has found a favourite bed, is enjoying playtime, has taken a particular liking to one of the staff or has decided the window is the most interesting thing in the building.
The idea is simply to give you a genuine glimpse of how their stay is going.
Which Rooms Receive Video Updates?
After the initial Day 2 photo, guests staying in our premium accommodation receive video updates approximately once a week on longer stays.
That includes:
- Grand Suites Collection
- The Estate
- Clowder Penthouse
- Terrace Penthouse
Guests staying in Executive Junior Suites, Junior Suites, Senior Suites and Comfort Condos receive photo updates instead.
You can see all room options and inclusions on our Rooms & Suites page.
Does My Cat Only Get Checked When an Update Is Due?
Definitely not.
The update is simply the part you get to see.
Our team is caring for and observing guests throughout every day, including their:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Toileting
- Behaviour
- General wellbeing
We also spend time with each cat according to what they actually enjoy.
Some want play, some want brushing and pats, while others prefer quiet company and a little more personal space.
Our article about cat boarding enrichment explains more about how we tailor interaction to individual cats.
Why Don’t You Send Updates Every Day?
Because we would rather have our team spending most of their time looking after the cats than looking at them through a phone screen.
Preparing individual updates takes time, and our days are also filled with feeding, cleaning, checking litter trays, administering medication, providing enrichment and spending time with our guests.
Our update schedule gives owners regular reassurance while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the cats.
Can I Purchase Extra Updates?
Yes.
Additional photo or video updates can be arranged for $20 each.
You can find them among our Extras & Add-Ons, or contact us if you already have a booking and would like to add one.
You are also welcome to call us during reception hours if you simply want to check how your puddycat is going.
What If My Cat Is Staying for Several Weeks?
For longer stays, we continue providing updates approximately once a week after the Day 2 update.
By then, many guests have established their own little holiday routine, complete with favourite sleeping spots, preferred members of staff and very strong opinions about when breakfast should arrive.
If you are planning an extended trip, our guide to long-stay cat boarding in Sydney covers the things worth organising before a longer stay.
What If My Cat Needs Medication?
We can administer most oral and topical medications when arrangements have been made beforehand.
Medication is part of your cat’s daily care and is not connected to when an update happens to be due.
If your puddycat takes regular medication, our guide to cat boarding with medication explains what to bring and how we manage it.
We also have information specifically for owners considering boarding a senior cat.
What Happens If My Cat Becomes Unwell Between Updates?
We do not wait until the next scheduled update if we are concerned about a guest.
Our team monitors appetite, toileting, behaviour and general wellbeing throughout the stay.
Blakehurst Vet is located on the same premises, so veterinary assessment can be arranged if needed. If veterinary treatment is required, we contact you.
You can read more about our on-site veterinary support.
The important distinction is that scheduled updates are there because we know owners like seeing how their cat’s holiday is going. They are not the system we use to tell you if something is wrong.
What Can I Do Before Boarding?
Giving us good information about your cat helps us care for them properly.
Tell us about their normal food, medication, personality, routines and what sort of interaction they enjoy.
You can also bring your cat’s usual food if you prefer. Our guide to bringing your cat’s own food while boarding explains how that works.
For answers about vaccinations, check-in times, flea treatment and other practical details, visit our Hotel for Cats FAQs.
Updates Are Only a Small Part of Their Stay
We know how nice it is to see your puddycat while you are away.
But the photo or video is only a tiny part of what happens during their stay.
Behind every update are meals, clean rooms, litter checks, medication where required, play, brushing, pats, quiet company and staff getting to know what each individual guest likes.
That care happens every day, whether there happens to be a camera in the room or not.
If you are preparing for a stay, explore our Rooms & Suites and FAQs.
If your travel dates are already confirmed, our guide to how far in advance to book cat boarding explains why booking early can be particularly important during school holidays and peak periods.
Hotel for Cats is located in Blakehurst and welcomes puddycats from St George, Hurstville, the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney.
For owners travelling by air, you can also read about cat boarding near Sydney Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my first update?
Every guest receives a complimentary photo update on Day 2. If Day 2 falls on a Sunday or public holiday, we send it on the next available update day.
How often will I receive updates on a long stay?
After the Day 2 update, we provide further updates approximately once a week.
Will I receive photos or videos?
All guests receive a Day 2 photo. During longer stays, Grand Suites Collection, The Estate and Penthouse guests receive video updates. Executive Junior, Junior and Senior Suite and Comfort Condo guests receive photo updates.
Can I pay for more frequent updates?
Yes. Additional photo or video updates can be arranged for $20 each.
Will you contact me if my cat becomes unwell?
Yes. We do not wait until a scheduled update is due if we have a health concern. We arrange veterinary assessment when required and contact you if treatment is needed.