Planning a holiday often means booking flights, accommodation and then suddenly remembering one very important traveller who is not coming with you: your cat.
So, how far in advance should I book cat boarding?
At Hotel for Cats, our advice is simple. As soon as you confirm your travel dates, book your cat’s stay too. For quieter periods, you may find availability closer to your departure date. School holidays, Easter and Christmas can fill much earlier.
If you already know when you are going away, there is usually no advantage in waiting.
Quick Answer
There is no single booking timeframe that suits every stay.
For regular dates, booking several weeks ahead gives you a better choice of accommodation. For school holidays, Easter and Christmas, we recommend booking as early as possible.
It is also worth booking earlier if your cat is staying for several weeks, you have more than one cat or you have a particular suite in mind.
You can check current availability and book directly through the Hotel for Cats website.
Why Does Cat Boarding Fill Up So Early During Holidays?
Cat boarding follows the same travel patterns as the humans doing the travelling.
When Sydney families head away for school holidays, Easter, Christmas and long weekends, many cats need accommodation at exactly the same time.
Hotel for Cats is deliberately small enough for our team to know our guests individually, and every cat stays in private accommodation. Cats from different families are never mixed together. That means the number of available suites on any particular date is limited.
Once guests reserve those suites, we cannot simply add more rooms for a busy weekend.
Should I Book as Soon as I Book My Holiday?
If your dates are confirmed, yes.
A good habit is to think about your cat’s accommodation at the same time as you organise your own.
This is particularly useful if you are travelling during school holidays or heading overseas for several weeks. Booking early secures your cat’s accommodation. It also gives you one less thing to think about as your trip gets closer.
Hotel for Cats is also approximately 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, so many of our guests stay with us while their families travel interstate or overseas.
What If I Want a Particular Suite?
Then earlier is definitely better.
Hotel for Cats has a range of accommodation, from our Comfort Condos and Junior and Senior Suites through to our Grand Suites, The Estate and Penthouse rooms. Some room categories have far fewer suites available than others.
If your puddycat has stayed with us before and has a favourite room, or you have your heart set on one of our larger suites, booking earlier gives you the best chance of securing it.
This can also be important for multiple cats from the same family, particularly if you would like them accommodated together in one of our larger rooms.
What About Long-Stay Cat Boarding?
If you are heading overseas for several weeks, we recommend organising your cat’s stay as soon as your dates are reasonably certain.
A longer booking needs the same suite to remain available for the entire stay, so finding availability can become more difficult than finding a room for only a few nights.
We regularly care for cats whose families are travelling overseas or interstate for extended periods, so long stays are certainly not unusual.
Booking ahead simply gives you more choice.
What If My Holiday Is Last Minute?
It is always worth checking.
We do occasionally have last-minute availability. Shorter bookings and changes in travel plans can open up a suite, so it is always worth checking.
The easiest way to find out is to check availability through our online booking system. All Hotel for Cats bookings are made online so you can see availability and confirm your cat’s suite directly.
If you have questions about which room would suit your cat, medication, feeding or anything else about their stay, our team is also happy to help.
Booking Early Also Gives You Time to Get Everything Ready
Booking your cat’s accommodation early is not only about securing a room.
It also gives you time to get everything ready before check-in. That includes vaccinations, feeding information and any medications your cat will need during their stay.
If something needs to be organised before their holiday, it is much nicer to discover that with plenty of time rather than the day before you fly.
And because Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet, veterinary care is right next door if your cat requires it during their stay.
Planning a Holiday?
If you know your dates, our recommendation is not to overthink the timing.
Check availability when you book your own trip and secure your cat’s stay at the same time.
This is particularly important for Christmas, Easter, school holidays, long stays and guests wanting a particular suite.
Hotel for Cats is located in Blakehurst and welcomes guests from Hurstville, St George, the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book cat boarding?
Book once your travel dates are confirmed. For school holidays, Easter and Christmas, we recommend booking as early as possible because these are some of our busiest periods.
How early should I book cat boarding for Christmas?
Christmas is one of our busiest periods, so we recommend securing your cat’s accommodation well ahead rather than waiting until December.
Can I book cat boarding at the last minute?
Sometimes. Availability changes, so it is always worth checking the online booking calendar even if your trip is approaching quickly.
Should I book earlier if I want a particular room?
Yes. Some suite categories have limited availability, so booking earlier gives you a better chance of securing your preferred accommodation.
Should I book early for a long stay?
Yes. Longer stays require a suite to be available for your cat’s entire booking, so we recommend organising extended stays as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
