Leaving your cat in someone else’s care can feel like a big deal, particularly if they are older, take medication or have had health problems in the past.
One question we are often asked is: what happens if my cat gets sick while boarding?
At Hotel for Cats, our team monitors every guest each day, and every cat stays in their own private suite. And because Hotel for Cats is part of Blakehurst Vet, If your cat becomes unwell during their stay, our team can arrange a veterinary check and any additional care they need.
Quick Answer
If your cat gets sick while boarding at Hotel for Cats, our team will assess the situation and arrange veterinary attention if needed.
We monitor guests daily, and Blakehurst Vet operates alongside the Hotel. If we notice a concern with your cat’s health or behaviour, we can arrange a veterinary check and will contact you where appropriate.
In the event of a serious illness where you cannot be reached, our terms allow the attending veterinarian to make decisions based on what is best for your cat.
How Do You Know If a Cat Is Becoming Unwell?
Cats can be very good at hiding when something is wrong.
That is one reason regular monitoring matters during a boarding stay. Changes in normal behaviour, appetite, toileting or general demeanour can sometimes be the first indication that a cat is not feeling quite right.
We never mix cats from different households, and every guest has their own private accommodation. This lets our team manage each cat’s daily care individually. and makes it easier for our team to get to know what is normal for that particular guest.
Some cats are naturally quiet. Others make their opinions about hotel life very clear from the moment they arrive. Knowing your cat’s normal personality and routine helps us recognise when something seems different.
What Happens If There Is a Health Concern?
Not every small change means a cat is seriously ill.
A cat may eat a little less while settling in, for example, while another may be more reserved than they are at home.
If our team is concerned that something more may be going on, veterinary care can be arranged through Blakehurst Vet. The Hotel and veterinary clinic operate alongside one another, which means we have veterinary support available when a guest needs assessment or additional care.
If your cat needs veterinary treatment during their stay, you’ll be responsible for the veterinary costs.
What If My Cat Already Has a Medical Condition?
Having a medical condition does not automatically mean your cat cannot stay in boarding.
Hotel for Cats regularly cares for senior and medicated guests. Our trained team can administer most oral and topical medications. Please discuss the arrangements with us in advance and supply the medication with clear veterinary prescription and dosage instructions.
If your cat takes regular medication, read our article Cat Boarding with Medication: What Owners Need to Know before their stay.
Older cats may also benefit from our dedicated Senior Suites, which have low ramps and supportive bedding to make moving around easier. You can read more in Can Senior Cats Stay in Boarding?
If your cat has a medical condition, let us know when you book rather than waiting until check-in. The more information we have beforehand, the better prepared we can be for your cat’s individual needs.
What Should I Tell You Before My Cat Stays?
Please let us know about any important medical information before your cat arrives, particularly:
- Existing medical conditions
- Current medications
- Recent illness or treatment
- Special dietary requirements
- Changes in your cat’s usual health or behaviour
- Anything else you think our team should know
Please keep medication in its original packaging, clearly labelled with the veterinary prescription and dosage instructions.
It is also important to make sure the contact details you provide are current before you travel, so we can reach you if we need to discuss your cat.
How Do You Reduce Health Risks During Boarding?
No boarding environment can guarantee that a cat will never become unwell, but good procedures help reduce risk.
All cats staying at Hotel for Cats must be up to date with their F3 vaccination, and every guest stays in private accommodation without contact with unfamiliar cats.
We also ask owners to tell us about medications, special diets and health conditions in advance so our team can include them in your cat’s individual care.
What If I Am Overseas and Cannot Be Reached?
Before travelling, make sure the phone number and email address attached to your booking are correct.
If possible, it is also sensible to provide an emergency contact who will be available while you are away.
In the uncommon situation where a cat becomes seriously ill and we cannot reach you, Hotel for Cats’ terms state that the attending veterinarian makes the final decision. This means your cat’s care does not have to wait simply because you are on a flight, asleep in another time zone or temporarily unavailable.
Peace of Mind While You Are Away
Part of choosing boarding is deciding who you trust to look after your cat when you cannot be there.
At Hotel for Cats, every guest has their own private accommodation and is monitored by our team each day. Having Blakehurst Vet alongside the Hotel also means If a guest needs extra care, our team can arrange a veterinary assessment.
So if you have been wondering what happens if your cat gets sick while boarding, the important thing to know is that you do not have to leave their health to chance.
Planning a trip? Hotel for Cats is located in Blakehurst and welcomes feline guests from Hurstville, St George, the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my cat gets sick while boarding?
If we are concerned about your cat’s health, veterinary attention can be arranged through Blakehurst Vet. We will contact you where appropriate and keep you informed about any veterinary care your cat needs.
Is there a vet at Hotel for Cats?
Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet. Veterinary checks and additional veterinary care can therefore be arranged for hotel guests when required.
Can my cat stay if they take medication?
Yes. Our trained team can administer most oral and topical medications. Tell us when booking and supply medication in its original packaging with clear veterinary prescription and dosage instructions.
Can senior cats stay at Hotel for Cats?
Yes. We regularly care for senior cats and offer dedicated Senior Suites with low ramps and supportive bedding for guests with reduced mobility.
Will my cat be mixed with other cats?
No. Cats from different households are never mixed. Every guest has private accommodation, helping us manage their feeding, medication and daily routine individually.
