How to Prepare Your Cat for Boarding — A Complete Checklist

Leaving your cat at a boarding facility for the first time can feel stressful — for both you and your cat. But with the right preparation, your cat can settle in comfortably and even enjoy the experience.

Whether you are travelling for work or going on holiday, here is everything you need to do before your cat's boarding stay in Singapore.

1. Choose the Right Boarding Facility

Not all cat boarding facilities are the same. Before you book, consider the following:

• Cats-only facility — Avoid boarding your cat at a place that also houses dogs. The sounds and smells of dogs can cause significant stress for cats.

• Private rooms — Look for facilities where each cat gets their own enclosed space, rather than shared enclosures or open-plan areas.

• AVS licensed — In Singapore, all legitimate pet boarding facilities must be licensed by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Always ask for their license number.

• Fear Free approach — Some facilities are Fear Free certified, meaning they use methods specifically designed to reduce fear, anxiety and stress in cats. This matters especially for shy or indoor cats.

• Visit first — Book a tour before committing. See the space, meet the staff, and ask how they handle cats that are nervous or slow to settle.

At Catnap, we welcome tours of our facility so you can see our private suites and chateaus in person before your cat's stay.

2. Get Your Documents Ready

Most boarding facilities in Singapore require the following documentation. Gather these at least two weeks before check-in so you are not rushing at the last minute.

Vaccination records — Your cat needs to be up to date on core vaccinations: feline parvovirus (panleukopenia), feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis). Vaccinations must have been administered at least two weeks before check-in to be effective.

FIV/FeLV blood test — A negative test result for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), conducted by a registered veterinarian.

Sterilisation certificate — Most facilities require proof that your cat has been spayed or neutered.

Microchip information — Have your cat's microchip number ready for identification purposes.

If you are unsure what documents you need, check with your boarding facility directly.

3. Schedule a Vet Visit

If your cat has not seen the vet recently, book a check-up about two to three weeks before boarding. This gives you time to:

• Update any overdue vaccinations

• Get the FIV/FeLV blood test done

• Apply flea and tick treatment (most facilities require this within one week of check-in)

• Discuss any health concerns with your vet, such as medication schedules or dietary needs

If your cat is on medication, prepare clear written instructions with dosage, timing and method of administration. Let your boarding facility know in advance so they can plan accordingly.

4. Pack Familiar Items

Cats are creatures of habit. Bringing a few familiar things from home can make a big difference in how quickly your cat settles in.

What to bring:

• Bedding or blanket — Something that smells like home. Do not wash it before packing — the familiar scent is the whole point.

• One favourite toy — Keep it to one or two items. Too many new and old things can overwhelm rather than comfort.

• Their regular food — Switching food during boarding can cause stomach upset. Bring enough of your cat's usual food for the entire stay, pre-portioned into daily servings if possible.

• Treats — If your cat has preferred treats, pack those too and let the staff know when and how much to give.

What NOT to bring:

• Expensive or irreplaceable items (things can get dirty or lost)

• Collars with bells (the noise can stress other cats)

• Multiple large toys or cat trees (the facility will have their own enrichment)

5. Prepare Your Cat's Food

This is one of the most overlooked steps. An abrupt change in diet is one of the most common reasons cats develop stomach issues during boarding.

• Bring your cat's regular dry and/or wet food in clearly labelled containers.

• Include feeding instructions: how much, how many times a day, wet or dry or both.

• If your cat is a picky eater, let the boarding staff know. They can monitor food intake and adjust if needed.

• Pack a little extra food as a buffer in case your trip is extended.

6. Apply Flea and Tick Treatment

Most boarding facilities in Singapore require flea and tick treatment to be administered no more than one week before check-in. This protects your cat and every other cat at the facility.

Common treatments include Revolution (Stronghold) and Frontline. If you are unsure which product to use, ask your vet. Some boarding facilities can also apply treatment on arrival for an additional fee.

7. Help Your Cat Get Comfortable with a Carrier

If your cat only sees the carrier when going to the vet, they will already be stressed before they even arrive at the boarding facility.

In the weeks leading up to boarding:

• Leave the carrier open at home with a blanket inside so your cat can explore it voluntarily

• Place treats inside the carrier occasionally

• Take short car rides so your cat gets used to travel

• Spray the carrier with Feliway (a synthetic calming pheromone) 15 minutes before the journey

A calm arrival makes the entire boarding transition easier.

8. Share Your Cat's Personality and Routine

The more the boarding staff know about your cat, the better they can care for them. Before check-in, share details like:

• Is your cat shy, social, or somewhere in between?

• Does your cat prefer to hide when stressed, or does it seek attention?

• Any specific fears or triggers (vacuum sounds, sudden movements, being picked up)?

• Preferred sleeping spots — up high, enclosed spaces, or flat surfaces?

• Usual wake and sleep schedule

• Litter preferences — what type of litter does your cat use at home?

At Catnap, our team takes time to understand each cat's personality before their stay. This is part of our Fear Free approach — we let your cat guide the interaction, not the other way around.

9. Plan Your Drop-Off

A smooth check-in sets the tone for the whole stay.

• Arrive on time — Do not rush. Give yourself enough time to hand over documents, food, and any special instructions.

• Stay calm — Your cat picks up on your emotions. If you are anxious, your cat will be too.

• Say goodbye quickly — A long, drawn-out farewell can make things harder for your cat. Trust the staff and leave once handover is done.

• Ask about updates — Most boarding facilities send daily photo and video updates. Confirm how and when you will receive these.

10. Checklist Summary

Here is everything in one list. Screenshot this or print it out before your cat's boarding stay.

Documents:

• Vaccination records (at least 2 weeks before check-in)

• FIV/FeLV negative blood test

• Sterilisation certificate

• Microchip number

• Medication instructions (if applicable)

Packing:

• Cat's regular food (enough for the full stay plus extra)

• One familiar blanket or bedding (unwashed)

• One favourite toy

• Treats

• Written feeding instructions

Health:

• Vet check-up done

• Flea and tick treatment applied (within 1 week of check-in)

• Any medication clearly labelled with dosage and timing

On the day:

• Carrier sprayed with Feliway 15 minutes before travel

• All documents and items packed

• Arrive on time for check-in

• Share any last-minute notes about your cat's mood or health

Ready to Book?

At Catnap, we make the boarding process as smooth as possible for both you and your cat. Our Fear Free certified team, private suites, and daily updates are designed to give your cat a calm, comfortable stay — and give you peace of mind while you travel.