7 Essentials to Pack before Boarding
7 Essentials to Pack for
Your Cat's Boarding Stay
Boarding day is coming up. Here's exactly what to bring — and where Singapore cat parents can find it locally — so your cat arrives prepared and you don't forget anything important.
What you pack for your cat's boarding stay matters more than most owners realise. The right items can dramatically reduce stress in the first 24 hours — the wrong ones (or forgetting them entirely) can extend that adjustment period unnecessarily.
Here's what we recommend, why each item matters, and where to find them locally in Singapore.
Their Regular Food (Pre-Portioned)
Never switch your cat's food right before or during a boarding stay. New environment + new food is the fastest way to trigger appetite suppression and stomach upset.
Pack their normal dry and/or wet food in clearly labelled, pre-portioned containers — one bag or container per day, with feeding instructions on each.
A Familiar Blanket or Bed
The single most powerful calming tool you can pack is a piece of bedding from home that smells like you and your cat. Familiar scent reduces cortisol levels in the first 12 hours significantly more than any toy or treat can.
An old T-shirt of yours works equally well. Resist the urge to wash it — the whole point is the scent.
One or Two Favourite Toys
Bring just one or two toys your cat regularly plays with at home. Too many items can overwhelm rather than comfort. The familiar smell and feel matters more than novelty.
Feliway Calming Spray
Feliway is a synthetic version of the facial pheromone cats use to mark territory as safe. Spraying it inside the carrier 15 minutes before the journey has been shown to reduce travel-related stress.
Available at most Singapore pet stores like aPetMart — pick one up the week before your stay.
A Sturdy, Familiar Carrier
If your cat only sees the carrier when going to the vet, they're already stressed before they leave the house. Start desensitising them 2–3 weeks before boarding by leaving the carrier open at home with a blanket inside.
If you need a new carrier, choose a top-loading hard-shell model — easier for vet handling and more secure than soft fabric carriers.
A Small Bag of Their Favourite Treats
Treats help facility staff build positive associations with your cat — feeding times, room transitions, and check-ins all benefit from a few familiar treats. Pack a small portion and let staff know when and how much to give.
Medications (If Applicable)
If your cat is on regular medication, pack enough for the full stay plus 2–3 extra days. Include written instructions with:
- Medication name and dosage
- Time of day to administer
- How to administer (with food, syringe, etc.)
- Your vet's contact details for emergencies
Ready to book your cat's stay?
Come and see our Fear Free® Certified suites at One-North before committing. Tours are free and take about 20 minutes.
