A Complete Checklist
How to Prepare Your Cat
for Boarding —
A Complete Checklist
First boarding stay coming up? Here is everything you need — documents, packing, vet prep, and day-of tips — so your cat arrives calm and you leave with peace of mind.
Leaving your cat at a boarding facility for the first time can feel stressful — for both of you. But preparation makes a real difference. A cat that arrives with familiar scents, up-to-date documents, and an owner who stays calm will settle far faster than one who doesn't.
This guide covers everything you need to do before your cat's boarding stay in Singapore — from choosing the right facility to what to pack and how to say goodbye.
Choose the Right Boarding Facility
Before you book, check for these five things:
- Cats-only — Avoid facilities that also house dogs. The sounds and smells cause significant stress for cats, even when they can't see them.
- Private, enclosed rooms — Each cat should have their own space, not shared enclosures or open-plan areas where they can see or smell other cats.
- AVS licensed — All legitimate Singapore pet boarding facilities must be licensed by the Animal & Veterinary Service. Always ask for the license number.
- Fear Free approach — Fear Free certified facilities use methods specifically designed to reduce fear, anxiety and stress. This matters most for shy or indoor cats.
- Will they let you tour first? — A good facility welcomes visits before you commit. See the space, meet the staff, and ask how they handle nervous cats.
Get Your Documents Ready
Most Singapore boarding facilities require the following. Don't leave this to the last minute — some documents take time to obtain.
- Vaccination records — Core vaccinations: feline parvovirus, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Must have been administered at least two weeks before check-in.
- FIV/FeLV blood test — A negative result for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukaemia Virus, from a registered vet.
- Sterilisation certificate — Most facilities require proof your cat has been spayed or neutered.
- Microchip number — Have this ready for identification at check-in.
- Medication instructions — If your cat is on medication, provide written dosage, timing, and method of administration.
Schedule a Vet Visit
If your cat hasn't seen the vet recently, book a check-up 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 — medication schedules, dietary needs, known stress triggers
Pack Familiar Items
Do bring:
- Bedding or blanket from home — Do not wash it before packing. The familiar scent is the entire point. This is one of the most effective stress-reducers available.
- One or two favourite toys — Keep it minimal. Too many items can overwhelm rather than comfort.
- Their regular food — Pre-portioned into daily servings if possible. Include written feeding instructions.
- Preferred treats — Let the staff know when and how much to give.
Do not bring:
- Expensive or irreplaceable items — things can get dirty
- Collars with bells — the noise can stress nearby cats
- Multiple large toys or scratching posts — the facility will have their own enrichment
Prepare Your Cat's Food
- Bring your cat's regular dry and/or wet food in clearly labelled containers
- Include feeding instructions: how much, how often, wet or dry or both
- Pack a little extra as a buffer in case your trip is extended
- If your cat is a picky eater, tell the staff — they can monitor intake and adjust
Apply Flea & Tick Treatment
Most Singapore boarding facilities 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 unsure, ask your vet. Some facilities can apply treatment on arrival for an additional fee.
Get Your Cat Comfortable with Their Carrier
If your cat only sees their carrier when going to the vet, they are already stressed before they even arrive at boarding. Start carrier desensitisation a few weeks ahead.
- Leave the carrier open at home with a blanket inside — let your cat explore it voluntarily
- Place treats inside occasionally so it becomes a positive space
- Take one or two short car rides so your cat gets used to movement and noise
- Spray the carrier with Feliway (synthetic calming pheromone) 15 minutes before the journey on boarding day
Share Your Cat's Personality & Routine
Brief the boarding team on anything that helps them understand your cat. This is especially important for shy, anxious, or senior cats.
- Is your cat shy, social, or somewhere in between?
- Does your cat hide when stressed or seek attention?
- Any specific fears or triggers — loud sounds, being picked up, sudden movements?
- Preferred sleeping spots — high up, enclosed, or flat surfaces?
- Their usual feeding and sleep schedule
- Litter preferences — what type of litter do they use at home?
Plan Your Drop-Off
- Arrive on time — Don't rush. Give yourself enough time to hand over documents, food, and special instructions without feeling hurried.
- Stay calm yourself — Your cat picks up on your emotional state. If you are anxious, they will be too.
- Say goodbye quickly — A long, drawn-out farewell makes things harder for your cat. Trust the staff and leave once handover is complete.
- Confirm how updates will be sent — Most quality facilities send daily photos and videos. Confirm timing and channel (WhatsApp, email, etc.).
Complete Checklist Summary
- Vaccination records (2 wks before check-in)
- FIV/FeLV negative blood test
- Sterilisation certificate
- Microchip number
- Medication instructions (if needed)
- Regular food (full stay + extra)
- Familiar blanket (unwashed)
- One or two favourite toys
- Treats
- Written feeding instructions
- Vet check-up done
- Flea & tick treatment (within 1 wk)
- Medications clearly labelled
- Any health notes shared with staff
- Carrier sprayed with Feliway (15 min before)
- All documents and items packed
- Arrive on time for check-in
- Short, calm goodbye
- Confirm update schedule with staff
Following this checklist will give your cat the best possible start — but preparation only goes so far. What happens inside the facility matters just as much.
Fear Free® certification means the facility has been trained and verified to actively reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in animals — through handling techniques, environmental design, and staff protocols. Not every cat hotel meets this standard.
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.
