FAQ - Frequently Asked Cat Boarding Questions - We've compiled this collection of FAQ's to answer any queries you may have about our cat boarding services.
- What type of pet boarding do you do? PurrInn Cats Hostelry is a feline only hide-a-way. We have accommodations for most every cat's needs.
- What types of accommodations do you offer? We offer Standard and View or Daylight; Condos, Townhouses, Suites, and Deluxe accommodations with views of our back yard, trees, rabbits, squirrels, humming birds and bird feeders. Our standard condos nicely accommodate an average cat or our suites and townhouses accommodate two cats who don't mind bunking together or one larger or more-active cat. You can view pictures of our feline accommodations by clicking on the "name-of-the-accommodation-type" links on our [Boarding Cattery Rates] page.
Why Should I Board My Cat? First - Remember, most cats do not travel well. Cats usually do not enjoy, and most cats do not adapt well, to travel. Many cat owners who try to take kitty along with them on their vacation spend much of their time searching for their escaped pet.
Second - Leaving your cat with friends can be just as unsatisfactory. Cats must go through an adjustment period in a new environment which means your cat will not accept your friend's house as "home" for quite awhile. Your cat may try to escape from the strange house at every opportunity or hide in fear. Most cat owners realize that it is not fair to impose this kind of responsibility on their friends, nor is it a safe arrangement for their pets.
Finally - The most satisfactory arrangement for your cat's safety and care while you travel is entrusting your cat to a qualified cats only pet hotel that provides cat boarding, where the security arrangements are adequate to insure that your cat will not escape, and where the personnel are experienced in providing loving pet services, and observing and handling the problems which may arise in your absence.
Cat owners often react to the idea of boarding a cat in a condo with "Kitty loves to run around." Perhaps Kitty does at home, but Cats do enjoy the "protected" feeling they get from being in a condo unit while visiting a cat boarding hotel. Each cat guest's period of acclimatization takes place at the cat's own pace. Your cat will probably want to sit in his unit and watch until he feels comfortable in the new environment.
Boarding Your Cat with Us At PurrInn, we let your cat settle-in, even providing a "hiding place" within the cat condo for an especially timid cat to peek out of. Then, when your cat has relaxed, we offer human interaction and an opportunity for your cat to satisfy his curiosity by exploring the cattery playroom. Your cat will soon feel comfortable and begin to enjoy his vacation.
- Why use a boarding cattery vs. an in-home pet sitting service? Like people, every cat has his/her own personality. Some cats like the company of knowing someone else is around and do better in 24/7 care. Some don't. If you have a severely skittish cat you may consider leaving him at home and have a cat-sitter come to him.
- What are check-in/departure times? We schedule appointments seven days a week for tours and check-in/departures. Click here [Cattery Hours] for details. We are closed to the public on major holidays, no exceptions. Should you find you'll be unable to make your scheduled appointment, we'd ask that you give us the courtesy of calling to reschedule. We require the use of soundly constructed pet carriers for protection of each cat during an emergency.
- Why aren't you open all day for drop-offs? We find that cats require a serene environment with as little disruption as possible. Scheduling limited hours open to the public allows us to maintain a quiet day for them to relax, and for us to administer the routine tasks that keep them happy!
- What if I can't make your time parameters? We, on occasion, will make an exception when necessary. For an added fee (click here [Cat Hotel Rates] for details) PurrInn may allow check-in/departure outside of our prescribed hours, but we are closed on major holidays - no exceptions. If it's easier for you to have a friend drop-off/pick-up for you, please let us know in advance or we may not be able to process your check-in/out.
- How do you charge for the day of departure/arrival? We charge like a regular hotel. As long as you pick your cat up by noon we will not charge you for that days stay.
- Do you charge extra for exercise time? All guests enjoy out-of-condo time twice each day to exercise/stretch their legs in our play room, but cats that desire more attention can reserve extra brush/play time in the middle of the day. Only cats from the same household are allowed in the playroom at the same time. Entertainment includes: scratching posts, cat toys, cat trees, and loving attention from us for brushing or interactive wand-toys.
- What do I need to do to make reservations? We recommend that you provide as much advance notice as possible to ensure we can accommodate your requests (preferred accommodations, especially during school vacation/holidays, become reserved fairly quickly). First - call or Email to confirm availability. Then - send a [Deposit], PDF of Vaccination Confirmation and PDF of [Cat Boarding Forms] at your earliest convenience. Clients with a record of chronic or short-notice cancellations will not be allowed to reserve time without full, non-refundable payment in advance. For more info review our [Cat Hotel Contacts] page.
- What are my payment options? We require cash or cashiers check payment when you drop your cat off. We require a deposit to guarantee your cat's reservation. Providing a Deposit ASAP is recommended if your cat prefers a View, Daylight or Deluxe Condo, has a favorite Condo or Townhouse, or will visit during a holiday or busy period.
- What about meals? Who provides the food? PurrInn requires that you bring your cats usual brand and kind of food and treats. Cats too often get diarrhea or stop eating if brand/quality of food is suddenly changed. Bring the amount needed, of your cats' usual brand of dry cat kibbles or canned cat food for the planned stay, plus extra for 3 days in case the stay is extended. Bring food that your cat enjoys to ensure they eat while boarding!!
- What type of litter do you use? We tried and rejected clumping varieties, finding wood pellet litter works best for boarding. Clumping litter sticks to guests paws and finds it's way into bedding, food and water dishes, despite our constant cleaning efforts, (Think beach sand!) and is often strongly perfumed. All litter pans and scoops are sterilized prior to use to avoid cross contamination. We are strict with all our cleaning practices. You'll never be assaulted by 'dirty kennel smell' when you enter our cat boarding facility.
- How can I check the status of my cat while I'm away? During Boarding Cattery [Office hours] we'd be happy to answer email or telephone queries about your cat's day while he/she's here. Phone (206) 660-6475 or email us: purrinn "at" purrinn cats . com.
- My cat has special needs, can you help? We can administer topical and oral medications. We can clean out gummy eyes and administer ear drops. We do not administer injections or subcutaneous fluids. Should your pet require a high level of medical attention we'd ask that you board with your vet.
- Do you refuse service to anyone?
Yes. We allow only neutered/spayed cats into our facility. Intact or
recently neutered cats have a tendency to mark their territory. Should
your cat be dangerous or unusually aggressive we'd also recommend you
use an in-home cat care service. Extreme neglect cases are reported to
the proper authorities. (i.e. Should your pet suffer from ailments or
wounds blatantly untreated or malnourished). For obvious reasons, we
cannot board any cat with signs of an undiagnosed contagious condition
(sneezing, running eyes, etc.)
- What proof of vaccination do I need? Prior to check in we'll need a copy of your up-to-date vet records with proof of continuing vaccinations for Rabies & FVRCP. Elderly cats with a reliable previous vaccinations history can be exempted on the advice of their veterinarian. We also check vet records to ensure all cats are spayed/neutered if over the age of 4 months. Should your cat present with sneezing, runny eyes or coughing at check in you'll need to bring supporting documentation from your vet that states your cat has allergies or another issue other than a respiratory condition that may be contagious. For obvious reasons we can not allow any cats with undiagnosed conditions into our facility.
- My cat may have fleas, will you still take him? Click here for [PurrInn Policies] regarding infestations. Our reputation and livelihood is staked on seeing to it our feline clients do not become infested --- so PLEASE... should you think you have an infestation... be just as diligent about not bringing them into our feline facility - (you also may be turned down for your next reservation request).
- Will you take in other critters such as bunnies, mice or reptiles? No. Because it's essential for us to maintain top air quality, we must limit the amount of airborne bacteria sources, and critter bedding oftentimes smells. We feel that critter odors will be a source of discomfort for our cat guests.
- Is there any time of year you close down? PurrInn does schedule vacations and time off at non-peak times of year. Confirm our availability and make reservations early, especially during peak Summer months, Christmas, and other major Holidays.
- Why have you chosen cat boarding as a vocation? We didn't always have such a great job. Leaving the corporate world for less stressful, more fulfilling lives, we chose pet care, and specifically cat boarding, to enable our enjoyment of and love for cats to be expressed and fulfilled by providing "Quality Loving Care Boarding Exclusively for Cats". We discovered not only did we enjoy it, but that there is a great need for responsible pet care professionals. We love what we do now - not many working people can say that!