A stay at a cat hotel should be a stress-free experience for both owners and their feline companions. However, misunderstandings and mismatched expectations can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction. Complaints can come from both pet owners and boarding facilities, often due to miscommunication or a lack of preparation.
This article highlights common concerns from both perspectives and offers solutions to improve the boarding experience.
Common Complaints from Pet Owners
1. My Cat Was Stressed or Anxious During the Stay
Many owners expect their cats to settle in quickly, but boarding can be a significant adjustment. A new environment, unfamiliar scents, and interactions with staff or other cats may cause stress. Some common signs of anxiety include hiding, refusing food, excessive grooming, or vocalizing more than usual.
How to Avoid This Issue:
- Prepare your cat before boarding. Helping your cat adjust to their first hotel stay by introducing them to short periods of separation can make a difference.
- Choose the right facility. Some feline hotels offer private suites for cats who prefer solitude, while others provide socialization areas for more outgoing felines.
- Send familiar items. Bringing their favourite blanket or toy can offer comfort.
2. My Cat Lost Weight or Didn’t Eat Well
Some owners are alarmed to find that their cat has lost weight or eaten less than usual while boarding. This is often due to stress, as cats can be reluctant to eat in unfamiliar environments.
How to Avoid This Issue:
- Pack your cat’s usual food. Sudden diet changes can upset their stomach and cause them to refuse meals.
- Inform staff of your cat’s feeding habits. If your pet is a picky eater, boarding staff can try different approaches, such as warming wet food or hand-feeding.
- Choose a facility that monitors food intake. Some pet lodgings offer feeding logs or daily updates.
3. The Facility Didn’t Look Like the Photos Online
A common frustration for pet owners is arriving at a boarding facility that doesn’t match the polished images shown online. Cleanliness, room size, and overall setup may appear different in person.
How to Avoid This Issue:
- Schedule a visit beforehand. Inspecting the feline hotel in person helps ensure it meets your expectations.
- Ask for recent photos or live video tours. Some reputable boarding facilities provide updated images upon request.
- Read reviews from other cat owners. Honest testimonials can provide real-world insights into a facility’s conditions.
4. My Cat Came Home with Fleas or an Illness
Despite strict cleaning protocols, pet boarding facilities house multiple animals, increasing the risk of illness or flea infestations.
How to Avoid This Issue:
- Ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and flea prevention. Most feline hotels require proof of vaccinations.
- Choose a facility with strict health screening. A reputable pet lodging will have policies in place to reject sick animals.
- Inspect your cat upon pickup. Check for fleas, skin issues, or unusual behaviour immediately after boarding.
For more insight into best practices, see The Dos and Don’ts of Leaving Your Cat at a Hotel to help prevent health-related complaints.
Common Complaints from Cat Hotel Owners
1. Owners Didn’t Disclose Important Information
Some pet owners fail to inform the facility about medical conditions, aggressive behaviour, or special dietary needs, making it difficult for staff to provide proper care.
How Owners Can Avoid This Issue:
- Be upfront about health conditions. If your cat requires medication, detailed instructions should be provided in writing.
- Mention any behavioural issues. If your cat is fearful or aggressive toward strangers, the staff needs to know in advance.
- Provide an emergency contact. If you’re unavailable, another trusted person should be reachable in case of urgent decisions.
2. Owners Complain About Noise or Other Animals
Some pet owners are surprised that boarding facilities have other cats nearby, leading to noise and occasional territorial behaviour.
How Owners Can Avoid This Issue:
- Understand the facility’s setup before booking. Some feline hotels offer fully private rooms, while others have open areas where multiple cats can hear or see each other.
- Choose accommodations based on your cat’s personality. If your pet is anxious around other animals, a more secluded boarding option may be necessary.
- Ask about noise levels. If sound is a concern, inquire about how the facility minimizes disruptions.
3. Late Pickups and Last-Minute Cancellations
From a facility’s perspective, late pickups disrupt operations, and last-minute cancellations can result in lost revenue.
How Owners Can Avoid This Issue:
- Confirm the facility’s operating hours. Be clear on check-in and check-out times.
- Communicate any changes in plans. If your return date changes, notify the boarding staff as soon as possible.
- Understand cancellation policies. Many hotels have non-refundable deposits or require advanced notice for cancellations.
4. Owners Have Unrealistic Expectations
Some pet owners expect their cats to be treated exactly as they would be at home, which may not always be possible in a shared boarding environment.
How Owners Can Avoid This Issue:
- Recognize the limitations of boarding facilities. While high-end feline hotels offer luxury accommodations, they still follow a structured routine.
- Ask about special accommodations. Some facilities allow owners to pay for additional one-on-one time or webcam monitoring.
- Be patient with your cat’s adjustment period. A short period of withdrawal or clinginess after boarding is normal.
Final Thoughts
Many complaints about cat hotels stem from miscommunication, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of preparation. By selecting the right facility, setting clear expectations, and ensuring your pet is ready for their stay, you can avoid common frustrations. Likewise, cat hotel owners can improve experiences by providing clear policies and personalized care where possible.
If you’re still deciding between options, The Difference Between Cat Boarding and Pet Sitting can help you determine the best choice for your feline’s needs.
