2. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) pose no risk to other boarders.

FeLV and FIV are viral diseases of cats that can cause suppression of the immune system. FeLV has also been associated with cancer. Diagnosis is made through blood tests with many cats being tested as kittens or after being found as strays to determine if they are infected. In most cases, cats that test positive for infection remain infected their entire life, but infected cats can live a normal life for some time with both viruses, especially FIV.

Infected cats are more susceptible to other diseases, such as upper respiratory infections (URI). This means you should be careful not to house them near a cat with an illness that can be transmitted by air, such as a URI. It is also important that they receive veterinary attention quickly if they are showing any signs of illness since their immune system does not work as well as a non-infected cat.

FeLV is transmitted by prolonged close contact, such as grooming, and less commonly through sharing litter boxes and food or water dishes. FIV is transmitted through bite wounds. This means, as long as cats are housed alone and appropriate cleaning is performed, an FeLV- or FIV-positive cat does not pose a risk to your other boarders.

A vaccination is available for FeLV, and it is recommended for kittens due to their increased susceptibility to the virus, and for adult cats that spend time outdoors or live with an infected cat. The vaccine is not a requirement for boarding since cats are housed separately and the virus is not airborne. There is no vaccination for FIV; the only prevention is to minimize exposure by keeping cats indoors.

3. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are common and can spread quickly.

Many cats are infected as kittens by one of several upper respiratory viruses, including feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Often, these viruses become dormant in the body, but can be reactivated in times of stress, such as during boarding.

This can lead to increased shedding of the virus and clinical signs of illness, which include nasal and ocular (eye) discharge. Some cats will have fevers, be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. While secondary bacterial infections can develop, requiring antibiotic therapy, most cases are self-limiting, similar to a human cold virus.

Cats showing signs of upper respiratory infection should be isolated from other cats, as these viruses are airborne. Cats infected with FeLV or FIV and kittens are most susceptible to these infections. Biosecurity protocols to prevent spread of infection are essential and should include isolation of infected cats and cleaning/disinfecting facilities and individuals working with both sick and healthy boarders.

4. Monitoring urination closely can identify life-threatening emergencies.

Urination should be monitored closely during boarding. Some cats will develop stress-induced cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. Cats suffering from this condition often look and act like they have a urinary tract infection. They may have bloody urine, strain to urinate, vocalize when urinating, urinate outside of the litter box and/or urinate in very small amounts. This condition is referred to by many names, including Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and Pandora Syndrome.

In most cases, treatment is aimed at reducing stress and minimizing pain and inflammation. The condition usually self-resolves within a few days to a week. Antibiotics are rarely needed, as most of these cases do not have an infection. For some cats with recurrent disease, a prescription urinary diet is prescribed, which can help to reduce inflammation in the bladder and decrease the formation of urinary crystals. Cats that are fed these diets regularly should continue to receive them while boarding. They should not be given other foods or treats, as this can interfere with the effectiveness of the diet.

If a cat is not urinating, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. This can be a sign that a urinary obstruction has developed, often referred to as a “blocked cat.” This is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when a plug of cellular material, urinary crystals, blood or mucus forms in the urethra. It is most commonly a concern for male cats. Ideal treatment includes anesthesia or sedation to place a urinary catheter and one to three days in the veterinary hospital on IV fluids. These cats can do well with prompt treatment, so it is important that staff are aware of this condition and respond appropriately.

5. Medications for cats come in many forms.

Cats may arrive at your facility on daily medication for acute conditions, such as infections or stress-reduction, or for long-term conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) or hyperthyroidism. Staff should be prepared to administer medications in a way that is safe for both the cat and staff members.

Some cats will ingest a pill hidden in canned food, while others need the pill to be pushed into the back of their throat for them to swallow. A “pill gun” is a special device that can sometimes make administering pills easier for some cats. Other medications come in liquid formulations and are administered via oral syringe.

Additionally, some medications are available in a transdermal formulation. These medications are creams or ointments that are rubbed on the inner ear flap and absorbed through the skin. Staff should be shown by the client how to dose the medication and wear gloves when applying the medication to avoid absorption through their own skin.

Finally, be sure to ask your clients if their cat has received any recent medications. There are several long-acting injections that are used to treat cats, including antibiotics, steroids and medication for osteoarthritis. In the event there is an emergency during boarding that requires veterinary attention, it is important for the vet to know any medications that may be in the pet’s system. This question could be added to your boarding intake form.

6. A low-stress environment is essential.

Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environments, so boarding can create a large amount of stress and anxiety. This stress can lead to any of the following:

• Fear-based aggression, which puts human staff members at risk of injury.
• Decreased food and water intake, which can exacerbate underlying diseases or cause changes in the liver if inappetance is prolonged.
• Flares of upper respiratory viruses, which can lead to outbreaks in the facility.
• Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Inflammation in the urinary tract, which can lead to life-threatening obstructions.

To create a low-stress space for feline boarders, the cat area should be in a quiet place away from barking dogs and in a lower-traffic part of the building. Additionally, enclosures should be designed to have an area where cats can hide, such as a box or separate enclosed part of the cage. Feline pheromone products such as Feliway® can be used as diffusers or sprays to help reduce stress as well.

Keeping stress low and having staff who are accustomed to reading feline body language and are aware of their unique medical needs will help to keep your feline boarders as happy and healthy as possible during their stay.