f you run a boarding facility, chances are, most of your clients are dogs. But with more people in the Millennial and Gen Z generations owning cats and spending more on them, it’s important that pet care providers understand what’s needed for a successful stay when it comes to the feline persuasion.
Rita Reimers and Linda Hall are cat behaviorists with the Cat Behavior Alliance.1 Their consulting firm helps cat owners deal with problems ranging from cat aggression to litter box issues. With all the issues they deal with, the two cat experts have a ton of advice to make cat stays the best they can be, especially when it comes to enrichment.
Reimers stresses that the first thing you should do is make sure you communicate to the human client that you need the schedule and habits of your feline guest before they arrive. “Cats are creatures of habit and don’t adapt to change as well as dogs,” she explains. “Make sure you bring everything that reminds your cat of home. We’re talking a shirt or something you’ve sweated in, their food, all their toys, and even their litter box.”
If it’s not convenient for you or your clients to bring their cat’s litter box, Reimers says there is another way to make a cat feel at home: “I know this is disgusting, but have your client put a plop of their poo in a baggie and put it in the litter box as soon as they arrive. Believe it or not, that is going to calm the cat, because they can smell themselves and immediately take ownership of the space.”
Dole out the toys over the week or however long they are staying with you. Don’t give them everything the first day, then it will be like a new toy each day and more special. 
– Rita Reimers, cat behaviorist with the Cat Behavior Alliance
Both behaviorists also suggest that the pet care providers offer additional toys, especially those that are high-prey-drive entertainment. “We believe all cats need human attention, but sometimes you can give the feline even more exercise through self-play by using USB-powered cat toys that are wireless. We love the toy snakes and mice you can find on Amazon, but don’t get the green snakes because they look too realistic and can be scary!” says Hall.
Hall also recommends the plush toys where you can record the voice of the cat’s owner because it can be soothing to the cat when it’s stressed. Even better, though, she says, is to schedule a FaceTime with the cat’s owner during their stay so the cat can see and hear them. When that’s not possible, Reimers says to ask your human client the key phrases they use when talking to their cat. Ask them to say the phrases for you so you can match their inflection when repeating them to the cat.
Cats love small spaces for comfort, so Reimers and Hall think your cat clients should have access to their carriers, which is a reminder of home. This of course depends on the set-up of the boarding facility’s cat area.
Research also shows that music can make a difference in a cat’s behavior, so both cat experts recommend Music for Cats,2 which are tunes specifically composed for feline ears by classical cellist David Teie. Reimers says she has had amazing luck with his music calming cats in difficult situations. She encourages boarding facilities to pipe in music to its cat areas.
But what if toys and enrichment don’t work and the cat is hiding or aggressive? Hall says don’t force yourself on your four-legged client; give them space. Reimers says if a cat is hiding, sit in the room somewhere close to them. Read out loud to them so they can get used to your voice, or bring your laptop into the room and get some office work done so they grow accustomed to your presence. The boarding staff member who is primarily taking care of them can also leave a sock or something they’ve worn to get the cat used to their smell.
Cats love small spaces for comfort, so Reimers and Hall think your cat clients should have access to their carriers, which is a reminder of home. This of course depends on the set-up of the boarding facility’s cat area. If space does not allow for this, at least provide a small hiding spot for them to escape to if they’re feeling insecure.
Lastly, you likely host “movie and pupcorn nights,” “barks and crafts,” and all sorts of other activities for dogs and their owners—get creative and do the same thing for cats! Not only will it attract more cat clients to your business, but you’re showcasing that cats are not just sedentary, second-class pets.
The two cat behaviorists really want to encourage boarding and daycare professionals to remember that cats need enrichment and human interaction just like everyone else.
- Cat Behavior Alliance. https://catbehavioralliance.com/
- David Teie’s Music for Cats. https://www.musicforcats.com/