Your furry, four-legged companion becomes a part of the family. But what happens when you have to travel somewhere and can’t bring your feline friend with you? One of the most popular options to ensure your pets are taken care of is by taking them to a kennel or boarding facility.

Bar-King Dog Kennel in Keaau, HI, provides a number of services for individuals requiring overnight care for cats and dogs. Cat boarding can be nerve-wracking if you’ve never done it, that’s why the professionals at Bar-King recommend the following three tips to reduce stress during this time.

How to Help Your Cat Adjust to Pet Boarding

1. Bring Personal Belongings

Simply having a few reminders of home can reduce cat boarding stress. If your feline friend has a favorite toy mouse, a bed they sleep on, or blanket they prefer, bring these items when you take them to the kennel. Having something familiar for them at this new place will help them adjust quicker to the environment and will also help keep them out of trouble.

2. Communicate With the Staff

As the owner, you know your animal best, so it’s important to communicate with the staff about your pet’s needs, wants, and habits. If you know your cat eats at a certain time and will be negatively impacted if this is altered, tell the individuals caring for your cat. Cat boarding can be successful for pets and owners as long as communication is open and honest.

3. Do a Trial Run

If you know you’ll be out of town for a number of weeks, consider doing a one-night trial run to find out how your cat will respond to the kennel. Some cats handle the stress better than owners anticipate, while others need a little more work to feel comfortable. Regardless of how your pet reacts, you can greatly reduce stress from cat boarding by testing the service out before it’s needed long term.

Cat boarding doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your animal. Call Bar-King Dog Kennel at (808) 966-8733 to learn more about what they can do to make this transition easier for your pet. You can also visit the website to learn more about the services they provide.