Cat Boarding: What Is It and How Much Does It Cost?

Leaving your pet while traveling is a complex and responsible decision. How to choose a place for cat boarding? What should you consider? These services have many advantages, allowing the cat not to be left alone and to receive care and attention when the owner is not around. Today we will look at the lists of services of hotels and companies and learn more about cat boarding costs in different states.

What Is Cat Boarding? Understanding the Basics

Essentially, this is a general name for establishments ready to accept pets for a while. This includes shelters, hotels, and even individual entrepreneurs. They provide a different range of services and approaches depending on how much it costs to board a cat. However, they are united by these advantages:

• Professional care. Your pet remains in the safe hands of professionals. Usually, these companies have veterinarians and an additional person on staff. They know how to handle animals, understand their physiology and psychology, and monitor safety.
• Safety and control. Understanding psychology and focusing on animals: the owners of such places have thought through everything to the smallest detail. The cat will not be able to escape, get hurt, or get into a potentially dangerous situation. Professionals protect and supervise common areas, cages, and the establishment's territory.
• Variety of choice. Depending on how much it is to board a cat, you can choose a suitable place in terms of price and variety of services. Luxury hotels provide grooming, cat spa, socialization, and individual classes with your pet for maximum comfort. If you need a budget option, then you can easily find a suitable place for your pet.

The main cat boarding meaning is that you do not have to worry about your own home when taking your pet to another place. You can be sure that someone is always with your cat, that it is not stressed, and that it receives enough care.

Types of Cat Boarding: Facilities, Cat Hotels, and Daycare Options

As we have already said, these establishments can be different. Work format unites them, but other services and offers can differ dramatically from place to place. How to choose the proper establishment for a cat? Take a closer look at these options and cat boarding prices:

• Standard Cat Boarding Facilities. This is common option where animals are kept in small cages or enclosures. Here, they are fed, and the condition and cleanliness of the enclosure are monitored. In essence, this is the bare minimum. It is a budget and standard option for short trips.
• Cat Hotels & Resorts. They differ in pricing policies and conditions. These establishments provide rooms for their furry clients: soft beds, toys, and scratching posts. You can also order the services of a doctor, grooming, spa, or exceptional food, but cat hotel prices might be too high. 
• Cat Daycare Services. This idea is fresh for those who only need to monitor their cat during the day. This concept is reminiscent of a children’s daycare: you give your pet to the establishment for the day, and the workers feed, care for, and perform additional procedures upon request. In the evening, you take the animal home.

How do you choose the perfect option for your pet? It all depends on your expectations and boarding cats' cost. A standard facility will be an excellent solution if your budget is tight and you only need to leave your cat for a few days. Hotels are an option for those who want to arrange a private vacation for their pet. If you need to leave your friend for just a few hours, daycare will be your lifesaver.

How Much Does Cat Boarding Cost? Key Price Factors

In essence, the pricing of these businesses is no different from human options. You know that a hostel for one night or a place in the format of a “bed and breakfast” are the most budget options. They just have to be clean and quiet. At the same time, if you book a luxury room in a hotel, you want to get first-class service and are ready to pay more for it.

Cat establishments are no different from ours: the level of comfort and included services increase following the price. Of course, this also depends on the geographical location: convenient transportation and a large city increase the price by 10-20%. If you want to include additional services in the pet's stay, this can be paid on top at individual rates, so cat hotel cost varies from place to place. 

Average Cat Boarding Costs: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rates

We researched the US pet boarding market to be as accurate as possible. Over 84 million Americans have pets today, and the demand for these services is only growing. California, Texas, and Florida have the most pet owners, so these locations have the most specialized establishments.

The most expensive states are believed to be New York and California, while budget cat boarding is available in Nebraska and Iowa, where the cheapest options can cost as little as $10-20.

On average, Americans pay $15 to $40 for a daily stay, and $100-200 is the cost of boarding a cat for a week. Pet's monthly stay price is more individual. Some establishments offer discounts for a “bulk order,” while luxury hotels, on the other hand, raise prices. On average, this service costs $300 to $1,000.

Cat Hotels vs. Traditional Boarding: Price and Service Comparison

Are you unsure about where to put your pet overnight? Do you need to know whether a hotel is worth the money but are worried about safety in a standard facility? This table will help you dot the i's and cross the t's with the cost of boarding a cat:

Feature	Cat Hotels	Traditional Boarding
Price per Night	$40–$100+	$15–$50
Accommodation	Private suites, themed rooms, luxury beds	Standard cages or kennels
Personal Attention	High individual playtime and grooming	Basic care, less individual attention
Food Options	Premium food and customized diets are available	Standard kibble or wet food
Entertainment	Play areas, toys, climbing structures	Limited play areas, essential toys
Medical Supervision	Often available, vet partnerships	Basic health monitoring
Grooming Services	Often included or available as an add-on	Usually not included, may be extra
Best For	Cats needing extra comfort and attention	Budget-conscious owners, short-term stays

Most often, hotels are comfortable places where the cat will receive the necessary attention and mental care. At the same time, cat boarding prices are lower, and they are ready to provide the required minimum for the animal's stay.

Is Cat Boarding a Good Idea? Pros and Considerations

An important point to consider: leaving your cat in special institutions is not your only choice. You can also invite a sitter to your home, give the cat to another person for temporary care, or simply ask relatives. Weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision if cat boarding is a good idea:

Pros	Cons
Provides professional care and supervision	It can be stressful for some cats due to unfamiliar surroundings
Ensures regular feeding, medication, and monitoring	Higher cost compared to in-home pet sitting
Many facilities provide play areas and enrichment	Limited one-on-one attention in larger facilities
Secure environment with controlled access	Booking may be required in advance during busy seasons

The choice of placement option for an animal depends on the owner's individual requirements, the animal's habits, and the average cost to board a cat in your city. If the pet is not used to staying alone for a long time, requires special care, or does not tolerate movement well, it is worth considering another option.

Find a Budget Alternative with FlatRover

It is no secret that high-quality cat boarding rates will be higher. Is there a budget option for leaving a cat with an individual approach and attention? FlatRover is an excellent solution for those who care about their pet and want to make its stay as comfortable as possible.

• Care from the best sitters. Most sitters are travelers ready to stay with your pet for free while you are not home. They have experience with animals and will follow recommendations in exchange for free accommodation.
• Detailed profiles. The profile provides all the information about the traveler, including work experience, place of residence, skills in working with animals, and much more.
• Pet comfort. There are no moving, unfamiliar surroundings, or frightening smells. The cat stays home in a familiar environment, so it's easier for them to survive your absence and have fun with a new person!

FlatRover is a large community of like-minded people ready to travel, meet new animals, and care for them. Register today to entrust your furry friend to a worthy candidate and save on hotels!

FAQ

How much does it cost to board a cat for a week?

The cost of boarding a cat for a week typically ranges from $100 to $700, depending on the facility type, location, and level of care provided. Standard boarding is more affordable, while luxury cat hotels charge premium rates.

How much does boarding a cat cost on average?

The average amount in the US is between $15 and $50 per night. Luxury cat hotels may charge $40 to $100+ per night, while basic facilities are more budget-friendly.

What factors affect the price of cat boarding?

Key factors include location, facility type, level of care, additional services (e.g., grooming, medical care), duration of stay, and peak-season pricing. High-demand urban areas and premium services increase cat boarding costs.

Are cat hotels more expensive than traditional boarding?

Yes, cat hotels are generally more expensive. They offer private suites, luxury bedding, personalized care, and premium food options, while traditional boarding provides standard enclosures with essential services at a lower cost. Сat daycare prices are more comfortable too, but there is no option for a cat to spend the night there. 

Is cat boarding safe and suitable for my pet? 

Yes, reputable boarding facilities provide a safe and controlled environment for cats. However, some cats may experience stress due to unfamiliar surroundings. Choosing a facility with experienced staff, clean conditions, and proper care can help ensure a positive experience.