How Long Can You Board a Cat?

Boarding facilities don't usually cap stays, and long-term boarding is common when owners travel, move or are hospitalized. Whether a long stay is "too long" depends on the individual animal.

What happens during a long boarding stay

• First few days: many cats hide, eat less and sleep more while they adjust.
• After settling: confident cats often resume normal eating, grooming and play.
• Longer stays: stress can show up as weight loss, poor grooming or stomach upset, which veterinarian Ken Tudor lists among the effects of boarding stress.

Signs a stay is too long for your pet

• Not eating for more than a day (ask the facility to involve a vet)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Hiding constantly or aggression toward staff
• Over-grooming or not grooming

The SF SPCA advises choosing a facility that will contact you if your pet stops eating or seems unwell, and that will get a vet to see your pet within 24 hours if you can't be reached.

How to make a long stay easier

1. Pick a cats-only, quiet facility with private rooms.
2. Bring familiar food, bedding and a toy.
3. Ask for weekly weigh-ins and regular photo updates.
4. Give the facility authority to take your cat to a vet, and leave your vet's details.
5. Arrange a visit from a friend if possible.

Alternatives for long trips

• A live-in house sitter: the option veterinarian Ken Tudor considers closest to normal life.
• A trusted friend or family member who can take your cat into a quiet room in their home.
• Daily or twice-daily sitter visits, if your cat is independent and healthy.

What about dogs?

Dogs can also board for weeks. Social dogs often settle well, especially at facilities with play groups and one-on-one time; anxious or older dogs may do better with a sitter. See is boarding bad for dogs.

Find pet boarding near you.

Sources

1. PetMD (Dr. Ken Tudor): Pet boarding vs. pet sitting
2. SF SPCA: Selecting a boarding facility
3. Catster: Cat boarding cost (2026)