How Much Does Cat Boarding Cost per Day?

Cats are cheaper to board than dogs, but where you board them matters for both price and stress.

Cat boarding prices

Sources: Goose (2026) and Catster (updated 2026).

What's included

Catster notes the base price usually covers accommodation, litter, food and water. Common extras:

• Early drop-off or late pick-up fees
• Grooming (nail trims, baths, brushing)
• Pet taxi service
• Medication administration
• Larger suites or rooms with windows

Cattery vs. cat hotel vs. vet boarding

• Cattery: cats only, so less barking and stress than a mixed kennel. Usually the cheapest.
• Cat hotel / luxury boarding: private rooms, climbing shelves, window views, sometimes webcams.
• Veterinary boarding: best for cats with medical needs, though veterinarian Ken Tudor notes hospital boarding can be less homey and medical cases take priority.

Vaccines required for cat boarding

Most facilities require proof of rabies and FVRCP vaccines. PetSmart's PetsHotel, for example, requires both for cats, with written veterinary records (a rabies tag alone isn't accepted). See which cat vaccines are necessary.

Boarding vs. a cat sitter

For many cats, staying home is less stressful than boarding. A sitter visiting once or twice a day often costs about the same as a cattery. See is it better to board a cat or leave it at home.

Find pet boarding and pet sitters near you.

Sources

1. Goose: Pet boarding prices research (2026)
2. Catster: Cat boarding cost (2026)
3. PetSmart: Vaccination policy