Preparing your Cat for a Boarding Kennel

  The owner, Melanie Walker, learned Animal Communication from Amelia Kinkade and routinely practices it with her boarding guests.  These experiences have afforded her many insights into a cat's emotional, mental and physical well being.

  'I always encourage people to give their cats as much information as possible.  They are very telepathic animals and will pick up our thoughts, and images easily, if we sit with them and explain what is going to take place.  Tell your animal Where they are going, Why and Why they can not go with you.  Explain to them that they will be safe, well taken care of, they will make lots of new friends and have lots to do and see.  The key to this conversation, that many people forget, is to Tell them that you are coming back to get them and when!

  To make your cat's stay at the Pet Bed and Breakfast as easy and relaxed as possible, follow these steps:

  Firstly, understand that cats and all animals, experience every emotion that humans do, be it joy, sadness, loneliness, love or heart ache.  So, with that in mind, it is important to treat them with the same level of compassion that you would afford a young child. 

  Before you bring your cat in, and equally important, while you are away, understand that your cat can tap into your thoughts and emotions all the time, if you are thinking about them, or not. You don't have to be in the same room or even the same country.  Thoughts are sent, intercepted and received very easily, especially if you are connected energetically.

  Realize that, if you spend your whole trip worrying that: your cat will be mad at you when he gets home, that he will be stressed at the Pet B&B, that he won't eat or that he will get sick, you are actually sending him suggestions, and 'darn good ways to get you to come back early from your trip! If you feel guilty or if you experience separation anxiety from your animal, it actually makes them sad for you, and makes them miss you too, rather than enjoying their holiday with us.

  It is most beneficial, to the cat, that his people think about him everyday, even if it's for a couple of minutes.  Send him good thoughts, such as you know that he doing well, having fun, that you are thinking of them, you miss them and that you are coming back! Even give them a timeline, 2 weeks, 2 days, what ever.  They will perceive it in their own way. Let them know that you will be very happy to see them once you return.

  If I have trouble with a cat adjusting at the kennel, it often boils down to separation anxiety, anger that the family didn't take them with them, or thinking that they have been abandoned.  If people have trouble with a cat not eating once they return home, it is almost always for these same reasons.  The cat wasn't given any information , so he doesn't understand your reasons for leaving and/or, for their kennel experience, therefore he's mad at you!  A little information goes a long way with animals.

  My strongest advice for all animal owners, in all circumstances that involve change such as moving house, major home renovations, going in an airplane, as well as boarding at a kennel, is to give them as much information as possible.  Even if you read this and think that it sounds absolutely ridiculous, do it anyway!  No one has to know!  But you will save your cat and yourself unnecessary stress.

 Cat Boarding Checklist

• tell your cats about their impending boarding
• ensure that your cat(s) vaccines are up-to-date.  Refer to our web page Vaccination Requirements.
• bring a copy of current vaccination records at check-in time
•  bring your emergency contact information for while you are away
•  bring some of your cat's food if we ask you to
• confirm that your cat does/doesn't take any medication
• inform us of any changes in your cat's diet or behavior prior to boarding
• double check our Customer Office Hours on 'Contact Us' or 'About Us' site pages
• double check our location and map on 'Location' site page
• Check-in with your cat mentally regularly when you are away and Keep It Positive!