Cat Sitting vs. Boarding: Why Cats Do Best at Home

When it’s time to travel, one of the hardest decisions cat parents face is how to make sure their pets are cared for. Should you board your cat at a kennel, or have a sitter care for them at home? While boarding works for some pets, we find that most cats do far better when they stay in their own environment with a trusted cat sitter.

Why Boarding Can Be Stressful for Cats

Most cats are territorial animals who thrive on routine. A boarding facility is an unfamiliar place filled with new smells, sights, and sounds. The stress of being transported, placed in a cage or kennel, and surrounded by other animals can take a toll on even the most easygoing cats. Common issues that can arise with boarding include:

• Increased stress and anxiety

• Hiding or shutting down

• Exposure to illness from other animals

The Comfort of Home

In contrast, cat sitting allows your pet to stay in the environment they know best. Cats are creatures of habit, and being able to eat, sleep, and play in their normal surroundings helps keep stress levels low. With in-home care, your cat can enjoy their favorite sleeping spots, stick to their regular feeding routine, and maintain the sense of security that comes with familiar territory and smells.

Individualized Attention and Care

With a professional cat sitter, your cat is the sole focus of the visit. Sitters can tailor care to your cat’s personality and needs, whether that means plenty of playtime, extra lap cuddles, or simply a calm presence nearby. Medication, special diets, and other individualized care can also be handled reliably and consistently.

Peace of Mind for You

Cat sitting benefits you, too. Knowing your cat is safe at home while you’re away gives you peace of mind. We provide updates, photos, and detailed reports after each visit, so you’ll always know how your cat is doing. In addition, having a sitter visit your home can add an extra layer of security, as they can bring in mail, adjust lights, and keep an eye on things while you’re gone.

Why Cats Do Best at Home

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s least stressful and most comfortable for your cat. While some pets may tolerate boarding, the majority of cats feel safer, happier, and more relaxed when they remain in their own space. Cat sitting offers the perfect balance of professional care and the comfort of home.

At The Right Fluff, we’ve seen firsthand how much calmer and more content cats are when cared for at home. Our cat sitting services are designed to keep your pets happy, healthy, and stress-free while you’re away. If you’re planning a trip and want the best for your cats, consider in-home care. It’s a choice that truly puts your cat’s well-being first!

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The Right Fluff Pet Sitting offers professional, loving, and reliable dog walking and cat sitting services in Montgomery County, MD. We serve dog and cat owners across Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg/Germantown and surrounding communities.

New clients can get started and book dog walking or pet sitting services using this form. Existing clients can log into their account to request services using this link.

More information on our pet care services can be found on our website or by contacting us by email at info@rightfluff.com or by calling us at 240-447-9523 to learn more.