The short version: bring current proof of Rabies, FVRCP, and (often) FeLV; a portioned feeding plan using your cat’s usual food; any medications with doses; and a vet plus an emergency contact. Below is the full checklist, the vaccines catteries actually ask for, and what to pack the morning of drop-off.
Vaccines catteries require
Requirements vary by facility, but most catteries ask for the same core set. Get these done at least a week or two before drop-off — and bring the dated certificate, not just a verbal "she’s current."
| Vaccine | Why catteries require it | Typically valid |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Legally required in most areas; non-negotiable at drop-off. | 1–3 years |
| FVRCP | The core feline combo — herpesvirus/rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia. | 1–3 years |
| FeLV (feline leukemia) | Many catteries require it when cats share air space; confirm before you book. | ~1 year |
| FIV/FeLV negative test | Some facilities require a recent negative test result on file. | As required |
Bring the dated certificate, not just "she’s up to date." Catteries keep a copy on file, and an expiry that lapses mid-stay can mean a turned-away cat.
The check-in checklist
What the facility needs from you at drop-off:
- Vaccine records with dates — Rabies and FVRCP at minimum; FeLV if required.
- Feeding plan — your cat’s usual food, exact portions, and the schedule.
- Medications — names, doses, timing, and what they are for.
- Vet contact — clinic name, phone, and your cat’s file number.
- Emergency contact — someone reachable who can authorize care.
- Behavior notes — hiding tendencies, stress signals, and any litter preferences.
Skip the folder of screenshots
PetPacket turns this checklist into one Boarding Packet — vaccines, feeding, meds, and contacts on a single page you can text, AirDrop, or print.
What to pack
Cats settle faster with familiar smells. Keep the bag simple and clearly labeled:
- Food, pre-portioned — your cat’s usual brand; a sudden switch during boarding adds unnecessary stress.
- Medication, labeled — in the original container with a written schedule.
- Familiar bedding or a worn item — your scent on a t-shirt or small blanket genuinely helps.
- Your cat’s usual litter — if the facility allows it; a litter change mid-stay can cause refusal.
- Nothing irreplaceable — favorite toys go missing; leave anything sentimental at home.
Questions worth asking the cattery
- Are cats housed individually or in shared spaces? Shared air space changes the vaccine requirements and the stress picture significantly.
- What happens if my cat stops eating? Twenty-four hours without food is urgent in cats — know their protocol before you leave.
- How do they handle a cat that hides? A good cattery will give anxious cats quiet time rather than forcing interaction.
- Can I send a packet ahead? Many facilities will happily receive care details before drop-off so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked
What vaccines does my cat need for boarding?
Most catteries require proof of Rabies and FVRCP (the core feline combo covering herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia). Many also require FeLV when cats share air space. Confirm requirements with your specific facility before you book.
Do catteries require a FeLV or FIV test?
Some do. A recent negative FeLV/FIV test is required at certain facilities, particularly those that house cats in shared spaces. Check with the cattery when you inquire about availability — it is easier to schedule the test in advance than to scramble the week before drop-off.
Is boarding stressful for cats?
Yes, more so than for most dogs. Cats are strongly territory-driven, so an unfamiliar environment is genuinely disorienting. Familiar bedding and your cat’s usual routine help. For a cat that is particularly anxious, an in-home sitter is often the lower-stress option.
What if my cat stops eating at the cattery?
A cat that has not eaten for 24 hours is urgent — not a wait-and-see situation. Cats can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) from short fasts. The cattery should contact you and a vet, not just monitor and hope.
