A Calm Handover: Boarding a Cat With Medication, Diet or Daily Monitoring

Boarding a cat with special needs can feel like a lot to organise. There are pills to time, diets to explain, and the worry that something will be missed while you are away. The good news is that a well-run cattery is used to this. With clear instructions and a little preparation, a cat with daily medication or a prescription diet can have a calm, comfortable stay.

At Todhill Cattery, we ask owners to think of it as handing over a small care plan, not just a cat. Here is how to make that plan clear, practical, and reassuring for everyone.

Start With Your Vet, Not the Booking Form

Before you book, speak to your vet about the stay. Ask for written instructions covering the medication name, dose, timing, and what to do if a dose is missed. If your cat needs monitoring — for example, for diabetes, thyroid issues, kidney disease, or epilepsy — ask whether there are any signs the cattery should watch for and when they should ring you or your vet.

If your cat is on a prescription diet, ask your vet to confirm the exact food and portion size in writing. It is easy to assume a cattery will know what 'a small scoop' means, but a written plan removes the guesswork. If your cat needs blood tests or check-ups around the stay, book them before you travel so you are not trying to arrange them from a hotel.

The Medication Plan in Plain English

Write out the medication routine as if you were explaining it to a friend who has never met your cat. Include the time of day, whether it is with food, and how it is given — in a treat, in a pill pocket, or by hand. If your cat is tricky to medicate, say so. A good cattery will appreciate the warning and can plan a calm approach.

Be honest about what happens if a dose is missed or if your cat refuses food. Your vet's instructions should cover this. If they do not, ask for clarification before you book. It is better to have an awkward conversation now than a stressful one while you are away.

Food, Water and the Fine Print

Special diets often come with their own rules. Some foods need to be kept in the fridge, some need to be warmed, and some must not be mixed with anything else. Write these details down. If your cat eats a specific brand, bring enough for the whole stay plus a little extra in case of delays.

If your cat is a grazer, say so. If they need their bowl raised, or their water changed twice a day, include that too. These small details are not fussy; they are part of the care plan. A cattery that listens carefully is one that will follow through.

Labels That Leave No Room for Guesswork

Use clear labels on everything: medication boxes, food containers, and any supplements. Write your cat's name, the dose, and the time on the label. If there are two cats in the household, make sure each item is labelled separately. Avoid vague notes like 'give as usual' — what is usual to you may not be usual to someone else.

A simple zip-up pouch for medication, with a printed schedule inside, can be a lifesaver. Include your vet's phone number and your own contact details. If your cat has a medical alert card, bring it. The more information the cattery has, the easier it is to keep everything on track.

What to Ask Before You Book

Ask the cattery directly: Can you give medication at specific times? Do you have a vet on call? How do you record doses? What happens if my cat refuses food? Can you send updates? Are you happy to administer a prescription diet? A good cattery will answer these questions without hesitation. If they seem vague, keep looking.

It is also worth asking how they handle emergencies. Do they have a vet nearby? Do they have transport? What is their policy if your cat needs to see a vet while you are away? These are not pleasant questions, but they are responsible ones.

Monitoring and Communication

Ask how often you will receive updates and in what form. Some catteries send daily photos, others send a message every couple of days. Agree on what works for both of you. If your cat has a condition that needs close monitoring, ask for a specific check-in schedule.

Keep your phone on and check messages when you can. If the cattery rings, answer if possible. They are not ringing to worry you; they are ringing because they are paying attention.

Packing the Special-Needs Kit

Bring medication in its original packaging, a printed care plan, enough food for the stay plus extra, a favourite blanket, and any supplements. Label everything. If your cat uses a particular litter, bring a small bag to help them settle. Include a note about their usual routine, favourite hiding spots, and anything that helps them feel calm.

The Reassuring Bit

Special needs do not have to mean staying home. With clear instructions, labelled supplies, and a cattery that asks good questions, your cat can be cared for safely and gently while you are away. The key is preparation — and the willingness to have a straightforward conversation about what your cat needs. At Todhill, we would always rather know too much than too little. That is how a stay feels calm for you, and for your cat.