Tips for Boarding With Multiple Cats

We are a multi-cat household and we are proud of it! Every one of our furry children is special and we love each of their unique personalities and all their quirks! But that means that every decision we make feels like it's 10 times bigger because we have to consider how it effects our kitties, as well as how it might impact the dynamic between them.

First of all, let it be known that we LOVE caring for our kitty-sibling guests! And we do our best to maintain whatever routine and level of co-activity makes them feel the most at home.

One of the first things you can do is make notes about the relationship between your kitties and their behavior patterns — the more detail the better. Cats who are closely bonded often do very well boarding together; cats who tolerate each other but prefer distance at home may benefit from separate spaces. At Chez Mieux we can accommodate two cats in a single condo or in separate adjoining condos depending on what's more comfortable for them.

It is also helpful to think about routines — keep feeding times, playtime, and sleep routines as consistent as possible in the days before your trip, then share those routines with the caregivers. This becomes especially important when you have multiple cats with different preferences, like one who eats quickly and another who grazes.

Bringing familiar items from home can make a noticeable difference, especially for multi-cat households — a shared blanket, a favorite toy, or something that carries your scent. For bonded cats, shared items can reinforce that sense of togetherness in a new space.

Feeding and health management matters too — if your cats eat different foods or have different dietary needs, make sure those details are clearly labeled and communicated, same for medications or supplements.

It's also worth thinking about how each cat handles stress. A calm, cat-only facility with experienced caregivers can recognize subtle behavioral cues and adjust their approach for each individual cat — one may want immediate attention and play, while another may prefer a quiet space at first.

Finally, try to keep your own energy calm during drop-off and pick-up. Cats are very perceptive and often pick up on their owner's emotions. When you return, give your cats time to readjust at their own pace.

Boarding multiple cats does require a bit more planning, but it also comes with a unique advantage: your cats bring a piece of home with them in each other.