Many cats find a quiet home environment significantly less stressful than a busy kennel. Home-based boarding typically offers more individualized care, less noise, fewer unfamiliar animals, and greater flexibility for cats with special needs.

Sarnia Cat Sitter is fully insured through ProFur, a pet care insurance provider that specializes in the pet care industry. Hiring an insured cat sitter provides protection that is typically not available when relying on friends, neighbours, or hobby sitters. Depending on the circumstances, insurance may help provide coverage for things such as accidental property damage, loss of a client's key, certain injuries to pets while in our care, or other incidents that may occur during the course of providing services. While we strive to prevent problems before they happen, insurance is an important safeguard that helps protect both our clients and our business if something unexpected occurs.

While most cats are happiest remaining in their own homes, there are situations where boarding may be the better option. Boarding can be an excellent choice for cats who require close monitoring, multiple daily medications, regular health checks, or extra companionship throughout the day. It may also be beneficial for extended trips when owners would prefer additional oversight and peace of mind. Kittens are another group that often do well with boarding. Young kittens can be curious, energetic, and prone to getting into trouble when left unsupervised for long periods. Boarding allows for more frequent monitoring, social interaction, and supervision during this important developmental stage. Ultimately, the best option depends on your cat's age, health, personality, and individual needs. During your consultation, we'll help determine whether in-home visits or boarding will provide the safest and least stressful experience for your cat.

In many cases, yes. Because only one client family is boarded at a time, we are often able to accommodate cats that would struggle in a traditional kennel environment. We discuss each cat's needs individually before confirming a reservation.

It's completely normal to feel nervous about boarding your cat for the first time—many of our boarding guests have never spent a night away from home before. Cats often adapt better than their owners expect, especially when they're given time, patience, and a quiet environment to settle in. We take a low-stress approach, allowing each cat to adjust at their own pace rather than forcing interaction or introducing too many changes at once. Bringing familiar items from home, such as bedding, blankets, or an item of clothing that smells like you, can help provide comfort and reassurance during the transition.

Moving into a new space can be a big adjustment for a cat, so we focus on making the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Boarding clients have their own private room with comfortable sleeping areas, cat trees, scratching posts, toys, hiding spots, and sunny windows for bird watching. We allow cats to explore and settle in at their own pace, never forcing interaction or handling. Most importantly, we take the time to learn about your cat's personality and routine before their stay. Whether your cat prefers play sessions, quiet companionship, grooming, or simply having someone nearby, we tailor our approach to what makes them feel safest and most comfortable.

One of the benefits of boarding is the increased level of observation your cat receives throughout the day. We monitor each cat's appetite, water intake, litter box habits, activity level, behaviour, and overall comfort during their stay. Because we're spending time with your cat multiple times throughout the day, we're often able to notice subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. We pay particular attention to senior cats, kittens, and cats with medical conditions, ensuring medications are given as directed and any changes are documented and monitored closely.

Yes. For new boarding clients, we require a minimum stay of 5 nights. This allows cats enough time to settle into their new environment and helps ensure boarding is a good fit for both the cat and our home. Many cats need a day or two to adjust, so longer stays are generally less stressful than very short visits. Exceptions may be made for kittens under 6 months of age and cats with special medical or care needs, where boarding may be beneficial even for shorter stays. If you're unsure whether your cat qualifies for an exception, please contact us and we'd be happy to discuss your situation.

Yes. Senior cats and cats with medical needs such as diabetes and kidney failure are some of the cats we care for most often. We are experienced with administering all types of medications, including subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluids and managing the routines that come with complex or age-related conditions. Before any booking, we meet with you in detail to go over your cat's needs — so nothing gets missed and nothing comes as a surprise.