Choosing the Right Boarding Facility for Your Cat
Cats are notoriously sensitive to change, which makes boarding a stressful thought for many owners. Not all facilities are created equal. Cats need quiet, separate spaces designed with their comfort in mind.
At Just Cats Clinic in Reston, VA, our feline-only boarding combines AAHA-accredited medical oversight with a certified Cat-Friendly environment, ensuring even the most nervous cats feel safe, calm, and well cared for while their owners are away.
Understanding Your Cat’s Needs
Why Cats Require Special Boarding Facilities
When boarding, cats face unique challenges that many pet owners underestimate. Unlike dogs, who often adapt quickly to new surroundings, cats experience heightened stress responses in unfamiliar environments. Their cautious nature- rooted in their evolutionary role as both predator and prey- means new sounds, smells, or routines can trigger anxiety.
Stress in cats may appear as hiding, refusal to eat, vomiting, or even changes in litter box habits. A cat-only environment helps prevent sensory overload by minimizing noise, eliminating dog odors, and maintaining predictable routines.
That’s why a well-designed feline boarding facility isn’t just a convenience- it’s a necessity for your cat’s emotional and physical health.
Medical Oversight and Safety
Veterinary supervision is one of the most important considerations when choosing where your cat will stay. Cats often hide early signs of illness, and stress can trigger or worsen existing medical conditions. Having veterinary professionals on-site ensures subtle changes- like reduced appetite, lethargy, or increased hiding- are recognized and addressed quickly.
At Just Cats Clinic, every boarding guest benefits from the oversight of experienced veterinary staff. We’re able to monitor chronic conditions such as kidney disease and thyroid issues, administer many medications, and respond immediately if complications arise. This added layer of protection is particularly valuable for senior cats or those with delicate health needs.
Stress can also worsen or even cause certain medical issues. For example:
- Feline upper respiratory infections often flare up when cats experience environmental change or stress.
- Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) – an inflammation of the bladder – is strongly linked to anxiety and can lead to painful urination or even a urinary blockage.
- Cats who stop eating due to stress are at risk of hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
These risks make professional monitoring essential for every boarding cat, even those who seem perfectly healthy at home.
What Makes Just Cats Clinic Boarding Different
Designed for Feline Comfort
Cats thrive in environments that feel safe, calm, and predictable. Because their stress levels directly affect appetite, digestion, and immune function, every detail of a boarding space plays a role in keeping them healthy. That’s why cats should stay in condos or rooms with ample natural light to support normal sleep cycles and reduce anxiety. At Just Cats Clinic, our floor-to-ceiling windows fill every suite with sunlight, helping cats maintain a natural rhythm and sense of comfort.
Cats are also highly particular about their surroundings, especially where they eat and eliminate. A condo should always include separate areas for resting, eating, and using the litterbox, allowing cats to relax without the stress of close proximity to their toilet area. Every condo at Just Cats Clinic is designed with this separation in mind to promote calm, hygienic living during your cat’s stay.
No two cats have the same needs. A lively two-year-old Bengal may crave space to climb and explore, while a twenty-year-old Persian simply wants a quiet spot to nap. That’s why Just Cats Clinic offers both standard condos and themed suites featuring window views, climbing furniture, webcams, cozy beds, and enrichment toys. These options allow each cat- whether playful or reserved- to enjoy a space that suits their energy level and temperament.
Equally important is the quality of care behind the environment. Boarding staff should be trained not just in handling cats, but in recognizing subtle health and behavior changes that can signal stress or illness. At Just Cats Clinic, our team is exclusively feline-focused and works closely with the veterinary staff to monitor every guest’s well-being. We can manage medications, track appetite, and provide medical oversight for senior cats or those with chronic conditions- something most non-veterinary boarding facilities can’t offer.
To create a peaceful atmosphere, our facility also features a built-in sound system that plays soft classical music, helping even shy or anxious cats settle comfortably. For cats cleared for social time (those with FIV/FeLV test results on file), play sessions outside their condos add gentle exercise and positive enrichment that support emotional health.
At Just Cats Clinic, these details aren’t luxuries- they’re essentials that protect both the physical and emotional well-being of every cat who stays with us.
Evaluating Boarding Facilities
What to Ask Before You Book
Choosing the right boarding facility involves asking thoughtful questions:
- Is the facility accredited by AAHA or the American Association of Feline Practitioners?
- Are staff members trained in cat-specific behavior and low-stress handling techniques?
- How are medications managed and documented?
- What procedures are in place if a medical emergency arises?
An excellent facility should be able to answer these questions confidently and welcome your curiosity.
Touring and Assessing the Facility
If possible, visit before booking. Look for:
- Cleanliness and proper sanitation practices
- Calm, quiet rooms with gentle lighting
- Secure, ventilated condos or suites
- Soft, patient staff interactions
- A clear plan for medical oversight
If an in-person visit isn’t possible, request photos or a video walkthrough to see the environment for yourself. Just Cats Clinic is always happy to help owners feel confident about their cat’s care.
Preparing Your Cat for Boarding
Pre-Boarding Checklist
Preparation helps reduce stress:
- Schedule a pre-boarding health check to ensure your cat is up to date on core vaccinations.
- Leave a detailed list of medications, feeding instructions, and your emergency contact information
- Bring familiar bedding or toys that smell like home.
- Keep your cat’s diet consistent to avoid digestive upset.
- If your cat is particularly anxious, ask your veterinarian whether short-term calming supplements or medications may help them settle more easily.
Helping Your Cat Feel at Home
Even with the best care, boarding can be an adjustment. The Just Cats Clinic team takes time to get to know each cat’s personality and preferences- from favorite toys to quiet resting spots. Our staff gently introduces themselves and provides space for nervous cats to acclimate on their own terms.
We use cat-friendly handling techniques, pheromone diffusers, and gentle daily interaction to build trust. Our goal is not only to meet your cat’s physical needs but also to support their emotional well-being throughout their stay.
Calm Cats, Happy Owners: Choosing Comfort and Safety
The best boarding experience balances comfort, safety, and attentive medical care. At Just Cats Clinic, we’ve designed our feline-only boarding to do exactly that- combining veterinary oversight, luxury amenities, and a deep understanding of feline behavior to keep cats relaxed and healthy.
Whether your cat needs a short stay or extended care, our team is here to provide the same compassion and attentiveness they receive at home.
If your cat struggles with stress, has medical needs, or you’d like to learn more about our boarding options, contact Just Cats Clinic at (703) 520-2702. Our dedicated team ensures every cat- from playful kittens to seniors with medical needs- feels safe, content, and cared for every day of their stay.
