When it’s time for a trip, one of the first things on your mind as a cat owner is where your feline friend will stay. Should you opt for the best cat sitter in NYC who comes to your home, or is boarding at a facility a better option? The decision can be tough, especially in a bustling city like New York, where both options are widely available. However, many cat owners in NYC are discovering that cat sitting is the better choice over boarding. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the key differences between cat sitting and boarding, the benefits of in-home care, and when boarding might still make sense. Plus, I’ll share some real testimonials from NYC cat owners to help you make the best decision for your pet.
Cat Sitting vs. Boarding: What’s the Difference?
While both cat sitting and boarding serve the same basic purpose—providing care for your cat while you’re away—they are fundamentally different in how they operate and the experiences they offer.
Cat Sitting
Cat sitting involves hiring someone to come to your home and care for your cat in their familiar environment. This could be a professional pet sitter or even a friend or family member. The sitter typically visits your home once or multiple times a day to provide food, fresh water, clean the litter box, and give your cat some attention.
Boarding
Boarding, on the other hand, means dropping your cat off at a kennel or boarding facility where they will stay for the duration of your absence. These facilities often house multiple animals at a time, and your cat will be in a kennel-like space, with staff members responsible for feeding, cleaning, and attending to them.
The Key Difference
The biggest difference between cat sitting and boarding is the environment. Cat sitting allows your cat to remain in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds. In contrast, boarding requires your cat to adjust to a completely new environment, which can be stressful for some cats, especially those that are shy or easily startled.
Benefits of In-Home Cat Sitting: Less Stress for Your Cat
One of the most compelling reasons to choose cat sitting over boarding is the reduced stress it provides for your cat. Here’s why in-home care is generally the better option:
1. Maintaining Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, and routines provide them with a sense of security. With cat sitting, your cat can stay on their regular feeding, play, and rest schedule. In contrast, boarding facilities often have set routines that may not align with your cat’s usual habits, potentially causing stress and anxiety.
2. Comfort and Familiarity
When your cat stays at home, they are surrounded by their familiar environment, including their favorite toys, bedding, and even the scents that make them feel secure. This comfort allows your cat to relax and avoid the anxiety that can come from a new environment, such as the strange smells, sounds, and animals present in boarding facilities.
3. One-on-One Attention
With cat sitting, your cat receives one-on-one care and attention. The sitter can cater to their specific needs, whether it’s extra playtime, cuddles, or simply maintaining a calm, quiet environment. In a boarding facility, your cat is one of many, and while they may receive care, it’s unlikely to be as personalized.
4. Fewer Health Risks
Boarding facilities often house multiple animals, which can increase the risk of exposure to illnesses, parasites, and stress-related behaviors. In-home cat sitting eliminates these risks, as your cat remains isolated from other animals and stays in a clean, controlled environment.
5. No Transportation Stress
Taking your cat to a boarding facility can cause unnecessary stress. The car ride alone might upset your cat, especially if they aren’t accustomed to traveling. With a cat sitter, your pet remains in the comfort of their own space, avoiding the hassle of transportation altogether.
When Boarding Might Be a Better Option
While cat sitting offers numerous benefits, there are scenarios where boarding might still be a better option for both you and your cat. Here are a few situations when boarding could be the right choice:
1. Your Cat Needs Specialized Care
Some cats require round-the-clock medical attention or special handling that might not be available with a typical cat sitter. If your cat has complex medical conditions, such as severe diabetes or needs specialized veterinary care, a boarding facility with staff members trained in medical care might be better equipped to handle those needs.
2. You Have a Multi-Cat Household
While a cat sitter can generally handle one or two cats in a household, caring for several cats might be more challenging. If you have multiple cats with distinct needs, such as different feeding times or behavioral issues, a boarding facility with more resources and staff might be able to better accommodate your needs.
3. You’re Leaving for an Extended Period
If you’re planning a long vacation or will be away for an extended period, boarding might be more cost-effective for longer stays, especially if you’re concerned about the sitter’s availability. Boarding can sometimes offer package deals for extended stays, which might make it a more budget-friendly option.
4. Traveling to a Remote Location
If you’re heading to a remote location without reliable internet access or phone service, arranging cat sitting can become more complicated. In these cases, a boarding facility with more structured systems in place for monitoring your cat might be a more viable option.
Real NYC Cat Owner Testimonials: Cat Sitting vs. Boarding
Still not sure which option is best for you and your cat? Let’s hear from some real NYC cat owners who’ve experienced both cat sitting and boarding firsthand.
- “I used to board my cat every time I traveled, but she would always come back stressed and upset. After switching to cat sitting, I noticed a huge difference—she’s much more relaxed, and I get regular updates, which puts my mind at ease. I can’t imagine going back to boarding!” — Jessica L.
- “I needed to go away for a work trip and decided to try a sitter. My cat is really shy and doesn’t get along well with other animals, so boarding was never an option. The sitter came to my home, spent quality time with my cat, and kept me updated with pictures and messages. I loved knowing she was in her safe environment.” — Michael S.
- “We have three cats, and it’s difficult to find someone who can take care of all of them at once. Boarding facilities were always an option, but we found a cat sitter who was amazing with our cats. She stayed in our home and kept everything in their usual routine. It made such a difference, and we could tell the cats were much happier when we returned.” — Emily D.
Conclusion: Cat Sitting is the Better Choice in Most Cases
While there are situations where boarding might be the better option, in most cases, cat sitting offers a higher level of care, comfort, and convenience for both you and your cat. The familiar environment, personalized attention, and reduced stress make cat sitting the preferred choice for many NYC pet owners.
At Gotham City Cat Care, we specialize in providing top-notch in-home care for your cat. Our dedicated sitters ensure your cat stays happy, healthy, and comfortable while you’re away. Whether you need a few days of care or a longer-term solution, we’re here to provide your cat with the best care possible. Get in touch today to book our services and see why more and more NYC cat owners are choosing us over boarding facilities!