The Experience
How Boarding
Works
A thoughtful alternative to traditional cat boarding.
The Catnip Difference
Built for cats,
not for volume
The Journey
From reservation
to reunion
Step One
Reservation & Intake
Everything starts with a conversation. You share details about your cat — personality, habits, dietary needs, medications. We use every detail to personalize their stay before they arrive. We’ll also need up-to-date vaccination records at least 7 days before check-in.
Step Two
Arrival & Welcome
Drop-off is curbside, quick, and calm — designed to avoid extra stress for the guests already settled inside. Arrivals are spaced apart, no lobby congestion, no overwhelming stimuli. A fresh room with their name card and familiar blanket is ready. Your cat is expected, not slotted.
Step Three
Daily Routine
Meals on their home schedule. Interactive play tailored to their energy. Puzzle feeders, supervised catio time, and natural enrichment. We watch for stress signals and adjust accordingly.
Step Four
Updates & Communication
Personal daily observations — not boilerplate texts. You’ll hear what they enjoyed, what they preferred, and how they’re settling in. Transparency is part of trust.
Step Five
Checkout & Reflection
No lobby chaos. No rushed handoff. A calm curbside pickup, a short verbal recap, and personal observations from their time with us.
A Day in the Life
What your cat experiences
Morning
Breakfast on their home schedule. Fresh water, a clean space. Staff check in without disrupting — observing first, then a soft greeting. Morning light introduced gently.
Midday
Enrichment time. An interactive session, a puzzle feeder, or a new scent to explore. Supervised catio access for fresh air and bird sounds from stocked feeders.
Afternoon
The quiet hours. No vacuuming, no music, no loud cleaning. Napping, perching, watching birds. For cats who want attention, we’re there. For solitude, we respect that completely.
Evening
Dinner, a final comfort check, settling in. Lights dimmed gradually. Comfortable temperatures. Medications on schedule. Peace.
Beyond the Expected
The details that matter
Small, intentional touches that make a meaningful difference.
Their Space
Welcome Ritual
Each cat arrives to a fresh room, a name card, and their familiar blanket placed before they enter. Your cat is expected, not slotted.
Daily Room Reset
Litter refreshed, bowls cleaned, beds gently fluffed, toys rotated slightly — never removed. Territory preserved while keeping things spotless.
Complimentary Litter Matching
We stock several high-quality unscented options and match what they use at home when possible. No extra charge — ever.
Scent-Respect Policy
Unscented cleaning products, no diffusers or essential oils, and fragrance-free staff. Nearly unheard of, but deeply valued by sensitive cats.
Their Environment
Soft Lighting Transitions
Lights are dimmed gradually in the evening and morning light is introduced gently. Cats notice. Most facilities never think about it.
Fresh Air & Open Windows
Weather permitting, windows are opened daily for fresh air and bird sounds. Screens keep everyone safe while letting the outdoors in.
Seasonal Natural Enrichment
Rotated monthly: pinecones, dried grasses, sealed driftwood, crinkle paper nests. A nature retreat, not a kennel.
Intentional Quiet Hours
No vacuuming, music, or loud cleaning during rest periods. Soft natural sounds only. Silence is luxury to cats.
Live Bird Viewing
Feeders are stocked outside windows and perches are intentionally placed for optimal viewing. Mental enrichment, not just space.
Their Care
Choice-Based Handling
Cats decide when interaction happens. No forced play, holding, or affection. Fear-Free in practice, not just in principle.
Daily Personal Observations
Not generic report cards. Short, personal notes: “She watched birds for 20 minutes this morning” or “He prefers the top perch before dinner.”
Their Departure
End-of-Stay Reflection Note
A personal note when you leave: “She loved the afternoon sun and preferred quiet mornings. She’ll miss the birds.”
Unhurried Pickup
You arrive to a calm room, your cat not rushed out, and a short verbal recap of their stay. No lobby chaos. No handoff stress.
All-Inclusive
No add-ons. No tiers.
No surprises.
Everything your cat needs is included in every stay.
“All care is inclusive. We don’t meter love.”
The Catnip Standard
“Many of our guests leave more relaxed than when they arrived.”
- Cats Only
- All-Inclusive
- Fear Free
- 7 Private Suites
Not for every cat. By design.
Honest Fit
Is Catnip right
for your cat?
Transparency matters more than a booking. Here’s how to know.
The Catnip Guest
We May Not Be the Match
A Gentle Note
If we’re not the right fit, we’re always happy to help guide you toward an option that better suits your cat’s needs. Our goal is that every cat is placed in an environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.
