First-Time Cat Boarding Checklist for Pune Pet Parents | Purr Stay Blog

Is your cat ready for their first boarding stay?

First-time boarding does not have to be stressful — for you or your cat. With the right preparation, most cats settle in within a few hours. Here is a complete checklist to ensure nothing is missed before drop-off at your Pune cat boarding facility.

1. Vaccinations (non-negotiable)

All reputable cat boarding facilities in Pune require proof of current vaccinations:

Tricat — the triple vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) — core vaccine
Rabies — required by most facilities and legally mandated in India
Ensure vaccinations are at least 1–2 weeks old (not given the same week as boarding)
Bring the original vaccination booklet or vet certificate to drop-off

2. Book a pre-boarding facility tour

If possible, visit the facility before your first booking. This lets you check cleanliness, ask questions, and (if the facility allows) let your cat sniff the environment. Purr Stay offers free 15-minute tours — no booking required. Call or WhatsApp to schedule.

3. What to pack

Familiar items significantly reduce first-night anxiety. Bring:

Your cat's regular dry or wet food (enough for the entire stay plus 20% extra)
Your cat's usual bowls if they are fussy about materials
One worn T-shirt or small blanket that smells like you
Their favourite toy (no items with small parts that could be swallowed)
Litter brand if your cat is particular (some cats refuse unfamiliar litter)
Any regular medication with clear written instructions

4. Write a care information sheet

A simple handwritten or typed note goes a long way. Include:

Feeding schedule: how much, how often, any wet/dry ratio
Behaviour notes: is your cat shy? Playful? Does she like being held?
Any medical conditions or allergies
Medication instructions with dosage, timing, and how to administer
Emergency contact for you (and a backup contact in case you are unreachable)
Your vet name and number

5. Make drop-off calm and brief

Cats pick up on your emotions. A drawn-out, emotional goodbye actually increases separation anxiety. The best approach:

Stay calm and neutral — keep your voice warm but not anxious
Hand your cat over, confirm care instructions, and leave within 5–10 minutes
Trust the facility — they deal with anxious first-timers daily
Do not return 2 hours later to "check" unless genuinely invited to

6. Expect a normal adjustment period

It is completely normal for cats to eat a little less or hide on the first day. Most cats settle within 24 hours. Quality facilities like Purr Stay will proactively send you a photo or video update on day one so you can see your cat for yourself.

7. After the stay

When you pick up your cat, expect some slightly off behaviour for 24–48 hours — extra clingy, more vocal, or temporarily aloof. This is normal re-adjustment, not a sign anything went wrong. Give them a quiet evening at home and they'll be back to themselves quickly.