The holidays in Central Florida are busy. Families travel to see relatives, and relatives travel here to see Disney. Either way, many cat owners in Celebration and Kissimmee need a safe place for their cat to stay in November and December, and the best spots fill up fast.

Cats are creatures of habit, so boarding takes a little more planning than it does for dogs. Here’s how to choose the right boarding option, what to have ready, and how to make your cat’s stay as calm as possible.

Why Book Holiday Cat Boarding Early

Thanksgiving week and the stretch from mid-December through New Year’s are the busiest boarding times of the year. Many boarding facilities in the Kissimmee and Celebration area are fully booked weeks in advance.

We recommend reserving your cat’s stay at least 3 to 4 weeks before your trip. Booking early also gives you time to update vaccines if your cat is due, since some vaccines need to be given before your cat’s stay starts.

What to Look for in Cat Boarding

Not every boarding facility is set up for cats. When comparing options, ask these questions:

• Are cats housed away from dogs? Barking and dog smells are a major source of stress for cats. A separate, quiet cat area makes a big difference.
• Is there room to climb and hide? Cats feel safer with vertical space and a spot to tuck away, like a shelf, a hiding box, or a covered bed.
• Is a veterinary team on site? Boarding at an animal hospital means trained staff can spot early signs of illness and give medications correctly.
• How often are cats checked on? Ask how often staff check food, water, and litter, and whether they note appetite and litter box habits.
• Can you bring items from home? A familiar blanket or bed helps your cat settle in.

Cat Boarding at Reunion Vet

At Reunion Vet, boarding cats stay in our dedicated cat area, away from dogs. Each cat has its own condo with space to climb, rest, and hide. Our veterinary team is on site every day, so cats with medical needs, including diabetes, thyroid conditions, and senior cats on daily medications, are in experienced hands.

Vaccines and Health Requirements

To keep every boarder healthy, cats staying with us need to be current on these vaccines:

• Rabies, which Florida law requires for cats 4 months and older
• FVRCP, which protects against common upper respiratory viruses and panleukopenia

If your cat is due for vaccines, schedule an appointment at least 1 week before your boarding date. If your cat sees another vet, bring or email a copy of their vaccine records before drop-off.

What to Pack for Your Cat’s Stay

1. Your cat’s regular food, pre-portioned if possible. A sudden diet change can upset a cat’s stomach.
2. Medications in their original labeled containers, with written dosing instructions.
3. A familiar item, like a small blanket or t-shirt that smells like home.
4. Your contact information and a backup contact while you travel.
5. A secure carrier, which your cat will also travel home in.

Skip packing large beds or many toys. Smaller items are easier to keep clean and are less likely to get mixed up.

How to Help Your Cat Stay Calm

• Practice with the carrier. A week or two before the trip, leave the carrier out with a soft blanket and treats inside so it doesn’t only mean “car ride.”
• Try a calming pheromone. Spraying a cat-calming pheromone product in the carrier 15 minutes before travel can help some cats relax.
• Keep drop-off short and calm. Long goodbyes can make your cat more anxious.
• Tell us about your cat’s personality. Is your cat shy, food-motivated, or a lap cat? Knowing this helps our team make your cat comfortable.

It’s normal for some cats to eat less on the first day of boarding. Our team monitors appetite and will contact you if your cat isn’t eating or shows signs of illness.

Traveling this holiday season?

Call us at (407) 545-7789 to reserve your cat’s boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book cat boarding for the holidays? Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for Thanksgiving and the December holidays. These are the busiest weeks of the year, and spots in the Celebration and Kissimmee area often fill up early.

What vaccines does my cat need for boarding? Most facilities require rabies and FVRCP vaccines. Rabies is required by Florida law for cats 4 months and older.

Is boarding or a pet sitter better for my cat? It depends on your cat. Healthy, relaxed cats often do well with a trusted sitter at home. Cats that need medication, have health conditions, or are seniors often do better boarding at an animal hospital, where a veterinary team can watch them closely.

Will my cat be stressed while boarding? Some cats feel stressed at first, but most settle in within a day or two. A quiet cat-only area, familiar items from home, and practice with the carrier all help.

Can my cat get medications while boarding at Reunion Vet? Yes. Our veterinary team can give oral medications, insulin, and other treatments. Bring medications in their original labeled containers with dosing instructions.