Leaving your Maine Coon in someone else’s care is never easy. Whether you’re travelling for work or taking a holiday, finding a boarding facility that understands the specific needs of a large, social breed like the Maine Coon takes a little research. This guide walks you through exactly what to look for so you can leave with confidence.
What Makes a Good Cat Boarding Facility?
Not all boarding facilities are created equal, and Maine Coons, with their social nature and thick coats, have needs that not every facility is equipped to handle. Here’s what to check before you book.
A Cat-Only or Cat-Separated Environment
Maine Coons are generally confident cats, but the presence of barking dogs or unpredictable animals in a shared facility raises their stress levels significantly. Look for a facility that either exclusively boards cats or keeps cats in a fully separate, dog-free wing with solid walls, not just a partition between enclosures.
Individual units should also not face each other directly. Cats find prolonged eye contact with unfamiliar cats threatening. A well-designed facility will stagger or separate units so no cat has a direct line of sight to another.
Spacious Units With Vertical Space
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, often weighing between 12 and 18 pounds. A standard small boarding cage is genuinely uncomfortable for them. Look for facilities that offer large or “deluxe” units with at least one elevated shelf or perch. Maine Coons like to survey their environment from height, and having that option reduces anxiety.
If you have two Maine Coons, ask whether a joined or family unit is available so they can stay together. Familiar companions significantly reduce boarding stress.
Daily Enrichment and Human Interaction
Maine Coons are unusually social for cats they are often described as dog-like in their need for human attention. A good boarding facility will provide at least one dedicated play or handling session per day, not just food drops and litter scoops. Ask specifically: “How much time does staff spend with each cat daily?” If the answer is vague, look elsewhere.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
A reputable facility will require proof of up-to-date vaccinations before accepting any boarder. At minimum they should ask for:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
- Rabies
- A current flea prevention treatment
These requirements protect your cat from contagious illness picked up from other boarders. A facility that doesn’t ask for vaccination proof is a facility that doesn’t take health seriously.
Familiar Scents From Home
Ask whether you can bring your cat’s own blanket, bed, or a piece of worn clothing. Familiar scent is one of the most powerful anxiety-reducers for cats in an unfamiliar environment. Good facilities actively encourage this.
Chronic Conditions and Medication
If your Maine Coon is on medication or has a condition like HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), make sure the facility can accommodate it. Ask whether staff are trained to administer medication, whether there is veterinary access if something changes, and whether a written care plan will be kept on file for your cat’s stay. For a full overview of health conditions common to the breed, see our Maine Coon health guide.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Before committing to any boarding facility, ask these directly:
- How many cats do you board at one time, and what is the staff-to-cat ratio?
- What does a typical daily routine look like for a boarding cat?
- How do you handle a medical emergency during a stay?
- Can I bring my cat’s own food to avoid a diet change?
- Is there a veterinarian on call or a clinic partnership?
- May I tour the facility before booking?
Any reputable facility will answer these willingly. Reluctance to show you the boarding area is a red flag.
Cat Bording Plans
There are mainly two different plans
Deluxe Boarding Room
If your cat is outgoing and curious, this is the boarding place to be. This room offers a few unit sizes, all with several platforms for climbing and perching. All but one of the boarding units in this room offer a view of the reception area, allowing your cat to keep in touch with the comings and goings of the clinic.
One of these units will allow multiple cat households to board their cats together at a discounted fee. Others are designed for only one cat. A cat that is known to be difficult to handle at the veterinary clinic will be boarded in our downstairs private boarding facilities.
For more information, please contact us.
Private Boarding Room
If your cat prefers less activity and a quiet space, the private boarding room is an excellent choice. This boarding room is located in our downstairs facility. This room has a window to the outside, allowing lots of natural daylight to flood in.
There are four units that measure 3 feet wide by two feet deep by three feet high. These units can be joined by a porthole, which allows the cat to move freely from one area to the other. At an owner’s request, and for a small additional fee, an adjoining unit can be reserved, and the porthole kept open. There are also 3 double-units consisting of 2 units joined by a porthole.
Each unit measures 2.5 by 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet. Many of our boarding units also have shelves for those cats that prefer to sleep or perch off the main floor of the unit. For more information, please contact us.
What to Pack for Your Maine Coon’s Boarding Stay
Maine Coons settle into new environments more easily when surrounded by familiar things. When dropping your cat off, bring:
- Their regular food (a sudden diet change during an already stressful stay can cause digestive upset)
- A worn T-shirt or pillowcase with your scent on it
- Their favourite toy or blanket
- A printed copy of their vaccination records and any medication instructions
- Your vet’s contact details and a secondary emergency contact
The more familiar the environment feels, the faster your Maine Coon will settle, and the better they’ll be when you pick them up.
How Long Is Too Long to Board a Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are emotionally attached to their owners in a way that many other breeds are not. Extended stays of more than two weeks can cause noticeable stress, particularly in cats that have never been boarded before. If you’re planning a longer absence, consider a professional in-home pet sitter as an alternative your cat stays in their own environment, which is far less disruptive.
For stays under two weeks with a well-chosen facility, most Maine Coons adapt well, especially if they were socialised confidently from a young age.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re still in the process of choosing a Maine Coon or are considering adoption before planning longer-term care arrangements, you can browse our available Maine Coon kittens for sale or explore Maine Coon rescue cats available for adoption across the US.