In-Home Cat Sitting vs. Luxury Cat Boarding

When planning a trip, cat parents face the decision of how to best care for their 4-legged felines when traveling. Should you opt for in-home pet care or luxury boarding? The answer depends on your cat’s age, activity level, sociability, and the length of your absence. Understanding these factors ensures your cat remains happy, healthy, and stress-free during your travels. As a former veterinary technician, professional pet sitter, avid cat lover, and owner of St. Louis’ soon-to-be first luxury cat boarding facility, I have some thoughts. Let’s discuss, and I’ll tell you all I can about my latest pet industry venture, Cattails Lodge Luxury Cat Boarding. If you think your cat will benefit, join our waitlist.

The Comfort of Home: In-Home Pet Care

In-home pet care is based on the idea that pets are happiest at home. I still believe that many cats are happiest when they are at home. When they remain in their home environment, cats can stick to their usual routine, enjoy familiar smells and sounds, and, of course, survey their territory, which cats naturally enjoy doing.

Who Benefits Most from In-Home Cat Sitting

For cats that meet the following criteria, in-home pet care is usually the least stressful, most enjoyable option:

• Senior cats
• Chronically ill or contagious cats
• Shy, anxious, or less social cats
• Cats with mild to moderate medical needs
• Cats who thrive on routine
• Short to extended stays of less than 10-14 days

Why Some Cats Are Best Left at Home

Again, cats are creatures of habit, deeply attached to their familiar environment and daily routines. For many, especially seniors or those with health concerns, in-home pet sitting is the gold standard. A professional cat sitter visits your home to feed, clean litter boxes, administer medication, and provide companionship. Meanwhile, your cat enjoys the comfort of their home.

In-home care is ideal for cats who dislike change, are easily stressed by new environments, or require special care. Our in-home sitters can spot subtle health or behavior changes that might otherwise go unnoticed, and our visits can be tailored in length and frequency to match your cat’s needs and personality. The risk of exposure to illness is also minimized, and your cat’s routine remains undisturbed, which is great for older or chronically ill cats.

The Lodge Experience: Luxury Boarding

Not all cat boarding facilities are the same. For this comparison, I’m referring to luxury cat boarding in a facility tailored to keep cats safe, healthy, and happy. I’m not talking about a kennel at your vet’s office; no hate to your vet’s office, which is, of course, ideal for geriatric or acutely ill cats. Nor am I referring to a dog boarding facility with a “cat room.” I’m talking about Cattails Luxury Cat Lodge, a place made just for cats.

Here, there will be no barking, no whining, and no canine chaos. The only sounds our feline guests will hear are the gentle tune of feline purring and paws padding across plush suites. Just last month, I got the keys to the castle that will become Cattails Lodge from the City of Wildwood. The buildout has started, and St. Louis’ very first luxury cat lodge is being constructed from the ground up for the most distinguished of whiskered guests.

Why Some Cats Are Best Left At Cattails Lodge

Cattails will be a five-star hotel for cats, offering private suites, climate control, engaging toys, climbing structures, and attentive staff. Once completed, our facility will be ideal for cats who are curious, playful, and sociable. Or, those who may benefit from extra stimulation and structured activities during a longer absence.

• Young, active, or highly social cats
• Confident cats who enjoy new experiences
• Cats who enjoy watching other animals and interacting with new people
• Cats that are accustomed to change
• Cats that need more constant supervision
• Extended stays

Cattails Lodge: St. Louis’ First Luxury Cat Boarding Facility

Picture your cat lounging in a sunbeam, birdwatching through grand suite windows, or gazing at fish tanks, its own personal “Catflix,” if you will. Every day, each guest embarks on an adventure in our enrichment area because we believe that Curiosity Thrilled the Cat, and we’ll be there to make sure it does. The photo to the right was taken on the day I was given the keys to what will be Cattails Lodge, slated to open this summer.

Our dedicated team, playtime, and enrichment programs will keep energetic and young cats mentally and physically engaged. And, our suite cams will ensure your peace of mind.

While boarding can be stressful for cats who are territorial, anxious, or set in their ways, we will provide private suites to ensure their comfort. Between the suites and the lodges, Cattails Luxury Cat Lodge will cater to the needs of cats of various ages, socialization levels, and activity requirements. However, if your cat doesn’t seem like a good candidate for the cat lodge, 4LK’s amazing cat sitters will be delighted to come to your home and keep kitty happy by their favorite window.

In-Home Cat Sitting vs. Luxury Cat Boarding

Choosing between in-home pet care and luxury boarding comes down to your cat’s unique personality and needs. Whichever you choose, 4-Legged Kids, Inc. and Cattails Luxury Cat Lodge will always prioritize your cat’s comfort and well-being for a happier reunion when you return.

Since 1997, 4-Legged Kids, Inc. has grown into the largest in-home pet care company servicing large areas of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. We personalize our award-winning dog walking and pet sitting services to meet your and your pets’ needs, species, age, temperament, and more! Call 636-405-0400 or email ask@4leggedkids.com to register.

Existing clients, please request services here. Learn more about Cattails Lodge and follow for our grand opening announcement here!