The first time you board your cat can feel like a big deal, for you more than for your cat. You might be wondering whether your cat will eat, whether they will be scared, and whether you are forgetting something important.

The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. This checklist walks you through everything to do in the weeks, days, and hours before your cat's first stay at Evergreen Kennels, whether you are near Rochester, Buffalo, Batavia, or anywhere in between.

A Few Weeks Before: Pick the Right Place

Not every boarding setup suits cats. Before you book, look for a few things:

• A space just for cats. At Evergreen Kennels, cats stay in a private cat room separate from the dog areas, so they are not listening to barking all day.
• Room to move. Our spacious kitty condos give cats space to stretch, nap, and feel settled.
• Comfortable conditions. Our buildings are heated and air conditioned year round.
• People who care. We are a family owned business run by Bobby and Dawn Vetere, with more than 35 years of caring for pets in Western New York.

You can take a look at our cat room page to get a feel for the space before you call.

Two Weeks Before: Check Vaccines

Cats boarding with us need to be current on Rabies and Distemper. If your cat is an indoor-only cat who has not seen the vet in a while, this is the step that catches people off guard. Give yourself time to schedule a vet visit if anything is out of date.

Once you have the records, email them to evergreenkennelsboarding@gmail.com before arrival. Sending them early saves time at drop-off.

One Week Before: Book and Ask Questions

Call to reserve your cat's stay and ask anything that is on your mind. If you have more than one cat, mention it. Cats from the same household can often stay together, and for bonded pairs that can be a real comfort.

It also helps to plan your pickup time now. Weekday pickups by 11 AM mean no boarding fee for that day, while pickups after 11 AM and on Sundays do carry a boarding fee. Our FAQ page covers other common questions.

A Few Days Before: Gather Your Cat's Things

Use this packing list so nothing gets left on the counter:

• Food for the full stay. Pack it in a plastic container labeled with your cat's name. Keeping your cat on the same food helps avoid tummy trouble. We have a refrigerator for anything that needs to stay cold. If you need us to provide food, it is $2.50 per day.
• Medications, if needed. We can give oral medications for non-contagious conditions. They must be pre-loaded in a pill box labeled with the days of the week and AM/PM. If you do not have one, we can provide one for a fee.
• Machine washable bedding. A blanket or bed that smells like home can be soothing. Just know your cat may chew or knead it.
• A secure carrier. Your cat will be calmer, and so will you.

A couple of things to leave behind: favorite toys you would hate to lose, and anything that is not washable. Belongings are not the kennel's responsibility, so keep irreplaceable items at home.

One important note: we do not give injectable medications, including insulin, and we do not force pills. If your cat needs either, please talk with your veterinarian about the best plan before booking.

The Day Before: Get the Carrier Out

If your cat only sees the carrier on vet day, it may be a source of dread. Set it out in a familiar room the day before with a soft towel inside. Some cats will wander in on their own, which makes the morning much easier.

Drop-Off Day: Keep It Calm and Quick

Cats pick up on our nerves. Keep your goodbye warm but short. Our staff are genuine animal lovers, and we will give your cat time to settle in at their own pace. Many cats spend the first few hours observing from a cozy corner before they start to explore. The TV in the cat room usually has Animal Planet playing, which gives curious cats something to watch.

We accept credit and debit cards only, so keep a card handy. Every dollar also earns Paw Points through our rewards program, with no sign-up needed. You can check rates ahead of time on our pricing page.

Two Locations to Choose From

We offer cat boarding at both of our locations, and they keep the same hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 11 AM, and Sunday 3 PM to 5 PM.

• Churchville: 1500 Kendall Rd, about 15 minutes from downtown Rochester.
• Batavia: 8870 Wortendyke Road, just off I-90, about 35 minutes from Buffalo and 40 minutes from Rochester. Learn more about our Batavia location.