Your cat takes daily medication and you need to travel.
Your first thought: Will any cattery even accept them?
You're imagining calling cattery after cattery, explaining your cat's medication routine, and hearing "Sorry, we don't do that" over and over. You're wondering if you'll have to cancel your trip, turn down that work opportunity, or miss that family event because your medicated cat can't board.
Here's the reality that will probably surprise you: Most catteries in New Zealand routinely handle medicated cats.
Pills, liquids, topical treatments—these are standard parts of cattery operations. Staff give medications multiple times daily to dozens of cats. Your cat needing thyroid medication or antibiotics isn't unusual. It's Tuesday.
The real question isn't "Will they take my cat?"
It's "Are they competent with my cat's specific medication protocol?"
Because while most catteries can handle common medications, not all catteries handle them well. Some have experienced staff who understand medication timing, food interactions, and how to give pills to difficult cats. Others... have a teenager who'll try their best but might miss doses if your cat refuses.
This guide will help you:
- Understand the three medication complexity levels and where your cat falls
- Identify which catteries have the capability for your cat's specific needs
- Assess cattery medication competence through their responses to your questions
- Know when you need specialized boarding (vet facilities, trained staff) vs standard catteries
Your cat being on medication doesn't make them unboardable. It just means you need to be more careful about where you choose.
The Three Medication Complexity Levels
Not all medications are equally challenging to administer. Understanding where your cat falls on the complexity spectrum helps you know what to look for in a boarding facility.
Level 1: Simple (Most Catteries Can Handle)
What qualifies as simple:
- Once-daily oral medication (pills or liquids)
- Flexible timing (±2-3 hours doesn't matter)
- No special preparation or food requirements
- Standard administration technique
Common examples:
- Daily thyroid medication (Felimazole/methimazole)
- Once-daily antibiotics
- Basic supplements (lysine, joint support)
- Single-dose parasite prevention
- Anxiety medication with flexible timing
Why this is simple for catteries: Staff can integrate one daily medication into their routine feeding rounds. If your cat needs a pill at "roughly morning time," staff can give it during breakfast. If your cat is difficult, they have all day to try multiple approaches.
Capability expectation: 95%+ of catteries can handle this. If a cattery says they can't give a once-daily pill, that's a significant limitation—consider whether they're equipped for boarding at all.
What to confirm:
- Staff know basic pilling techniques (not just crushing in food)
- They'll document medication administration daily
- They'll contact you if your cat refuses medication
Level 2: Moderate (Most Catteries Can Handle, Some Require Planning)
What qualifies as moderate:
- Twice-daily medication with specific timing (e.g., 12 hours apart)
- Must be given with food, or must be given on empty stomach
- Multiple medications that need staggered timing
- Requires specific administration technique (must finish entire meal before pill, etc.)
- Compounded medications (transdermal gels, flavored liquids)
Common examples:
- Twice-daily antibiotics (e.g., Clavulox)
- Steroids with tapering schedules (prednisolone)
- Thyroid medication that must be given consistently same time daily
- Anxiety medication (fluoxetine, gabapentin) with specific dosing
- Multiple pills (one with breakfast, one with dinner, one at bedtime)
- Transdermal methimazole (ear gel)
- Onsior or pain medication with meal requirements
Why this is moderate for catteries: Staff need to track timing carefully, coordinate with feeding schedules, and potentially make special trips to administer medication outside normal rounds. If your cat needs pills at 8am and 8pm, staff must be available at those times—not just "sometime during morning/evening shift."
Capability expectation: 70-80% of catteries can handle this, but it requires:
- Staff available during the specific times needed
- Detailed medication logs to prevent missed doses
- Experience with cats who need multiple pills
- Ability to follow written protocols precisely
What to confirm:
- They can accommodate your specific timing requirements (not just "twice daily" but "8am and 8pm")
- They use written medication logs (not just memory)
- Staff work shifts that cover all dosing times
- They've handled similar medication routines before
Level 3: Complex (Specialized Facilities or Vet Boarding)
What qualifies as complex:
- Injections (insulin, subcutaneous fluids, B12 shots)
- Precise timing with severe consequences if missed (diabetes management)
- Medication requiring medical knowledge (dose adjustments based on symptoms)
- High-risk medications (seizure control, cardiac meds)
- Multiple daily injections or complex protocols
Common examples:
- Insulin injections for diabetic cats (twice daily, precise timing, dose adjustments)
- Subcutaneous fluid therapy for kidney disease
- Seizure medication (phenobarbital, levetiracetam) where missed doses risk seizures
- Cardiac medications requiring monitoring
- Injectable antibiotics
- Nebulizer treatments for respiratory conditions
- Feeding tubes
Why this is complex for catteries: These protocols require medical training, carry liability risk, and need staff confident with injections and symptom monitoring. A missed insulin dose or incorrect injection technique can have serious health consequences.
Capability expectation: 30-40% of standard catteries handle injections. Most refer complex medical cases to:
- Vet clinics with boarding facilities
- Catteries with vet nurses on staff
- Specialized pet care facilities with medical capabilities
Not a reflection of cattery quality: A standard cattery declining to give insulin injections doesn't mean they're inadequate. It means they're operating within their expertise and liability limits. This is responsible, not incompetent.
What you need:
- Vet clinic boarding, or
- Cattery with registered vet nurse on staff, or
- Specialized medical boarding facility, or
- In-home care from someone trained in medication administration
Quick Reference: Where Does Your Cat Fall?
SIMPLE → Standard cattery
- Once-daily pill (thyroid, supplement)
- Flexible timing
- Single medication
MODERATE → Most catteries (confirm capabilities)
- Twice-daily pills or specific timing
- Multiple medications
- With-food or on-empty-stomach requirements
- Transdermal gels
COMPLEX → Vet boarding or specialized facility
- Any injections (insulin, fluids)
- Seizure medication
- Cardiac medication requiring monitoring
- Feeding tubes or nebulizers
Assessing Cattery Medication Competence
Once you know your cat's complexity level, the next step is evaluating whether a cattery claiming they can handle it actually can.
Some catteries will say yes to everything because they want your booking. Others will say yes because they genuinely don't understand what "twice-daily insulin injections with dose adjustments based on appetite" actually involves.
Your job is to assess their competence through how they respond to your questions—not just whether they say yes.
The Initial Phone Call
When you first contact a cattery, state your cat's medication needs clearly:
Good script: "Hi, I'm looking for boarding for my cat from [dates]. She takes [medication name] [frequency], which needs to be given [timing/food requirements]. Is this something your facility can accommodate?"
Example: "Hi, I'm looking for boarding from June 10-17. My cat takes methimazole twice daily, 12 hours apart, ideally with food. Is this something your facility can accommodate?"
Don't apologize. Don't minimize. Don't say "I know it's a lot to ask." You're asking about a routine service that most catteries provide.
Green Flags: Signs of Competence
Watch for these responses that indicate experience and capability:
Green Flag #1: Immediate Comfort with the Topic
What it sounds like:
- "Yes, we regularly give medications. Let me get some details from you."
- "Absolutely, we have several cats on thyroid medication right now."
- "No problem—we handle insulin injections for three cats currently."
Why it's good: They're not hesitant or surprised. Medication administration is routine for them.
Green Flag #2: They Ask Specific Questions
What they ask:
- "What time do you normally give the medication?"
- "Does it need to be with food, or on an empty stomach?"
- "How does your cat take pills—hidden in food, pill popper, by hand?"
- "Is there anything specific we should know about your cat's medication routine?"
- "Do you have written instructions from your vet?"
Why it's good: They're gathering information to provide proper care. They understand that medication protocols vary between cats.
Green Flag #3: They Explain Their Process
What they say:
- "We use a medication log to track every dose given."
- "We have staff on duty at 8am and 8pm, so your timing works perfectly."
- "If your cat refuses medication, we'll try [specific techniques], and if that doesn't work, we'll call you."
- "We document every medication administration and can send you daily updates."
Why it's good: They have systems in place. They're transparent about their protocols. They've thought through the "what if" scenarios.
Green Flag #4: They Know When to Say No
What they say:
- "We can handle pills and liquids, but we don't do injections. I can refer you to [vet clinic] that does medical boarding."
- "Twice-daily is fine, but we can't accommodate three-times-daily because we don't have staff here at midday."
- "We'd need written instructions from your vet for that medication—it's outside our standard protocols."
Why it's good: They're honest about their limitations. They're not overcommitting to something they can't safely deliver. They're operating within their competence.
Green Flag #5: They Mention Liability and Documentation
What they say:
- "We'll need a copy of your vet's prescription or a letter confirming the medication protocol."
- "You'll need to sign our medication administration consent form."
- "We require medications in original packaging with clear labeling."
Why it's good: They take medication administration seriously as a medical responsibility, not just a favor. Proper documentation protects both you and them.
Red Flags: Signs of Inexperience or Incompetence
These responses suggest the cattery may not be equipped to handle medicated cats safely:
Red Flag #1: Vague Reassurances
What it sounds like:
- "Oh yeah, we can do that, no worries."
- "Medication? Sure, that's fine."
- "We've given pills before, your cat will be fine."
Why it's concerning: They're agreeing without gathering information. They don't know your cat's specific needs yet, so how can they commit? This suggests inexperience or not taking medication seriously.
Red Flag #2: No Questions Asked
If you explain your cat's medication needs and the cattery says "okay" without asking any follow-up questions, that's a problem.
Why it's concerning: Competent facilities need details to provide proper care. Not asking questions means they either:
- Don't understand what's involved
- Aren't planning to follow your specific protocol
- Haven't thought through potential issues
Red Flag #3: Dismissive Attitude
What it sounds like:
- "All cats take pills, it's easy."
- "Don't worry, we just hide it in treats."
- "Cats are fine, they always eat eventually."
- "We'll figure it out when your cat gets here."
Why it's concerning: They're minimizing the importance of medication compliance. They're suggesting they'll improvise rather than follow your established routine. This works fine... until it doesn't.
Red Flag #4: Reluctance or Hesitation
What it sounds like:
- Long pauses before answering
- "Umm, I think we can do that...?"
- "I'll have to ask the owner."
- "We haven't really done that before, but I guess we could try?"
Why it's concerning: Uncertainty indicates inexperience. Your cat's medication routine shouldn't be a cattery's learning opportunity.
Exception: It's okay if they need to check availability (e.g., "Let me confirm we have staff available at 8pm during your dates"). But they should be confident about capability, even if they need to check logistics.
Red Flag #5: Pushing Back on Documentation
What it sounds like:
- "We don't need a letter from your vet, your word is fine."
- "Just bring the pills, we don't need the original packaging."
- "We don't do paperwork for medications."
Why it's concerning: Lack of documentation means no accountability. If doses are missed or given incorrectly, there's no record. This is unprofessional and risky.
Red Flag #6: Overconfidence with Complex Medications
If you explain your cat needs insulin injections and the cattery immediately says "no problem" without:
- Asking about dose, timing, or monitoring requirements
- Mentioning their experience with diabetic cats
- Discussing what happens if your cat's appetite changes
- Explaining who on staff is trained to give injections
Why it's concerning: Insulin management is complex. Immediate agreement without detailed discussion suggests they don't understand what they're agreeing to.
The Questions to Ask
Don't just listen to their responses—actively probe their competence with these questions:
For All Medication Levels
"How do you track medication administration?"
- Looking for: Written logs, digital tracking, or app-based systems
- Red flag: "We just remember" or "Staff notes it down"
"What happens if my cat refuses medication?"
- Looking for: Specific techniques (pill pockets, compounding, hiding in food), escalation plan (call you), backup strategies
- Red flag: "That doesn't happen" or vague reassurances
"Who on staff will be giving the medication?"
- Looking for: Trained staff, consistency (same person ideally), shift coverage for all dosing times
- Red flag: "Whoever is working" with no mention of training
"How will I know the medication was given?"
- Looking for: Daily logs you can review at pickup, photo updates, app notifications
- Red flag: "You'll just have to trust us"
"What's your policy if a dose is missed?"
- Looking for: Immediate notification to you, documentation of why it was missed, protocol for catching up or skipping
- Red flag: No clear answer or "that won't happen"
For Moderate Complexity
"Can you accommodate [specific timing]?"
- Example: "My cat needs pills at 8am and 8pm. Are staff available at those exact times?"
- Looking for: Confirmation of shift coverage, flexibility if you need slight timing adjustments
- Red flag: "We'll do our best" without confirming logistics
"How do you ensure pills given with meals are actually consumed?"
- Looking for: Watching cat finish food, checking bowl for spit-out pills, alternative methods if pill is found in bowl
- Red flag: Assumption that hiding in food = medication taken
"Have you handled multiple-medication routines before?"
- Looking for: Specific examples, systems to prevent mixing up medications
- Red flag: Vague "yes" without examples
For Complex Cases (Injections, Medical Monitoring)
"Who on staff is trained to give injections?"
- Looking for: Vet nurse, vet, or staff member with formal training and years of experience
- Red flag: "Anyone can give injections" or "We learned on YouTube"
"How do you monitor cats on [specific medication]?"
- Example: "How do you monitor diabetic cats between injections?"
- Looking for: Appetite tracking, symptom awareness, glucose monitoring if required
- Red flag: "We just give the injection and that's it"
"What's your protocol if you notice [symptom relevant to medication]?"
- Example: "What if my diabetic cat won't eat before their insulin dose?"
- Looking for: Specific protocol, immediate vet contact, calling you
- Red flag: No clear answer or "we'll figure it out"
"Do you have a vet on call for medical boarding guests?"
- Looking for: Relationship with local vet, emergency protocols
- Red flag: "We'll call a vet if we need to" with no established relationship
What to Bring for Medication Boarding
Once you've confirmed a cattery can handle your cat's medications, set them up for success:
Required Documentation
Vet letter or prescription: Include medication name, dose, frequency, timing, and any special instructions. Even if not required, this protects you legally and ensures clarity.
Written instructions: Typed or clearly handwritten:
- Exact medication name and dose
- Time to give (8am, not "morning")
- With food or on empty stomach
- What to do if refused
- When to contact you
Emergency contact information: Your phone number, backup contact, and your vet's contact information.
Medication Packaging
Bring medications in original packaging with prescription label visible. This confirms:
- Drug name and strength
- Your cat's name
- Prescribing vet
- Expiration date
Label everything clearly if you're pre-portioning doses into pill organizers (though original packaging is safer).
Bring extra doses in case your trip is extended or doses are dropped/lost.
Demonstration (If Needed)
For difficult-to-medicate cats, offer to demonstrate:
- How you pill your cat
- What treats/food they'll accept pills in
- Restraint techniques that work for your cat
Some catteries appreciate this; others won't need it. Offer, but don't insist if they're confident.
When Catteries Say No
Some catteries will decline to board your medicated cat. This is okay.
It's not personal. It's not discrimination. It's a cattery operating within their expertise and capability limits.
Appropriate reasons for declining:
- Staff not trained for injections
- No staff available during required medication times
- Medication outside their experience level
- Liability insurance doesn't cover certain medications
- Previous negative experience with similar protocols
Your response: "Thank you for being honest about your limitations. Can you recommend a facility that does handle [your cat's medication]?"
Many catteries will refer you to vet clinics with boarding or other facilities equipped for medical cases.
Alternative Boarding Options for Complex Cases
If standard catteries can't accommodate your cat's medication needs:
Vet Clinic Boarding
What it is: Boarding at your regular vet or a specialist vet clinic.
Benefits:
- Staff trained in medication administration
- Medical monitoring included
- Immediate vet access if problems arise
- Equipped for injections, fluids, complex protocols
Drawbacks:
- More expensive ($40-80/night vs $20-35 at standard catteries)
- Clinical environment (cages vs rooms)
- May be noisier/more stressful
Best for: Diabetic cats, cats on seizure medication, cats requiring injections or medical monitoring.
In-Home Pet Sitters with Medical Training
What it is: Professional pet sitter (ideally a vet nurse) comes to your home 1-3 times daily.
Benefits:
- Your cat stays in familiar environment
- One-on-one attention
- Sitter can be trained on your cat's specific routine
- Less stress than boarding
Drawbacks:
- More expensive ($50-80/day)
- Security concerns (someone has house access)
- Less oversight—relies entirely on sitter's competence
Best for: Cats who've had traumatic boarding experiences, elderly cats with complex needs, cats requiring frequent monitoring.
House-Sitting Exchange
What it is: Friend, family member, or house-sitter stays at your home to care for your cat.
Benefits:
- Free or low-cost
- Your cat stays home
- Can train them on medication routine
Drawbacks:
- Requires trust and availability
- Need to thoroughly train non-professional caregiver
- No backup if caregiver has emergency
Best for: Cats with moderate medication needs and owners with reliable, trainable contacts.
FAQ
Do all medications cost extra at catteries?
Most catteries charge a daily medication fee ($3-10/day per medication). Simple once-daily pills may be included in standard rates at some facilities. Complex medications (injections, multiple daily doses) typically cost more. Always ask about fees upfront.
Can I bring compounded medications (flavored liquids, transdermal gels)?
Yes, most catteries accept compounded medications. Transdermal gels (applied to ear) are often easier than pills and many catteries prefer them. Bring written instructions on application.
What if my cat's medication dose needs to change during boarding?
For simple medications, many catteries can follow "if X, then increase/decrease dose" instructions with vet approval. For complex adjustments (insulin dose based on appetite/glucose), you likely need vet clinic boarding where staff can make medical decisions.
Should I do a trial visit to test medication administration?
Yes, especially for difficult-to-pill cats or moderate/complex protocols. See our guide on trial cattery visits to test whether staff can successfully medicate your cat.
What if my cat needs medication started or stopped mid-boarding?
Most catteries can handle starting a new medication (e.g., antibiotics for an ear infection) if your vet calls in instructions. Stopping medication mid-stay is usually simple. Complex changes may require vet boarding.
Can catteries give "as-needed" medications?
Some can, some can't. "Give gabapentin if cat seems stressed" is subjective and many catteries won't administer PRN medications without clear triggers. "Give pain medication if cat won't eat" may be acceptable. Discuss specific scenarios.
My cat takes medication hidden in Greenies pill pockets. Should I bring them?
Yes. Bring whatever food/treat vehicle reliably works at home. Don't assume cattery has your cat's preferred method on hand. Bring enough for the full stay.
What if my cat spits out pills?
Competent catteries check that pills were swallowed—they watch the cat for a few minutes, check the bowl for spit-out pills, and try alternative methods if needed. This is part of proper medication administration. Ask how they verify consumption.
Summary: Your Medicated Cat Can Board Successfully
Key takeaways:
✅ Most NZ catteries routinely handle medicated cats—your cat needing medication doesn't make them unboardable
✅ Three complexity levels: Simple (once-daily pills) → Moderate (twice-daily, specific timing) → Complex (injections, medical monitoring)
✅ 95% of catteries can handle simple medications, 70-80% can handle moderate, 30-40% can handle complex
✅ Assess cattery competence through their responses—look for specific questions, clear processes, and appropriate documentation
✅ Green flags: Immediate comfort, specific questions, explained protocols, knowing when to say no
✅ Red flags: Vague reassurances, no questions asked, dismissive attitude, no documentation requirements
✅ Some catteries saying no is normal and responsible—they're operating within their expertise
✅ Alternatives exist for complex cases: vet clinic boarding, in-home care, house-sitting
Your cat being on medication adds a layer of complexity to boarding, but it doesn't make it impossible. It just means you need to be more discerning about where you choose.
The catteries equipped to handle your cat's medications want your business. They're confident in their capabilities and will demonstrate that confidence through detailed questions, clear protocols, and proper documentation.
Trust your evaluation. If a cattery's responses align with the green flags above, your cat is in good hands.
Ready to find catteries equipped for medicated cats? Search PawSpot's cattery directory and call to discuss your cat's specific medication needs.
