At Whisker Ridge Retreat, we want to ensure that your cat's stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible and that their health and well-being is our number one priority. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most common questions, including what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to expect during check-in. Our goal is to make the boarding experience seamless for both you and your feline family member. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us directly!

Cat Boarding Request & Registration

New to Whisker Ridge Retreat? Please complete our online Cat Boarding Request Form before your kitty's first stay.

This form collects important information about your kitty's health, personality, feeding preferences, and care requirements. It also includes our boarding policies and electronic agreement. You will also need to acknowledge on that form that your cat(s) boarding with us have met the following requirements:

Veterinary Health Examination: A copy of your kitty's most recent veterinary examination confirming they are in good health and medically fit for boarding.
Rabies & FVRCP Vaccinations: Current vaccination records provided by your veterinarian.
Flea & Tick Prevention: Appropriate preventative treatment; for example, vet-approved topical or oral or seresto collar

Once we receive your registration, we'll contact you to discuss availability and confirm your reservation. A deposit is required to secure your booking.

Whisker Ridge Retreat Guest Registration Form

Returning guests do not need to complete a new registration for every visit. We simply ask that you keep us informed of any changes to your kitty's health, behavior, or care requirements. As of October 2026, registration agreements will be renewed annually.

Senior Cats & Special Medical Needs

We adore our golden oldies! Cats aged 12 years or older, and cats of any age with significant medical conditions, require an additional Senior Cat & Medical Risk Acknowledgment before boarding.

This helps us understand their individual needs and ensures owners are aware of the additional risks that can accompany advanced age or medical conditions.

Whisker Ridge Retreat - Senior Cat & Medical Risk Acknowledgment

Medication Administration

If your kitty requires medication during their stay, a separate Medication Administration Authorization must be completed for each stay involving medication.

Please note that Whisker Ridge Retreat does not administer injections, subcutaneous fluids, or rectal medications. We are happy to discuss other medication needs in advance to ensure we can safely and comfortably accommodate your kitty.

Please contact us to discuss your kitty's medication needs before booking.

Whisker Ridge Retreat-Medication Administration Authorization

Questions? We're Here to Help!

We want every kitty to feel safe, comfortable, and loved during their stay. If you have questions about registration or your kitty's care, please call or text us at (423) 426-1080.

What to Bring

In addition to the requirements above, to ensure your cat feels right at home, please bring the following at their check-in:

Food: For continuity in their diet, and to avoid digestive upsets, we recommend bringing their usual food (enough for their stay). Otherwise, we feed our cat guests a high quality dry food. If bringing your own dry food, please bring in a covered plastic storage container or gallon zip-lock bag.
Comfort Items: A favorite blanket or toy (optional) can help provide extra comfort during their stay; especially if the item has their home scent. If you want to bring any large items please discuss with us first to ensure it fits comfortably in their suite.
Medications: If your cat requires any medications, please bring them in their original packaging with clear instructions. We only administer oral or topical medications at this time.
Cat Carrier: We place your kitty's cat carrier in their suite as a familiar place for them to hide when feeling shy, and should we need to bring your kitty to the vet.

What NOT to Bring

To maintain the safety and cleanliness of our facility, please do not bring:

Litter or Litter Boxes: Whisker Ridge Retreat provides fresh, high-quality litter for all our feline guests. If your cat has specific needs requiring the use of their own litter box or a different type of litter, please discuss this with us at the time of booking. We are happy to accommodate your cat's needs to ensure a pleasant stay.
Bowls: We supply sanitized bowls to ensure hygiene throughout their stay. If your cat has a condition requiring they use a particular food and/or water bowl; however, you may provide those and we will accommodate.
Excessive Personal Items: While a favorite blanket or toy is welcome, too many items can clutter your cat’s suite.
Fleas or Ticks: Please ensure all of your cats are free of flea and ticks before bringing them to Whisker Ridge Retreat. Proof of a vet approved flea and tick control product is required. Upon arrival, every cat will undergo a quick flea and tick check as part of our check-in process. We cannot allow cats with fleas or ticks in our facility. Please see our Flea & Tick Control Procedures for more information.
Viruses: If your cat displays any symptoms of a viral infection at check in, we will have to arrange another date for their stay. We cannot let any cats with viruses enter our facility. This is for the safety of all cats as viruses are highly contagious. Symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes and nasal congestion. Please see our Contagion Control Procedures for more information.

If your cat has specific needs requiring the use of their own litter box or a different type of litter or food/water bowls, please discuss this with us at the time of booking. We are happy to accommodate your cat's needs to ensure a pleasant stay.

Reservation Deposits & Cancellation Policy

To secure your kitty's reservation at Whisker Ridge Retreat, a 25% deposit ($25 minimum) is required at the time of booking. This deposit is applied toward the total cost of your kitty's stay, with the remaining balance due at check-in.

Cancellations made at least 14 days before check-in will receive a full deposit refund, with no cancellation penalty.

Cancellations made less than 14 days before check-in will result in forfeiture of the deposit.

Because we have a limited number of catios and reserve each space exclusively for your kitty, this policy helps us accommodate as many furry guests as possible while keeping reservations fair for everyone.

We understand that plans can change and appreciate your understanding!

Cat Bite & Injury Policy

At Whisker Ridge Retreat, we understand that even the friendliest cats can occasionally bite or scratch, particularly when adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. We approach every kitty with patience, compassion, and an understanding of feline behavior.

For the safety of our caregivers and all guests, we ask that owners disclose any known history of biting, aggressive behavior, or handling sensitivities before boarding.

If a cat bites or scratches a caregiver and the injury requires professional medical attention, the owner may be responsible for reasonable, documented medical expenses directly related to the injury, including urgent care visits, prescribed medications, and necessary follow-up treatment.

If a guest exhibits repeated aggression or behavior that makes routine care unsafe, we reserve the right to modify handling procedures, restrict certain activities, or arrange for early pickup when necessary.

Our priority is always the safety, comfort, and well-being of every kitty in our care, as well as the people caring for them.

Senior Cat & Special Medical Needs Policy

At Whisker Ridge Retreat, we have a special place in our hearts for senior kitties! We understand that older cats may need extra patience, comfort, attention, and individualized care during their stay.

For the safety and well-being of our guests, cats aged 12 years and older, or cats of any age with significant medical conditions, may require additional health information and a signed Senior Cat & Medical Care Acknowledgment before boarding.

We ask owners to disclose all known medical conditions, medications, mobility limitations, recent health changes, and any special care requirements before check-in.

While we provide attentive, compassionate care and closely observe our guests, Whisker Ridge Retreat is not a veterinary facility and cannot provide continuous medical supervision.

Senior cats and cats with underlying medical conditions may experience sudden illness, medical emergencies, or natural age-related decline, even when receiving appropriate care.

In the event of a medical concern, we will make reasonable efforts to contact the owner and arrange veterinary attention when necessary.

Owners remain responsible for veterinary expenses associated with their cat's medical conditions or emergencies, except to the extent caused by negligence or misconduct on the part of Whisker Ridge Retreat.

Our priority is to provide every kitty with a safe, comfortable, loving environment while ensuring owners understand the additional considerations associated with boarding elderly or medically fragile cats.

Frequently Asked Questions 🐾

Do you accept all cats for boarding?

We welcome cats of all breeds and personalities, including shy kitties, playful youngsters, and our beloved senior guests!

Kittens must be at least 5 months old to board. Male cats aged 6 months or older must be neutered.

All guests must meet our veterinary health, vaccination, and flea/tick prevention requirements. Cats aged 12 or older, and those with significant medical conditions, require an additional Senior Cat & Medical Risk Acknowledgment.

Can I tour your facility before booking?

Absolutely! We'd love to show you around Whisker Ridge Retreat.

Tours are available by appointment. To protect our kitty guests, we ask visitors to avoid strong perfumes or fragrances and use quiet voices during their visit.

Our guests' comfort and safety always come first!

What happens if my cat becomes sick or injured during their stay?

Your kitty's health and safety are our highest priorities.

Although we require veterinary health documentation and current vaccinations, illness or injury can occasionally occur, even with careful precautions. Stress, underlying medical conditions, and other factors can sometimes contribute to unexpected health concerns.

If your kitty becomes ill or injured, we'll promptly assess the situation, contact you and your veterinarian when practical, and arrange appropriate veterinary care. If immediate emergency treatment is necessary, we may use AllTails, Founders, or another suitable veterinary emergency facility.

When appropriate, your kitty may be moved to one of our cozy, separate care enclosures for closer observation and comfort.

We'll make every reasonable effort to keep you informed throughout the process.

Owners are responsible for veterinary expenses associated with their cat's care, except for expenses resulting from negligence or misconduct by Whisker Ridge Retreat.

How do you maintain a safe and clean environment?

We take cleanliness, security, and guest wellbeing seriously!

Our safety and care practices include:

Routine cleaning, disinfection, and litter maintenance
Spacious, secure individual catio suites
Health and vaccination requirements
Controlled facility access
Supervised playtime and enrichment
Separate playtime for cats from different households
Emergency response procedures
Remote monitoring and video surveillance
Regular facility inspections and pest prevention

Every kitty deserves a clean, comfortable, and secure home away from home.

Do cats from different households interact?

Every kitty family enjoys their own private catio suite, along with at least an hour of supervised time exploring the hotel each day, often longer depending on occupancy. During individual playtime, other guests remain safely in their suites. Cats may greet their neighbors through their catio doors, and we provide privacy screens for kitties who prefer a little more personal space.

Over the years, we've found that some guests develop wonderful friendships, particularly our regular visitors and long-term boarders! When cats consistently demonstrate friendly, relaxed behavior toward one another, we may carefully introduce supervised playtime together. We take a cautious, individualized approach and never force interactions. Some cats who are reactive to other felines at home even surprise their families by making friends here! Of course, if your kitty prefers to play alone, or you'd rather they not mingle with other guests, we absolutely respect that. Every cat is different, and their comfort and safety always come first.

My cat is accustomed to being outdoors. Will they adjust to an indoor suite?

Many outdoor-loving cats adjust beautifully to their temporary indoor accommodations, although every kitty is different.

Our spacious catio suites offer comfortable places to rest, observe their surroundings, and enjoy enrichment activities.

We respect each guest's personality and boundaries. Some kitties are immediately affectionate, while others prefer to observe us from a distance before making friends.

We never force affection or interaction. We'll give your kitty the time, patience, and reassurance they need to settle in.

Can I choose my cat's suite?

Of course! If your preferred catio suite is available, we're happy to accommodate your request.

Suite availability depends on existing reservations and the individual needs of our guests.

Will I receive updates about my cat?

Absolutely! We love sharing our guests' adventures with their families.

We provide regular updates, at least once a day, including photos and videos, so you can see how your kitty is settling in and enjoying their stay.

You're also welcome to contact us if you'd like an additional update.

Do you offer discounts for extended stays?

We occasionally offer special considerations for extended boarding arrangements, depending on the length of stay and availability.

Please contact us to discuss your kitty's needs and receive a personalized quote.

We also offer a loyalty program where every 10th paid boarding night earns a complimentary night!

What happens if I'm late picking up my cat?

We understand that travel delays, emergencies, and unexpected circumstances happen.

Our regular checkout hours are 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, by appointment.

If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss arrangements.

Late pickups after 5:00 PM incur a $15 fee and must be arranged in advance. If your kitty needs to remain overnight, additional boarding charges will apply.

Uncollected Cats & Abandonment

If a cat is not collected on the agreed checkout date, the owner must contact Whisker Ridge Retreat promptly to arrange an extension, subject to availability and additional boarding fees.

If a cat remains uncollected for 7 days beyond the agreed checkout date, without an approved extension or satisfactory arrangements for continued care, we may consider the cat potentially abandoned and contact local animal control or law enforcement to initiate appropriate proceedings under applicable law.

Owners remain responsible for outstanding boarding fees and reasonable additional care expenses, subject to applicable law. Whisker Ridge Retreat reserves the right to pursue recovery of unpaid charges through lawful means.

Will I receive a refund if I pick up my cat earlier than scheduled?

Boarding reservations reserve accommodations exclusively for your kitty, meaning we may have declined other bookings during that period.

For this reason, early departures do not qualify for refunds or credits for unused reserved nights.

What is your reservation deposit and cancellation policy?

A 25% reservation deposit ($25 minimum, or the full booking amount if less than $25) is required to secure your booking.

Your deposit is applied toward your total boarding balance.

Cancellations at least 14 days before check-in: Your deposit is fully refundable.
Cancellations less than 14 days before check-in: Your deposit is forfeited.

The remaining boarding balance is due at check-in.

What if my cat requires medication?

We're happy to accommodate many common medication needs, provided they can be administered safely.

A separate Medication Administration Authorization is required for each stay involving medication.

Please note that we do not administer injections, subcutaneous fluids, or rectal medications.

What do I need to bring for my cat's stay?

We provide comfortable accommodations, fresh water, dry kibble, litter, toys, and plenty of love!

You're welcome to bring your kitty's favorite blanket, bed, or familiar comfort item.

Owners should supply any preferred or prescription foods, wet food, treats, and necessary medications.

Please label personal belongings and provide clear feeding or medication instructions.

How do I register my cat for boarding?

It's easy! Simply complete our Cat Registration form!

If your kitty is 12 years or older, or has significant medical conditions, you'll also need to complete our Senior Cat & Medical Risk Acknowledgment.

If your kitty requires medication during their stay, please complete our Medication Administration Authorization as well.

All three forms are conveniently located above, along with our boarding requirements and policies.

Once we receive your registration, we'll contact you to discuss availability and confirm your reservation. 🐾

​Cat Boarding Request & Registration