FAQs — bbcat Cage-Free Cat Boarding in Oakville
Everything you might want to know before booking.
Cage-free care, payment, drop-off timing, vaccinations, food, and what happens if plans change. If we missed yours, call us and we'll add it.
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Cage-free, calm, and built around your cat
Are you really 100% cage-free?
Yes. No cages, no kennels, no leashes at any point during your cat's stay. Guests roam in sunny, human-sized rooms with cat trees, scratch posts, soft bedding, and fresh toys. Because Abbie and Munib are home most of the day, your cat is rarely left unsupervised.
What's the difference between a Standard Stay and a Private Room?
A Standard Stay is a shared cage-free experience. After a quiet intake period in their own room, your cat gradually meets and shares the home with other guests at their own pace.
A Private Room is a fully solo stay in a dedicated space, ideal for shy cats, cats who don't socialise well, or anyone who prefers a one-cat-only experience.
Current pricing for both is on the Services & Rates page.
What does a typical day look like?
Three meals at 9 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM (or your cat's own schedule), fresh water at all times, daily eye cleaning, brushing, individual play sessions, and catnip for those who enjoy it. We send photos and videos every single day so you can see how your cat is settling in.
Will my cat be alone overnight?
No. Abbie and Munib live at the home and sleep there every night. Your cat is never left at an empty facility, and there is always someone close by if anything comes up.
Do you host dogs too?
No. bbcat is exclusively a cats-only home, and we never plan to host dogs. The presence of dogs adds stress, noise, and unpredictable movement that can be distressing for cats, so committing to cats only keeps the whole home calm. More on this on our Philosophy page.
Simple handoffs, on your schedule
What are your drop-off and pick-up hours?
We host drop-offs and pick-ups any time between 9 AM and 9 PM, seven days a week. You pick the slot that fits your travel schedule when you fill out the booking form.
How does the timing actually work?
Once your booking is confirmed, we send a calendar invite with your specific drop-off and pick-up times. Please come at the times on the invite, that's when we'll be ready for you. If your plans change, just let us know and we'll send an updated invite.
Where do we come?
Our home is near Dundas and Trafalgar in Oakville. We share the full address with you in your booking confirmation and calendar invite once your stay is confirmed.
What should I bring for my cat?
It is encouraged for the cats to bring their own:
- Food (enough for the full stay, in their normal portion sizes)
- Any prescription medication, with clear instructions
- 1 or 2 favourite toys (we suggest larger toys, since cats sometimes hide small ones in secret corners)
- A small blanket or t-shirt that smells like home (optional, often comforting)
Note: Please do not bring cat towers or litter boxes. We have those covered.
Is there a carrier rule?
Yes. Every cat must arrive and leave in a carrier. No exceptions. Even the calmest cat can bolt at a busy front door, and the carrier keeps everyone safe during the handoff.
Can you pick my cat up from home?
Yes, we offer a Chauffeur add-on for drop-off and pick-up at your home in Oakville and parts of the GTA. See the Services & Rates page for current pricing and coverage area, or call us at (437) 344-0329 if you're unsure whether your address qualifies.
What every guest needs to be here
What vaccinations are required?
We require proof of current Rabies and FVRCP vaccinations before any booking is confirmed. This is non-negotiable and reflects standard practice at any reputable cat boarding home. It's how we keep every guest safe.
Do you accept declawed cats?
Yes, with one important nuance: we accept declawed cats only when they were adopted into your family already declawed. We don't penalise a cat, or a family, for a choice they didn't make. The practice itself is something we firmly disagree with (our Philosophy page has the full position), but we won't turn away a cat who's already living with it through no fault of their own.
What if my cat needs medication during the stay?
Most routine medications are no problem, including oral pills, liquids, and topical applications. Please flag any medication when you fill out the booking form so we can confirm we're set up to administer it. For complex needs (insulin injections, IV fluids, etc.), please reach out before booking so we can make sure your cat is in the right hands.
What happens if my cat gets sick during the stay?
We watch every guest closely. If we see something concerning, we contact you right away. We're located minutes from several Oakville vet clinics, and we'll work with you to choose the right next step. Your cat's regular vet's contact info is collected at intake so we have it on hand.
Are there any cats you don't accept?
Cats must be 100% indoor, up to date on Rabies and FVRCP vaccinations, and (if older than 7 months) spayed or neutered. Younger kittens are exempt from the spay/neuter requirement. The full requirements list is on our Philosophy page.
Your cat's routine, kept the way you keep it
Can my cat keep their own food?
Yes, we strongly prefer it. Changing a cat's food during a stressful event like boarding can upset their stomach, so bringing their own food is the kindest option. We portion and serve it on their normal schedule.
What's the default feeding schedule?
Three meals at 9 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM. We call it the 9-3-9 schedule. If your cat eats on a different rhythm (twice a day, free-feeding, or specific times), just note it on the Feeding Schedule form and we'll match it exactly.
What about special diets?
Prescription diets, raw food, wet and dry mixed feeds, weight management diets, and other special plans are all accommodated. The Feeding Schedule form has space to write out the full plan, and we follow it.
Do you offer extras like grooming or in-home pick-up?
Yes. Current add-ons include a Spa Experience (bath and brush), a Chauffeur service (drop-off and pick-up at your home), and a Meal Package (we provide food for the stay so you don't need to pack any). Current pricing for each is on the Services & Rates page.
Will you send updates while my cat is here?
Yes. Photos and videos go out every single day, so you can see how your kitty is settling in and what they're up to. If anything needs your attention, we'll reach out directly by phone or email.
Pricing, paying, and what happens if plans change
When and how do I pay?
Full payment is due at the time of booking. After you submit a request and we confirm availability, we send a secure Shopify invoice for the full stay (discounts and HST already applied). One click pays it, and there's nothing more to pay on drop-off day.
Do you take a deposit?
No. The full stay is paid in one go at booking, through the secure Shopify invoice. There's nothing more to pay on drop-off day, so the handoff is just about getting your cat settled in.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and any other payment method available through Shopify's secure checkout. Everything runs through the invoice we send by email.
Are there holiday rates or peak-season fees?
No. Our rates are flat year-round. The same nightly rate in July as in December.
What's the cancellation policy?
If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible and we will figure out the right path forward (refund, reschedule, or credit toward a future stay), depending on timing. The exact written policy lives on our Terms and Conditions page.
How fast do I get a response after submitting a booking request?
Most bookings are approved in about 2 hours during our regular hours. We'll email or text you to confirm availability and send the Shopify invoice for the full stay.
Have a question we didn't answer?
Call us, email us, or just submit a booking request and add your question in the notes. We respond fast (most requests get a reply in about 2 hours during our regular hours).
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