Deborah McCabeFinding the perfect place for your cat to stay while you’re away is no small feat. Trust me, as someone who’s tried leaving my overly dramatic feline at a friend’s house, I’ve learned that cats are not easily impressed.
Luckily, Philly has some amazing cat boarding spots. We’re talking about playful setups and staff who genuinely understand cats. Some even include extras like playtime and cuddles.
So, let’s dive into the best cat boarding options in Philadelphia that your little ball of fluff might actually thank you for… in their own cat way, of course.
How much does a cat boarding cost in Philadelphia?
A cat boarding in Philadelphia typically costs $20 to $40 per night. Premium options can exceed $70, with extra charges for medications, private suites, or special care services.
1. The Cat Doctor
Address: 535 N 22nd St, 19130
Contact Details: (215) 561-7668
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
The Cat Doctor specializes in a cat-only boarding environment designed specifically for feline comfort.
Unlike mixed-animal boarding facilities, their setup prevents stress caused by loud noises or unfamiliar animals. This provides a quiet and calm environment tailored to your cat’s needs.
Once inside, I was impressed by the setup. Each cat is provided with its own private space to help them feel secure and at ease. The boarding area is climate-controlled, promoting comfort regardless of the weather outside.
As an AAHA-accredited and AAFP-certified Cat Friendly Practice, The Cat Doctor ensures high standards of care during your cat’s stay. Their trained veterinary staff told me they can monitor each cat’s attitude, appetite, and overall well-being daily.
If there’s one downside, it’s that they only offer boarding to current active clients of their practice, as space is limited. This could be a challenge for new clients hoping to book a spot for their cat.
Very soothing atmosphere, and everyone is so friendly
“My feline daughter and I just moved to the area. She is 16 and I wanted to make sure we established with a new vet and to make sure she is doing well after the move. The Cat Doctor practice is wonderful! Very soothing atmosphere and everyone is so friendly and helpful. Dr Jones was so great with my little girl. I can’t say enough how happy I am that we found the Cat Doctor. I’d recommend to everyone!”
– Pamela Shaffer, Google Review
They let you know the costs up front
“First time going here – they were amazing with my cat! Let me know the costs up front and let me make a decision about it, no pressure. My fur baby got all the love and care and was in good hands. Thank you!”
– Cassandra Bruce, Google Review
2. Philly’s Paws & Claws LLC.
Contact Details: (215) 888-7403
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Philly’s Paws & Claws LLC does things differently from traditional boarding facilities. Your pet gets personalized attention in a cozy, home-like setting with a trusted sitter
For cats that dislike sudden environmental changes, this is a significant advantage. It’s as if they’re staying with family rather than being policed in an unfamiliar facility.
Their daily care includes thoughtful touches, such as playtime tailored to your cat’s personality and scheduled feedings based on your preferences. They also provide walks, medication administration, and even appropriate socialization.
When I spoke to the team, they emphasized how they adapt to each cat’s temperament, which reassured me about their personalized approach.
What stood out even more were the daily photo updates you receive during your cat’s stay. I know for pet parents like me, getting visual confirmation of your cat’s happiness is invaluable.
However, one thing to note is that there’s an extra nightly fee for kittens due to their higher energy and care demands. It’s something worth factoring in if you’re trying to manage costs.
Great communication and very dependable
“Amazing group of pet-sitters. Great service, great communication, and very dependable. My cat is very shy, but PPC staff are able to get his medication done. It’s a great relief to have found them! I highly recommend.”
– Andrea Debes, Google Review
Responds to last-minute drop-in visits
“My cat, Boo, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a kitten, leaving her blind and epileptic. She has to have her medicine every 12 hours, which has made it extremely difficult to go on trips or even out to dinner most nights. Philly Paws and Claws has been a saving grace, as they take such good care of my cat and respond to last minute drop-in visits when an event comes up unexpectedly. The detailed notes and pictures show me just how much every staff member cares about animals, and how much Boo loves them! I am so grateful to have pet sitters I feel 100% comfortable caring for my pet”
– Paige Wheeler, Google Review
3. Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Mt Laurel
Address: 2026 Briggs Rd, Unit A, Mt Laurel Township, 08054
Contact Details: +1 484-550-1301
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Happy Cat Hotel & Spa takes pride in offering a comprehensive cat care experience that combines luxury and enrichment.
Their suites have been a big hit among visitors. With private spaces ranging from 280 to 512 cubic feet, each themed room adds a playful element to your cat’s environment.
One customer I spoke with loved how their shy kitty warmed up quickly to the cozy hammock and cozy perching areas in the room. These spaces are also furnished with couches and areas for hiding, catering to individual feline preferences.
The staff also deserves a shoutout. They take time for daily one-on-one interactions, such as playing and cuddling.
For those who like to stay connected, the optional private webcam access adds an extra layer of reassurance. A friend who used this feature said it made leaving their cat much less stressful.
However, it’s worth noting that this perk comes with an additional fee. Given the already premium pricing, some may find it unnecessary.
Literally a hotel for cats
“We had such a wonderful experience with Happy Cat Hotel – Mt. Laurel! Our tortie Noisette is usually very apprehensive with strangers and new environments, so we were nervous about “boarding” her for the first time. Happy Cat Hotel is FAR from boarding, it’s literally a hotel for cats. We booked a deluxe room so she could have a window, and from the moment we arrived, the staff put us completely at ease. They are professional, incredibly accommodating, and—most importantly—genuinely love and understand cats. The daily written updates were amazing—so detailed and always included photos, which really helped us feel connected and reassured while we were away. Even though our cat didn’t always welcome staff, they were so creative in making sure she still had enrichment and care—playing with her from under the door, adding moving toys for stimulation, offering treats, and giving her space when she needed it. It was clear that the team truly cares about each cat as an individual and tailors their approach accordingly. We are so grateful to have found Happy Cat Hotel and can’t thank them enough for making our trip stress-free. We’ll absolutely be returning in the future and highly recommend them to any cat parent looking for a safe, enriching, and loving place for their kitty to stay.”
– J R, Google Review
Peaceful and loving space
“Finally a place that caters to just kittens and cats in a clean, peaceful and loving space. Whether your cat needs a groom or a sleepover, the friendly and caring staff have your needs covered. Kat, our groomer (yes, that’s her name :), has such a passion and love for her job it makes it easy to drop off my cats because I know they are getting top tier care and love with her. They always leave smelling fresh and looking their best. I highly recommend the member package if your cat needs frequent grooming which absolutely makes things a bit more cost effective. It’s comforting to know there is somewhere peaceful for all of your cat/kittens needs.”
– Lisa Zaretsky, Google Review
4. Philadelphia Pet Hotel & Villas
Address: 7401 Holstein Ave, 19153
Contact Details: +1 215-365-4555
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Philadelphia Pet Hotel & Villas offers a standout option for cat owners seeking reliable and well-rounded boarding services.
Their “Kitty Condo” accommodations are truly impressive. My cat was placed in one of their spacious three-story condos, which had more room than I expected. It even looked pristine when I arrived.
In addition to a well-maintained space, private play sessions are available to help your cat feel more at ease. These sessions are beneficial for moody or shy cats that may not adjust well to typical boarding environments.
I even had the chance to speak briefly with one of the caretakers. They assured me that the 10-to-1 guest-to-staff ratio allows them to give focused attention to every pet.
One surprising detail is the mandatory requirement to select at least one interactive service per day, in addition to the lodging fee. While beneficial for keeping pets active, it can add unexpected costs.
Kind, caring, compassionate people
“For several years, my cat has been boarding at Philly Pet Hotel when I am out of town, and we’re both super pleased with the experience. They are such kind, caring, compassionate people, and Jelly Bean clearly enjoys the attention from and playtime with the staff. I appreciate the option to get text/photo updates of her stay. I’m grateful that I can rely on the team there to take care of her while I’m away. Highly recommend!”
– Krista Cady, Google Review
Beautiful cat facilities
“They did a great job with my Geely! Their cat facilities are really beautiful. Each cat gets 1 hour of playtime per day outside of the cat condo. The staff was very attentive to his needs and they even contacted me to let me know he was not eating much (which is completely normal when a cat is outside of his/her comfort zone). Geely was perfectly fine and had a wonderful visit, I just really appreciated how much they cared about him! I would 10/10 recommend to a friend. We love Philly Pet Hotel & Villas!.”
– Casey Rubin, Google Review
5. Best Friends Pet Hotel
Address: 2000 Pioneer Rd, Huntingdon Valley, 19006
Contact Details: +1 215-337-4360
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Best Friends Pet Hotel is part of the larger Best Friends Pet Care network, offering boarding, grooming, day camp, and more.
Their boarding services are fully customizable. They offer options such as individual playtime or group activities for dogs, cats, and other pets.
I was particularly impressed by the accommodations for cats. The feline area is cozy, secure, and clearly designed with comfort and cleanliness in mind.
Cats are housed in separate areas for safety and cleanliness to ensure a stress-free environment. However, I did notice that barking from the dog’s side can still be heard. If your cat is anxious or sensitive to noise, this might be something to consider.
Another feature I appreciate is their “all-inclusive” approach. Essentials like food, water, and comfortable bedding are included in the stay.
I also took advantage of their personal tour option. Walking through the space and chatting with staff gave me a clearer sense of how they operate day-to-day and left me feeling confident about the level of care provided.
Always the best place for our pets
“Best friends is always the best place for our pets! We were on a very long vacation and it was such a relief not to have to worry about their care. We knew that our dog and our cats were in the “best hands“ possible! Christine and her staff are amazing and caring and make all the difference in this facility! Would highly recommend!”
– Lisa Gordon, Google Review
Everyone was so friendly
“Everyone was so friendly and even my timid scaredy-cat of a cat let herself get snuggles and head bumps! They gave her more privacy to eat when they noticed that seemed to make her feel better.”
– Lesley Fredericks, Google Review
