KUALA LUMPUR – Cat boarding businesses report an overwhelming number of bookings this Aidilfitri as many pet lovers return to their hometowns for the festive season.
Operators highlight that many clients, mainly those working and residing in the Klang Valley and nearby areas, find it impractical to bring their furry companions along on their journeys.
Mohamad Luqman Jamal, 24, who works at Lana & Louie Suites, a cat boarding service in Bangsar, shared insights with Scoop, saying that the demand for cat boarding services has seen a noticeable uptick in recent years.
“There has been an increase in demand for our services during Hari Raya in recent years. Pet owners are increasingly prioritising their pets’ well-being during the holiday season, resulting in more boarding and grooming bookings.
“Typically, we experience a higher level of activity during the Hari Raya celebration compared to other times of the year. Many pet owners travel during this festive season, leading to increased demand for our services.
He noted that booking requests for Hari Raya started pouring in months earlier due to the heightened demand. Presently, the facility is at full capacity, accommodating 92 cats in the suites.
“Our facilities have reached full capacity for a few weeks now, so we are not taking any more bookings at the moment, but we are expanding our facilities, and more suites should be made available in the future,” he said.
Veterinarian Dr Azila Ahmad, who operates Chinta Qaseh Cat Clinic in Seremban, remarked on surpassing the yearly booking quota, with over 200 cats checked in for boarding.
“We have noticed a trend where families send their cats to pet hotels to minimise the risk of their cats going missing while on holiday or the cats being stressed while hosting guests. This gives the family peace of mind, knowing their cats are in good hands.
“This year, there are more bookings because most owners have a longer holiday for Raya. Although automatic food and drink dispensers are common, most owners are concerned if their cat is not being cared for,” she said.
Cat boarding services have significantly reduced the burden on cat owners during Hari Raya by ensuring their cats’ well-being while they celebrate. Previously, owners may have been hesitant to leave their cats behind, but now there are safer and more convenient options available.
Puteri Sherry Hamizah Mohamad Rameez, who is travelling to Negri Sembilan, expressed her satisfaction with the care her cats receive at the boarding service she uses on a regular basis.
“I will not be at home for the week, so I have to use the cat boarding service. My two cats, Ipin and Hatchi, are very social, so I worry when I leave them alone.
“My cats also have some allergies, so I am very particular about the food they provide, but so far, my cats are all healthy and have had no problems,” the 23-year-old said.
Siti Nurul Nabila Othman Jiwa, 28, from Shah Alam, will soon fly to Kuantan, entrusting her three rescued cats to a boarding house.
“My cats are rescues, so they have been abandoned before, and I do not want them to feel abandoned again, so I have decided to use a cat boarding service while I am away.
“One of the cats, I call her Pirate, has an eye infection, so she requires constant monitoring and needs medication applied to her eye at least three times a day. Obviously, I cannot do that, so sending them to the boarding service is very convenient,” she said. – April 14, 2024