How much does it cost to board a cat?Avg. range: $93-$297
Learn how nightly rates, included services and add-on fees like pet taxis and flea treatments affect the cost of boarding your cat.
By Thumbtack Staff•Last updated Oct 28, 2026
Last updated Oct 28, 2026
The national average cost of boarding a cat ranges from around $93-$297, according to Thumbtack data. Total costs depend on the services included and average rates in your area.
Cat boarding costs
| National average cost range | $93-$297 |
|---|---|
| Low-end cost | $44 |
| High-end cost | $725 |
Cat boarding services care for feline pets while their owners are away. Cat boarders are typically animal lovers, trainers or people who work in animal health. They provide lodging for cats at their home or kennel. Many cities and counties require special licensing for a person to board cats and other animals in their home, so make sure that professionals are in compliance with local regulations.
For a fee, cat boarders provide pets a space to sleep, feed them meals, ensure that they have fresh water and keep them on their daily routine. Many boarders administer medication if needed for an additional fee, depending on the business model. Most cat boarders advertise that they offer love and affection along with keeping an eye on the physical well-being of pets.
Professional cat lodging varies widely in terms of the setup. Some boarders provide space for a small number of cats in their private home, while other boarders have dedicated facilities built specifically to house the animals. Several factors affect the cost of boarding a cat.
Nightly rate
Prices for cat boarding vary depending on the specific type of accommodations, the services included in the nightly rate and the geographical region. Boarders in areas with a higher cost of living generally charge higher rates for all services. Other factors reflected in the nightly rate include the boarder’s overhead for providing services, insurance costs and required licensing. Here are some examples of nightly rates:
Delania Brooks of Dee’s Doggy Den in Cleburne, Texas
- Overnight rate: $18 for the first cat
Allison Weeks of Peticularly Perfect in Escondido, California
- Nightly rate: $25 per 24 hour period
Additional fees
Cat boarding costs can be affected by factors beyond the cost of lodging. Many cat boarding professionals also offer "pet taxis" to pick up cats and return them to their owners if they are unable to do so prior to travel. Costs for pet taxi services are often based on mileage along with an initial flat rate. Most cat boarders prefer that owners provide their pet’s food, but some will provide meals for an added cost—either a per-day rate or a per-meal rate. Fleas and mites are taboo at shared pet accommodations. If boarders find fleas on pets during their stay, owners will likely have to pay for cleanup services later.
Here are some examples of potential add-on costs from Peticularly Perfect:
- Flea, mite or tick treatment: $250
- Pet taxi service: $12 per 15 minutes of drive time
- Early drop off or late pickup: $2 per hour
A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
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