An Honest Comparison from Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA
Cats are creatures of habit. They know where their food bowl sits, which windowsill gets the best afternoon sun, and how the air smells when you come home. This deep attachment to routine makes travel plans challenging for cat owners — especially when deciding between boarding your cat at a facility or hiring an in-home cat sitter.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we’ve cared for countless cats in their own homes, and we’ve seen firsthand how staying put can make a world of difference. While boarding facilities have their place, here’s why in-home cat sitting is often the less stressful, healthier choice.
1. Familiar Environment = Less Anxiety
Boarding requires uprooting your cat and placing them in a completely new environment. That means:
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New smells and sounds
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Strange cats and dogs nearby
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Unfamiliar people
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Different food and litter setups
For many cats, this can trigger stress behaviors like hiding, refusing food, or excessive grooming.
In-home sitting advantage:
Your cat stays in the environment they know. They sleep in their favorite spot, use their regular litter box, and keep the same scent-based comfort zone. At Lezlie’s, we work within your cat’s established territory to keep stress to a minimum.
2. No Exposure to Illness or Parasites
Even the cleanest boarding facilities can’t fully eliminate the risk of:
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Upper respiratory infections (common in multi-cat spaces)
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Fleas or mites
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Contagious illnesses from other animals
In-home sitting advantage:
Your cat won’t come into contact with other animals, meaning no increased risk of illness or parasites. Our team at Lezlie’s is meticulous about hygiene, using your cleaning supplies and routines to keep your cat’s space safe.
3. Routine Stays Intact
Cats thrive on predictability. Boarding facilities operate on a fixed schedule that may not match your cat’s habits.
In-home sitting advantage:
We follow your exact instructions for feeding, playtime, and litter box maintenance. Whether your cat eats three times a day or prefers a specific morning routine, we keep it consistent. At Lezlie’s, our goal is to replicate your presence as closely as possible.
4. Tailored Human Interaction
At a boarding facility, staff juggle many animals. Even well-meaning employees can’t spend extended time with each cat.
In-home sitting advantage:
Your cat gets focused, one-on-one attention from a sitter who already knows their quirks. Whether your cat is social and loves lap time or shy and prefers quiet companionship, Lezlie’s sitters adapt to their personality.
5. No Stressful Transportation
Many cats dislike car rides — and that’s putting it mildly. Just getting them into the carrier can be a battle, and the trip to the boarding facility can spike their stress before you’ve even left.
In-home sitting advantage:
Your cat never has to leave home. We come to them, so they can keep their dignity (and you can keep your forearms scratch-free).
6. Real-Time Updates for Peace of Mind
When boarding, you might get occasional updates, but they’re rarely detailed.
In-home sitting advantage:
Lezlie’s Pet Sitting sends daily photo or video updates, along with notes about your cat’s eating habits, litter use, and overall mood. You’ll know if they’re playing, napping, or simply judging us from across the room.
7. Cost Isn’t Always Higher
Boarding may look cheaper at first glance, but costs can climb quickly with add-ons:
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Medication administration fees
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Extra playtime charges
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Holiday or peak-season surcharges
With Lezlie’s in-home care, pricing is straightforward. You pay for the visits your cat needs — no hidden “extras.”
When Boarding Might Be the Better Choice
In-home sitting isn’t right for every cat. Boarding might be a better fit if:
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Your home will be undergoing noisy renovations while you’re away
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Your cat requires 24/7 medical monitoring
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Your cat is extremely social and thrives in group environments
Even then, it’s essential to find a boarding facility with cat-only accommodations and experienced staff.
Final Thoughts: Most Cats Prefer Staying Home
For the majority of cats, home is where they feel safest. In-home cat sitting minimizes change, avoids exposure to illness, and allows for care that’s truly customized to their personality.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, our mission is to keep your cat happy, healthy, and calm while you’re away. Whether your feline is playful, aloof, or somewhere in between, we’ll make sure they’re cared for like our own.
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