Serving Bellingham, MA
Pet Sitting Alternative in Bellingham, MA
Considering a pet sitter in Bellingham? Kitty Cottage offers a cats-only boarding alternative in Franklin, with caregivers on hand throughout the day instead of one quick visit.
Kitty Cottage is a family-owned boarding facility in Franklin, Massachusetts that cares for cats and only cats. Bellingham families use us for vacations, work trips, family emergencies, moves and renovations, any time a cat needs a safe and comfortable place to stay.
Getting to Kitty Cottage From Bellingham
Kitty Cottage is at 140 Wachusett Street in Franklin, roughly 7 miles from Bellingham. Most families take Route 140 north or a short hop on Interstate 495, and the drive usually runs about 12 minutes depending on traffic. Bellingham sits right next door to Franklin, so many families here can drop off on the way to work or the airport without adding much time to the day.
Known for Silver Lake and the busy Route 126 corridor, Bellingham is part of Norfolk County. Many households here plan a quick Franklin stop before heading to T.F. Green, and pick their cat up on the way home.
Cats and Daily Life in Bellingham
Think about your cat's favorite spot at home in Bellingham: high on a bookshelf, under a bed, or in the middle of the action. That preference tells us a lot. High perchers get a top-shelf condo when available; hiders get a cozy covered corner; social cats get extra visits from caregivers throughout the day.
If your cat has quirks, such as eating only from a flat dish, hating the sound of a can opener or needing a nightly chin scratch, write them down. Small details make a big difference to a cat in a new place.
Pet Sitting or Cat Boarding? An Honest Comparison for Bellingham
Kitty Cottage doesn't offer in-home pet sitting. We're a cats-only boarding facility in Franklin. Many Bellingham, MA families who start out searching for a pet sitter end up comparing the two options, so here's a fair look at both.
In-home sitting keeps your cat on familiar ground, which some cats love. The trade-off is that a sitter typically visits once or twice a day, so your cat spends most hours alone and any changes in appetite, litter habits or health can go unnoticed until the next visit.
When Boarding Makes More Sense Than a Sitter
In those situations a supervised cats-only stay gives Bellingham families more consistent oversight. Caregivers see your cat throughout the day and notice small changes quickly.
- Your cat takes medication more than once a day
- You'll be away longer than a weekend
- Your cat is a senior or has a health condition worth watching
- You'd rather not hand out a house key
- Your cat craves company and gets lonely when left alone
- Holiday travel makes sitters hard to book
What Your Cat Gets at Kitty Cottage That a Sitter Can't Provide
Every guest stays in a private, multi-level condo with cozy bedding and separate areas for food and litter. Caregivers handle feeding with your cat's own food, keep litter fresh and offer play, brushing and affection each day. All of that is included in the daily rate shown on our rates page.
For Bellingham cats who are curious and social, the cottage offers more company in a day than a sitter can in a week. Shy cats get privacy and patience instead.
Making the Switch From Sitter to Boarding
If your cat has only ever had a sitter, a short first stay is a good introduction. Bring a worn T-shirt or blanket and your cat's usual food, and keep the goodbye brief and calm. Our new guest information explains check-in step by step.
Bring These Items From Bellingham
Label anything you bring with your cat's name. If travel plans from Bellingham might shift by a day or two, pack a little extra food and medication so your cat's routine never has to change mid-stay.
- Current FVRCP and rabies records
- Proof of recent flea prevention
- Written feeding amounts and times
- Any prescription diet or treats your cat is used to
- One favorite toy or familiar item
- Contact details for you and a local backup
Arriving at the Cottage From Bellingham
Check-in is calm and unhurried. We go over your cat's routine together, double-check medications and contact details, and then let your cat explore their condo at their own pace. Most families from Bellingham are back on the road in about fifteen minutes.
Keep goodbyes short and cheerful. Cats read our emotions, and a calm farewell helps them settle faster. You're welcome to call during the stay to ask how your cat is doing.
Small, Personal and Focused on Cats
Because we care only for cats, every routine in the building, from cleaning schedules to the volume of our voices, is designed around feline comfort. Bellingham families tell us their cats come home relaxed, eating well and, often, a little spoiled.
What a Stay Costs for Bellingham Cats
Rates are the same for every family, whether you live in Bellingham or around the corner. One cat in one condo is $30 per day, two cats sharing a condo are $38 per day, two cats in separate condos are $55 per day, and three cats in three condos are $75 per day. Playtime, brushing, treats and attention are included, and medication administration starts at $5 per dose.
Extended stays beyond 21 days are discounted, and a holiday surcharge may apply during peak weeks. The full breakdown, including medication fees, is on our rates page.
Busy Seasons for Bellingham Travelers
Our busiest weeks are the week including New Year's Day, February and April school vacation weeks, Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thanksgiving week and Christmas week. Bellingham families traveling during those windows should reach out as soon as plans are set.
Nearby Communities We Also Serve
Neighbors of Bellingham board with us too. Read about Franklin, MA, Medway, MA, Mendon, MA, Woonsocket, RI, or browse every town on our Areas We Serve page. More for Bellingham: Cat Boarding in Bellingham, MA, Cat Boarding Near Bellingham, Massachusetts: A Planning Guide.
Reserve Your Bellingham Cat's Stay
Call (508) 528-6456 or email kc@kittycottagefranklin.com with your dates and a little about your cat. You can also visit our contact page for hours and directions. Our hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with check-in and check-out by appointment.
Questions & answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kitty Cottage located in Bellingham?
No. Kitty Cottage is at 140 Wachusett Street in Franklin, MA, about 12 minutes from Bellingham. Bellingham families bring their cats to our Franklin facility by appointment.
Do you offer in-home pet sitting in Bellingham?
No. We don't make home visits. Kitty Cottage provides cats-only boarding at our Franklin facility as an alternative to pet sitting.
How much does cat boarding cost for Bellingham residents?
The same as for everyone: $30 per day for one cat, $38 for two cats sharing, $55 for two cats in separate condos and $75 for three cats. See our rates.
What vaccinations does my cat need before boarding?
Current FVRCP and rabies vaccinations plus flea prevention are required. Cats over six months should be spayed or neutered. Details are on our health & safety page.
Can Kitty Cottage give my Bellingham cat medication?
Yes. Caregivers give oral and topical medications ($5), inhalers ($6), nebulizer treatments and subcutaneous injections ($8) and subcutaneous fluids ($15) per administration. Bring medications in their original labeled containers with clear written instructions.
Can two cats from my Bellingham home stay together?
Yes. Compatible cats can share a condo for $38 per day, or stay in two condos, often adjoining, for $55 per day.
Request a stay
Contact Us From Bellingham
Call or email with your travel dates and a little about your cat. Families from Bellingham are always welcome. A caregiver will confirm availability, answer questions and schedule your check-in appointment.
- (508) 528-6456
- kc@kittycottagefranklin.com
- 140 Wachusett Street, Franklin, MA 02038
- Monday – Friday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pmSaturday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pmSunday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm – 6:30 pmCheck-in and check-out by appointment only