Frequently asked

Yoko's Coastal Cat Retreat is a boutique, cat-only boarding experience in Oceanside, California. We offer a quiet, comfortable, home-like alternative to traditional boarding, with limited occupancy so every guest receives personalized attention and care.

We intentionally keep our guest list small. Rather than a busy kennel environment, our focus is on creating a calm retreat where each cat's individual personality, routine and preferences are respected.

Our guests enjoy comfortable resting and hiding spaces, enrichment, play, individual attention and our signature Yoko's Afternoon Tea.

We maintain a limited number of guests to preserve the peaceful, personalized environment that defines Yoko's Coastal Cat Retreat. Occupancy is intentionally kept low, and availability may vary depending on the needs and compatibility of the cats staying with us.

Not necessarily. A cat's comfort and safety always come first.

We evaluate each guest individually based on temperament, previous experience with other cats, health, stress level and the other guests staying at the Retreat. Communal access is never guaranteed, and cats may be separated whenever individual accommodations are more appropriate.

Cats from the same household may stay together when requested and appropriate.

That's perfectly acceptable. Some cats thrive around other cats, while others are happiest with their own territory and quiet time.

Please tell us about your cat's personality during the intake process. We can determine whether our available accommodations are suitable before confirming the reservation.

Yes, provided we can safely meet their individual needs.

In fact, our small-scale environment can be particularly appealing to cats who may find a large boarding facility overwhelming. We allow cats time to acclimate and never force interaction.

Yoko's Afternoon Tea is our signature daily ritual, inspired by Yoko herself.

Each afternoon, guests receive special one-on-one attention that may include a premium treat, gentle brushing, playtime, cuddles or simply quiet companionship. Every Afternoon Tea is tailored to what that particular cat enjoys.

Yes. We know how reassuring it is to see how your cat is doing.

Depending on your stay package, updates may include photos, short videos and messages about eating, activities, behavior and how your cat is settling in.

For the protection of all our guests, current vaccination records must be provided before arrival. Requirements may include appropriate core feline vaccinations such as rabies and FVRCP.

Because vaccination recommendations can vary by age and medical circumstances, any exceptions should be discussed with us in advance and supported by your veterinarian when appropriate.

Guests must arrive free of fleas, ticks and other contagious parasites. During the intake process, we'll ask about your cat's current parasite-prevention program.

If you discover fleas or signs of illness immediately before a scheduled stay, please contact us before bringing your cat to the Retreat.

We will contact you promptly if we notice a significant health concern.

Before your cat's stay, you'll provide your veterinarian's information, an emergency contact and authorization instructions for veterinary treatment if you cannot be reached.

If urgent care is necessary and delaying treatment could jeopardize your cat's health, we will follow the emergency authorization provided in your boarding agreement.

Medication administration may be available depending on the medication, schedule, method of administration and your cat's temperament.

All medications must be provided in their original labeled containers with clear written instructions. Please discuss injections, complex medical care or cats requiring intensive monitoring with us before booking so we can determine whether we can safely accommodate their needs.

We recommend bringing your cat's regular food in clearly labeled containers, medications and any special instructions.

You may also bring a small familiar item such as a blanket or favorite toy if it will help your cat settle in. Please label personal belongings with your cat's name.

Absolutely. Maintaining a familiar diet can help minimize digestive upset and stress while your cat is away from home.

We'll ask for feeding amounts, schedules, treats and dietary restrictions during intake.

Yes. Details about the litter available at the Retreat can be provided before your stay. If your cat strongly prefers or medically requires a particular type of litter, please let us know during booking.

First-time clients can inquire about an introductory visit or meet-and-greet. Because this is a private, home-based retreat and we want to minimize disruption to boarding guests, visits are scheduled in advance rather than offered as walk-ins.

Because we intentionally accept only a small number of guests, reservations can fill quickly — particularly during holidays, summer travel periods and school breaks.

We recommend requesting your dates as soon as your travel plans are known.

No. Submitting a Request a Stay form begins the reservation process.

We'll review your requested dates along with your cat's health, care requirements and temperament. Your stay is confirmed only after we approve the request and any required deposit or payment has been received.

A reservation deposit may be required to hold your dates. Your confirmation will specify the amount due, remaining balance and applicable cancellation terms before payment is made.

Because we maintain very limited capacity and turn away other reservations once space has been reserved, cancellation terms apply.

The specific cancellation and holiday policies will be provided during booking and must be accepted before the reservation is confirmed.

Yes, subject to availability. Holiday periods are among our busiest times, so early reservations are strongly encouraged. Holiday rates and cancellation requirements may differ from standard stays.

No. Yoko's Coastal Cat Retreat is exclusively for cats.

Keeping the Retreat cat-only allows us to create the quieter environment our feline guests deserve.

We are located in Oceanside, California, serving cat families throughout North County San Diego.

Because Yoko's Coastal Cat Retreat operates from a private residence, the exact address and arrival instructions are provided to confirmed clients rather than published publicly.

Simply select Request a Stay and complete our online intake form. Tell us your travel dates and a little about your cat, and we'll review your request and contact you regarding availability and next steps.