I don't think that I'd ever board my cats. They'd be so scared and depressed that they'd probably not even eat. I don't usually go away very often but when I do have friends come over to take care of them.
I'm actually going away this weekend and my co-worker and friend will be pet sitting for me. They know her and love her so there shouldn't be any problems. I even told her that she could stay at my place for the weekend if she'd like since she'd have to come by 2 times a day any way.
Since being a member of Pet Talk, I've also met AmberLee and she lives so close she could also pet sit for me some time. I've been her pet sitter and will be doing this for her in Sept.