Cat Boarding Welfare and Cattery Standards

Boarding facilities for cats vary enormously in standards, with the best offering genuine welfare while the worst cause significant stress.

Key Facts

Cats are highly territorial animals that experience significant stress when removed from their home environment
Upper respiratory infections spread rapidly in poorly managed boarding facilities
Single-room catteries where cats cannot see other boarders have lower stress indicators
In-home cat sitting maintains routine and territory, reducing many boarding stressors
ABKA accreditation provides a minimum welfare standard for boarding facilities in the US

Welfare Considerations

Cat boarding welfare is a significant issue because cats are among the most stress-susceptible animals when removed from familiar territory. A cat in a poorly designed boarding facility may spend the duration in acute stress — refusing to eat, hiding, and showing suppressed immune responses that lead to respiratory infections. High-quality boarding facilities understand feline stress physiology and design accordingly: individual suites without sight lines to other cats, routine maintenance, experienced staff, and prompt veterinary attention when needed. In-home sitting eliminates the environmental stress component for many cats.

What You Can Do

Visit boarding facilities before booking to assess design and staff knowledge
Choose catteries with single suites that prevent sight and smell contact with other cats
Consider in-home sitting as an alternative that maintains territory and routine
Ask boarding facilities about their infection control and veterinary protocols
Support boarding facility accreditation standards that include welfare criteria