Catteries vary enormously in quality and the welfare impact on boarded cats depends on space, design, hygiene, and human interaction standards.
Cat boarding welfare reflects the fundamental territorial nature of cats. Unlike dogs that can adapt to new social groups, cats are strongly attached to their home territory and find novel environments inherently stressful. Good cattery design that provides individual spaces with separate sleeping and toilet areas, views to the outside, and regular human interaction minimizes stress. Vaccination requirements protect against disease transmission in the confined environment. For many cats, particularly shy or anxious individuals, in-home cat sitting that allows them to remain in their own territory provides superior welfare outcomes to even excellent cattery facilities.