Companion Animals

Cat Boarding and Welfare

Cats can experience significant stress during boarding and holidays, requiring careful choice of facilities and preparation.

Key Facts

Cats are territorial animals that often find environmental change highly stressful
Good boarding catteries provide individual chalets with outdoor runs and consistent care
Cat-friendly practices reduce stress through scent management and low handling frequency
Home-based cat sitting avoids the territorial disruption of boarding entirely
Pheromone diffusers and familiar objects from home reduce boarding stress significantly

Welfare Considerations

Boarding stress causes genuine welfare compromise for many cats. Careful choice of boarding facilities, in-home cat sitting alternatives, and environmental support measures all contribute to welfare during owner absences.

What You Can Do

Visit and assess boarding catteries before booking to check conditions
Look for Feline Friends-endorsed catteries with individual chalets and outdoor access
Consider professional home cat sitting as a lower-stress alternative to boarding
Leave familiar bedding and objects with your cat at the cattery
Prepare cats for boarding by familiarising them with carriers and short trips