Companion Animals

Cat Boarding and Cattery Welfare Standards

Boarding cats in catteries is stressful, and welfare-focused cattery design and management significantly reduces stress during owner absence.

Key Facts

Cats are territorial and the cattery environment is profoundly unfamiliar
Disease transmission in group settings makes isolation chalets superior to open runs
The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) cattery standards describe evidence-based design criteria
Familiar objects, bedding, and owner-worn clothing reduce stress in boarding cats
Cats with known health conditions require veterinary-liaison cattery management

Welfare Considerations

Cattery welfare depends heavily on individual chalets that prevent cat-to-cat contact and disease transmission, combined with familiar environmental enrichment. The best catteries provide hiding spaces, elevated resting areas, and daily interactive care.

What You Can Do

Choose catteries licensed and inspected by local authority
Look for FAB recommended cattery status or equivalent welfare accreditation
Provide your cat's own bedding and a worn piece of your clothing
Inform the cattery of all health conditions and behaviour needs