Companion Animals

Cat Boarding Cattery Welfare Standards

Boarding cattery quality varies enormously and choosing a good cattery is important for cat welfare during owner absence.

Key Facts

Cats are territorial and boarding causes significant stress for many individuals
ISFM-approved catteries meet minimum standards for space, hygiene and cat-specific design
Individual chalets with separate sleeping and exercise areas reduce inter-cat stress
Familiar items such as bedding from home reduce anxiety during boarding
Some cats are better suited to professional home boarding or professional pet sitting

Welfare Considerations

Poorly designed catteries with barred fronts, shared airspace and high noise levels cause chronic stress in boarded cats. Welfare-conscious cattery design reduces visual contact between cats, provides hiding opportunities and uses pheromone diffusers to ease the transition. Owner preparation and vaccination requirements also protect welfare.

What You Can Do

Visit any cattery before booking to assess design, cleanliness and staff knowledge
Choose ISFM-approved or FAB-inspected catteries for higher welfare standards
Bring familiar bedding and items from home to reduce anxiety
Consider professional cat sitters who visit your home as an alternative to boarding