Companion Animals

Cat Boarding Enrichment and Stress Reduction

Boarding creates stress for most cats. Understanding how to reduce boarding stress through enrichment and environmental management improves cat welfare.

Key Facts

Most cats experience elevated cortisol during the first 24-48 hours of boarding
Familiar scent from home bedding reduces stress in boarding cats
Visual access to other cats should be prevented in most boarding situations
Hiding spaces are essential welfare requirements in boarding accommodation
Interactive enrichment from staff reduces stress in longer stays

Welfare Considerations

Boarding cats experience significant stress from environmental novelty, loss of familiar territory, and separation from attachment figures. Good cattery design with individual units, visual barriers, hiding spaces, and enrichment substantially reduces this stress. Bringing familiar items and training cats to the carrier before boarding reduces acute stress.

What You Can Do

Bring familiar bedding and toys to reduce stress for boarding cats
Book a pre-boarding visit so your cat can explore the cattery environment
Choose catteries with individual enclosed units and enrichment programmes