Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Boarding Cattery Standards

Boarding cattery quality significantly affects cat welfare during owner absences. Understanding what constitutes high welfare cattery provision helps owners make informed choices.

Key Facts

High welfare catteries provide individual chalets with sleeping and exercise areas
Contact between cats in adjacent units should be prevented to avoid stress
Hiding places, elevated resting surfaces, and familiar bedding reduce boarding stress
Staff trained in feline behaviour and stress recognition provide better welfare monitoring
Health screening requirements protect resident cats from infectious disease introduction

Welfare Considerations

Cattery quality varies enormously. High welfare catteries can provide genuinely good care, while poor facilities cause significant stress. Visiting and assessing catteries before booking protects cat welfare.

What You Can Do

Visit potential catteries before booking to assess facilities and staff quality
Look for individual chalets with sleeping and activity areas
Provide familiar bedding and items from home to reduce stress
Ensure the cattery requires vaccination certificates to protect your cat