Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Boarding Welfare During Owner Absence

How cats experience owner absence - whether in boarding or at home - significantly affects their stress and welfare during these periods.

Key Facts

Many cats experience significant stress in boarding cattery environments due to novel smells and sounds
In-home pet sitting maintains the familiar environment but requires careful sitter selection
Cat-specific catteries with visual separation between pens reduce stress substantially
Familiarity with a boarding facility through pre-visits reduces anxiety for many cats
Pheromone products and familiar bedding reduce stress indicators in boarding cats

Welfare Considerations

Owner absence is a significant welfare event for many cats, particularly those with anxiety or strong territorial attachments. Planning ahead, choosing appropriate care, and providing familiar items and scents meaningfully reduces stress.

What You Can Do

Visit potential boarding catteries to assess cat separation, cleanliness, and management
Provide familiar bedding and items from home when boarding your cat
Consider in-home pet sitting for anxious cats who cope poorly with novel environments