Companion Animals

Cat Boarding and Holiday Care Welfare

Cat boarding stress is significant and often underestimated, but high-quality catteries, pet sitters and cat-proofed home-sitters provide welfare-positive alternatives.

Key Facts

Cats are territorial and find environmental change highly stressful
Boarding cattery standards vary widely; FAB (Feline Advisory Bureau) inspection provides quality assurance
In-home pet sitting avoids the stress of transportation and unfamiliar environments
Some cats adapt well to boarding; others experience chronic stress throughout their stay
Feliway pheromone diffusers in cattery pens reduce stress indicators in boarding cats

Welfare Considerations

Holiday cat care welfare varies dramatically between options. Understanding your individual cat's stress profile determines whether boarding or in-home care provides the better welfare outcome.

What You Can Do

Choose FAB-approved catteries with individual, not communal, cat housing
Consider in-home pet sitting for cats that are highly territorial or stress-sensitive
Prepare your cat for boarding with short stays before longer holidays