Companion Animals

Cat Boarding Cattery Standards Welfare

Cattery welfare standards vary enormously, and understanding what distinguishes high-welfare facilities from basic-standard ones helps owners make better choices for their cats.

Key Facts

FAB (Feline Advisory Bureau) approval is the most rigorous UK cattery inspection standard
FAB-approved catteries provide individual chalets with indoor sleeping and outdoor run areas
Basic-standard catteries may house cats in communal or adjacent pens risking disease transmission
Stress indicators including reduced food intake and hiding should be monitored by cattery staff
Home boarding is regulated separately and suits cats with high territorial sensitivity

Welfare Considerations

Cattery quality profoundly affects cat welfare during holiday absences. FAB approval provides assurance of minimum welfare standards that basic registration does not guarantee.

What You Can Do

Choose only FAB-approved catteries for cats that must be boarded
Visit potential catteries before booking to assess cleanliness, space and staff engagement
Consider in-home pet sitting for cats with high territorial sensitivity who find boarding stressful