Cattery boarding quality varies enormously, with welfare-positive environments providing stress reduction, environmental enrichment, and individualised care while poor facilities cause significant anxiety.
Boarding stress is a genuine welfare concern for cats, particularly those with high territorial attachment or existing anxiety. The best welfare approach varies by individual cat - some tolerate cattery well with adequate environmental enrichment, others experience sustained distress throughout. Assessment of individual cat's boarding history, behaviour, and anxiety risk factors should guide the boarding choice. Well-run catteries with experienced staff minimise but cannot eliminate boarding stress.