Companion Animals

Cat Boarding Stress: Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

Boarding in catteries causes significant stress in many cats, with evidence-based strategies available to reduce its impact.

Key Facts

Many cats show behavioural signs of stress including hiding, reduced appetite, and sickness during boarding
Familiar bedding and pheromone diffusers reduce boarding stress markers
Small group boarding with familiar cats from the same household reduces stress
Single-occupancy suites with hiding areas consistently outperform communal catteries

Welfare Considerations

Boarding stress is real and causes genuine welfare compromise in susceptible cats. Owner and cattery choices can dramatically reduce stress through familiar scent provision, appropriate housing, and gradual introduction to the boarding environment.

What You Can Do

Choose a cattery with individual suites that include hiding boxes
Send familiar bedding and toys with strong home scents for boarding
Use Feliway Classic diffusers in the cattery suite from arrival