Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Boarding Facility Standards

Boarding catteries vary enormously in quality. Standards that specify space, hygiene, social management and veterinary protocols protect cat welfare during their owner's absence.

Key Facts

Licensed boarding facilities must meet local authority environmental health standards
CIEH and Cat Boarding Standards schemes provide voluntary higher welfare accreditation
Minimum pen sizes in many licences fall below ethological recommendations for cat welfare
Stress is markedly higher in poorly managed facilities with inadequate hiding and vertical space
Dedicated feline-only boarding reduces stress from visual and olfactory contact with dogs

Welfare Considerations

Boarding quality significantly affects cat welfare during what is inherently a stressful experience. Choosing accredited catteries with high welfare standards is a meaningful act of cat advocacy.

What You Can Do

Choose boarding facilities accredited by Cat Boarding Standards or equivalent schemes
Visit boarding facilities in advance to assess hiding space, hygiene and stress management
Advocate for stronger minimum standards in local authority boarding licence requirements