Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Boarding: Stress Reduction Strategies

Stress during boarding is a significant welfare concern for cats. Evidence-based strategies including familiar scent, visual barriers and hiding provision reduce boarding-related stress measurably.

Key Facts

Cats in boarding show elevated cortisol and reduced food intake particularly in the first 24-48 hours
Familiar bedding from home provides olfactory security in unfamiliar environments
Visual barriers between adjacent pens prevent visual stress from neighbouring cats
Hiding boxes in cattery pens allow cats to withdraw from visual exposure when stressed
Staff trained in feline stress recognition can intervene earlier to support welfare

Welfare Considerations

Boarding stress is genuine and measurable, particularly during initial adaptation. Evidence-based facilities that minimise visual and olfactory stress triggers while providing hiding and familiarity reduce but cannot eliminate the welfare cost of boarding.

What You Can Do

Bring familiar bedding and toys when boarding your cat to maintain olfactory security
Choose boarding facilities with visual barriers between pens and hiding provision
Prepare your cat for boarding with pheromone sprays in the carrier several days before travel