Companion Animals

Cat Boarding Welfare: Stress and Enrichment

Boarding in catteries causes significant stress for many cats, with welfare dependent on facility design, management, and enrichment provision.

Key Facts

Cats show elevated cortisol and reduced food intake in the first days of boarding
Single cat housing with visual barriers between pens reduces inter-cat stress in boarding settings
Owner-provided familiar bedding and toys reduce stress hormones in boarded cats
Feliway pheromone diffusers in boarding facilities reduce stress behaviour in many cats

Welfare Considerations

Boarding is a necessary welfare compromise for many cat owners, but the stress it causes is real and variable. Choosing high-quality boarding facilities and providing familiar items mitigates but does not eliminate stress. At-home care through pet sitters may be preferable for highly anxious cats.

What You Can Do

Choose boarding facilities that provide single-cat housing and use pheromone products
Provide familiar bedding and an item of your clothing to reduce boarding stress
Consider at-home pet sitting as an alternative for cats with severe boarding stress