Companion Animals

Companion Cat Boarding and Cattery Welfare

Welfare considerations for cats in boarding catteries and best practice for reducing stress during owner absence.

Key Facts

Cats are territorial animals and are often stressed by removal from familiar environments
High welfare catteries provide individual chalets with outdoor runs and enrichment
Pheromone diffusers and familiar bedding reduce stress in boarding cats
Health screening requirements protect boarding cats from infectious disease
Home sitting by a trusted person may cause less welfare stress than cattery boarding

Welfare Considerations

Boarding is inherently stressful for cats, and choice of high welfare facility combined with familiar items from home significantly reduces the welfare impact of owner absence.

What You Can Do

Choose catteries with FCIAFE accreditation or equivalent high welfare standards
Provide familiar bedding and unwashed clothing to comfort your cat in boarding
Consider home sitting as a lower-stress alternative to cattery boarding