Planning time away from home often means thinking about the best way to care for your cat while you’re gone. For many owners, a cattery can offer peace of mind, with trained staff on hand to look after your cat’s needs.

However, it’s natural to feel concerned about how your cat will cope in a new environment. With the right preparation and a good understanding of what to expect, you can help make the experience as comfortable as possible.

In this guide

What is a cattery?
How to prepare your cat for a cattery stay
What vaccinations your cat may need
What to pack for a cattery stay
Putting your cat in a cattery for the first time
How to reduce cattery stress in cats
Helping your cat settle back at home
FAQs

What is a cattery?

A cattery is a boarding facility where cats are cared for while their owners are away. Cats are usually housed in individual pens and cared for by trained staff, who provide food, cleaning and general monitoring.

Catteries can be a suitable option for some cats, particularly when other arrangements aren’t possible. You can read more about choosing the right option in our guide to choosing cat holiday care.

How to prepare your cat for a cattery stay

Preparation for a cattery stay is mostly about making sure your cat is healthy and keeping things as calm and consistent as possible in the lead-up to your trip.

Make sure your cat is up to date with vaccinations and is in good health before they go. Try to avoid introducing any major changes to their routine, as stability can help reduce stress.

If your cat is not comfortable with their carrier, it can help to gradually get them used to it in advance. This is something that works best when started well ahead of time.

You can find more advice on planning for your cat’s care while you’re away in our guide to going on holiday.

What vaccinations or health checks your cat may need

Most catteries will require your cat to be vaccinated before they can stay. This is to protect both your cat and others in the cattery.

Common vaccinations include:

• cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
• feline infectious enteritis
• feline leukaemia virus

If you use a cattery for holiday care, they will often require you to vaccinate your cat.

Catteries may also ask for proof of recent flea and worm treatments. Parasites can spread quickly in environments where multiple animals are present, so preventative treatment helps reduce the risk of infection.

You can find more information in our guide to vaccinations.

What to pack for a cattery stay

It’s a good idea to bring items that help your cat feel more comfortable and maintain their usual routine.

This may include:

• their usual food, to avoid sudden dietary changes
• familiar bedding with their scent
• favourite toys

These familiar items can help provide reassurance in a new environment.

Avoid bringing items that could be unsafe, such as anything with long strings or parts that could become tangled or swallowed.

Putting your cat in a cattery for the first time

It’s common to feel unsure about putting your cat in a cattery for the first time. Every cat is different, and their response will depend on their personality and past experiences.

Cats that are confident, used to visitors and adaptable to change may cope better. Others, particularly those who are more sensitive to new environments or other cats, may find it more challenging.

In many cases, it’s difficult to predict exactly how a cat will respond until they experience it.

How to reduce cattery stress in cats

Some level of stress is normal, as a cattery is a new environment with different sights, sounds and smells.

Choosing a good-quality cattery can make a big difference. Look for facilities that:

• provide spacious pens
• include plenty of hiding places
• prevent direct contact between cats
• have staff who allow cats to approach them rather than forcing interaction

Familiar items from home, such as bedding, can help. Some catteries may also use pheromone products, which can support relaxation in some cats.

Signs of stress can include hiding, reduced appetite, changes in grooming habits or unusual behaviour. You can read more about these in our guide to cat stress.

Helping your cat settle back at home

Most cats are pleased to return to their familiar environment and will settle back into their routine quickly.

You may notice small changes in behaviour at first, such as increased affection or higher energy levels. This is usually temporary and should settle within a few days.

If your cat shows ongoing signs of stress or difficulty adjusting after returning home, it may be worth considering alternative care options in the future.

FAQs

Is it stressful for cats to stay in a cattery?

Some cats may find a cattery environment stressful due to unfamiliar surroundings and the presence of other cats. However, others cope well, particularly for shorter stays.

Will my cat be OK in a cattery for two weeks?

Many cats can cope with a short-term stay in a cattery, but this depends on the individual cat. If you have concerns, you may want to consider alternatives such as a cat sitter.

Do you take cat food to a cattery?

Yes, many catteries encourage owners to bring their cat’s usual food to avoid dietary changes.

Do cats miss their owners in a cattery?

Cats are more focused on their immediate environment than on missing their owners. However, many will show recognition and affection when reunited.

Is it cruel to put a cat in a cattery?

A cattery is not inherently cruel, but it may not suit every cat. Some cats cope well, while others may be more comfortable staying at home or with a trusted carer.