Factsheet - Boarding Your Cat

Important Information About Cat Boarding

Cat ownership in Australia continues to grow, and for good reason. Our feline friends have chosen to live alongside humans for thousands of years, bringing comfort, companionship and quiet joy into our homes. As responsible pet parents, it is important to understand what care options are available for our furry companions when we are away.

There are times when families travel for holidays, need to vacate their home for renovations, or are otherwise unable to care for their cat at home. During these periods, professional boarding catteries offer a safe, secure and comfortable alternative, ensuring your cat is well cared for and you can enjoy true peace of mind.

What Cat Care Options Are Available?

The idea of travelling with your feline friend can sound appealing. However, unless your cat is confident, well travelled and comfortable in unfamiliar environments, travel often causes more stress than enjoyment for both cat and owner.

Another common option is asking a friend, neighbour or house sitter to visit your cat once or twice a day. While this may work in some situations, it can be limited in its ability to meet your cat’s full needs. Cats are naturally stoic animals, and even subtle changes in appetite, behaviour or toileting can indicate underlying health concerns that may go unnoticed by an untrained carer.

For many pet parents, a professional boarding cattery is the most reliable and supportive option. Reputable facilities employ trained teams who understand feline behaviour, monitor health closely, and are equipped to respond quickly if any concerns arise. Members of the Australian Pet Care Association also operate under strict Codes of Practice designed to protect the welfare of all animals in their care.

We regularly hear from cat parents who wish they had chosen professional boarding earlier, particularly when health or behavioural issues were missed during casual home visits. Trained care reduces this risk and removes the pressure placed on well meaning friends or family members.

What to Look for in a Professional Boarding Cattery

Choosing the right boarding environment is an important decision. Before booking, take the time to speak with the cattery team and ask questions about how they care for their feline guests.

Key considerations include:

• Whether familiar bedding and toys are welcome to help your cat feel secure

• What diet is provided and whether special or prescription foods can be supplied

• Security measures in place to prevent escapes

• Staff qualifications, training and experience with cats

• Health monitoring and record keeping during your cat’s stay

• Which veterinary clinic is used and the process for vet visits if required

• How medication and special care needs are managed

• What individual attention and enrichment are included

• Clear pricing, services offered and operating hours

A quality cattery will welcome open communication and appreciate your commitment to your furry companion’s wellbeing.

Understanding Cat Behaviour During Boarding

Cats respond to change very differently from dogs. As instinctively solitary animals, their natural reaction to unfamiliar surroundings is often to retreat and observe quietly until they feel safe.

For this reason, cats generally prefer the protected feeling of having their own private accommodation while boarding. Well designed catteries provide calm, individual spaces where cats can rest, hide if needed, and adjust at their own pace.

Cats that board regularly often come to view the cattery as a familiar second home. These feline friends may enjoy gentle human interaction and enrichment once settled. As a cat parent, you know your companion best, and sharing their preferences helps staff tailor care to suit their personality.

Why Choose a Professional Pet Resort?

Professional pet resorts and boarding facilities provide a level of care, safety and supervision that alternative options often cannot match.

Benefits include:

• Care provided by trained and experienced animal professionals

• Strict vaccination policies to protect all cats in care

• Licensing and regulation by local councils and industry associations

• Comprehensive hygiene and cleaning procedures

• Ongoing supervision and regular human interaction throughout the day

• Secure facilities designed to prevent escapes and unauthorised access

• Registered businesses with appropriate public liability insurance

• Staff on site at all times, not just brief daily visits

• Clear boarding agreements outlining responsibilities and expectations

These standards are rarely required of pet sitters, in home boarding services or backyard carers.

The Importance of Immunisation

Advances in feline immunisation programs have significantly reduced the risk of serious contagious diseases that were once common in boarding environments.

Most professional catteries enforce strict vaccination requirements to protect all feline guests. It is important for pet parents to understand these policies and discuss them with their veterinarian prior to boarding.

Catteries may refuse entry to cats showing signs of illness on arrival. This is done to protect the health of other cats and maintain a safe boarding environment.

Managing Stress During Boarding

Any furry companion placed in unfamiliar surroundings may experience some degree of stress. Stress can affect appetite, digestion and immune function, particularly in cats.

Professional catteries are experienced in minimising stress and allowing cats to settle at their own pace. Pet parents can also help by introducing crate familiarisation at home. Teaching your cat that their carrier is a safe, positive space can make transport and boarding far less stressful.

Cats that regularly board often adjust more easily over time. Short trial stays before longer holidays can help your feline friend build confidence and familiarity with the boarding environment.

Welcoming Your Cat Home

When collecting your cat, keep them safely indoors while they readjust to home life. Allow time for normal routines such as meals, sleeping patterns and toileting habits to settle back into place.

Just as boarding requires an adjustment period, returning home does too. Patience, calm handling and consistency will help your furry companion feel secure again.

Key Takeaways for Cat Parents

• Planning ahead for cat boarding is a proactive and responsible choice

• Choose a boarding facility you trust to care for your feline friend

• Cats may behave differently while boarding than they do at home

• Regular boarding can help cats feel more comfortable when away

• Professional care provides peace of mind for pet parents and attentive care for cats