Choosing the right cattery is more than just finding a place for your cat to stay while you’re away. It’s about ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind. A well-run cattery keeps your cat healthy, calm, and happy by maintaining hygiene, providing enrichment, and delivering attentive care.
In this guide, you’ll learn what defines a quality cattery, what questions to ask before booking, and how to evaluate everything from cleanliness and staff training to security, accommodation, and vaccination policies. Let’s explore how to find the perfect home-away-from-home for your feline companion.
1. Cleanliness and Hygiene: The Foundation of Good Care
A reputable cattery should look, feel, and smell clean. Hygiene practices protect cats from disease, reduce stress, and make the environment pleasant for everyone.
What to look for:
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Clean enclosures and litter areas: Daily spot cleaning, full changes between stays.
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Pet-safe disinfectants: Products designed for animal environments, with clear cleaning schedules.
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Dedicated tools per zone: Mops, cloths, and scoops should not be shared between enclosures.
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Fresh air: No lingering odours or stale air, a clear sign of regular cleaning and proper ventilation.
Example standards:
2. Air Quality and Ventilation
Ventilation isn’t just about smell. It’s crucial for preventing respiratory illness and keeping cats calm. Good airflow controls humidity and removes airborne irritants like ammonia.
During your visit, check for:
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A fresh, neutral smell (no ammonia).
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Visible vents or windows showing airflow.
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Staff are able to explain their ventilation or HVAC maintenance schedule.
A well-ventilated cattery supports both hygiene and emotional well-being.
3. Safety and Security Standards
Your cat’s safety should be non-negotiable. A trustworthy cattery will combine secure design, escape prevention, and clear emergency plans.
Essential safety features:
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Double-door entry systems to prevent escapes.
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Strong latches and secure materials (smooth walls, reinforced mesh, or glass).
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Predator-proof outdoor areas where applicable.
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Emergency plans for fire, weather events, or illness, with roles, drills, and veterinary contacts clearly documented.
Ask staff to show how entry systems work and explain their emergency procedure. Confidence and transparency here are strong signs of professionalism.
4. Staff Qualifications and Daily Care
Cats rely on calm, observant carers. The best catteries employ staff trained in feline behaviour, handling, and animal first aid.
Expect to find:
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Training in reading cat body language and reducing stress.
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Consistent routines for feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
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Behaviour and health logs to monitor changes.
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On-call veterinary support for emergencies.
Ask these questions during your visit:
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“How do you handle shy or anxious cats?”
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“What’s your ratio of staff to cats?”
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“Can I see a sample of your daily care logs?”
Trained staff can spot early signs of illness or distress, ensuring prompt, compassionate care.
5. Accommodation and Enrichment Options
Cats need privacy, vertical space, and stimulation. Look for accommodation that mimics a natural feline environment, quiet, structured, and secure.
Ideal enclosure features:
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Separate areas for eating, sleeping, and litter.
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Hiding boxes and perches.
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Soft bedding and space to stretch.
Example options:
| Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Indoor Enclosure | Bed, perch, litter tray, daily play | Most cats |
| Luxury Cat Suite | Private room, window, puzzles, webcams | Anxious or long-stay cats |
| Home-Based Cattery | Domestic setting, few guests | Cats needing quiet environments |
| Secure Outdoor Run | Enclosed play area with climbing options | Confident, active cats |
Regular enrichment like interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and gentle playtime helps maintain wellbeing. Always ask how activities are adapted for seniors or anxious cats.
6. Health, Vaccination, and Medication Policies
A professional cattery will request up-to-date vaccinations and parasite prevention. This protects your cat, and every other guest.
Typical requirements:
| Vaccine | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Feline Distemper (FPV) | 2–4 weeks post-vaccine or annual booster | Prevents severe infection |
| Feline Herpesvirus / Calicivirus | Annual booster | Prevents respiratory illness |
| Flea/Worm Control | Within 2–4 weeks of boarding | Prevents parasite spread |
Ask to see how medications are logged and stored, and whether there’s a designated isolation area for unwell cats, essential for infection control and transparency.
7. Licensing, Insurance, and Reputation
Reputable catteries are licensed, insured, and transparent. This isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s your assurance of accountability and welfare standards.
Check for:
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Check that the cattery complies with your local council’s boarding regulations or state animal welfare code. Some regions require formal registration or inspection.
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Check the facility complies with your state’s Animal Welfare Code of Practice for boarding establishments (e.g. VIC, NSW, SA).
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
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Up-to-date inspection certificates or welfare accreditations.
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Consistent, detailed customer reviews mentioning cleanliness, communication, and staff care.
When reading reviews, focus on recent feedback and specific details, not just star ratings. Consistent comments about safety, hygiene, and attentive care are the best endorsement.
Final Checklist: What to Confirm Before Booking
✅ Up-to-date vaccinations and health records
✅ Clean, odour-free, well-ventilated environment
✅ Secure entry and emergency plans in place
✅ Trained, caring staff with veterinary access
✅ Enclosures with space, privacy, and enrichment
✅ Valid licence and insurance
✅ Transparent communication and positive reviews
A great cattery should feel like a professional, peaceful place, where you’d feel comfortable staying if you were a cat yourself.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cattery is about trust, observation, and preparation. Visit in person, ask specific questions, and look for transparency in both staff and space. With the right choice, you can travel with confidence, knowing your furry friend is safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus on hygiene, safety, and staff expertise. The best catteries have spotless enclosures, good ventilation, trained carers, and secure entry systems. Always visit in person to observe cleanliness, ask about vaccination policies, and ensure your cat will receive gentle, attentive care.
Look for quiet, well-ventilated spaces with hiding boxes, perches, and separate feeding and litter areas. Ask about enrichment — daily play, puzzle feeders, or soft bedding — and whether staff are trained in low-stress handling techniques. Calm, confident cats are the best sign of a well-run facility.
Most catteries require up-to-date F3 core vaccinations (for panleukopenia, herpesvirus, and calicivirus) plus recent flea and worm treatments. Some may also ask for FeLV or rabies depending on local regulations. Always confirm requirements well before your booking to avoid last-minute issues.