Seven alternatives to cat boarding

A cattery isn't the only choice when you go away. Here are seven options, what each involves, and the kind of cat and trip each one suits.

Why people look beyond boarding

Some cats take a while to settle in a new place, go off their food, or don't like being near other animals. Cats from the same home may be housed apart. Some owners also just want to know how their cat is doing each day.

1. A local cat sitter

This is what we do. A sitter visits your home once or twice a day to feed your cat, refresh the water, clean the litter, give simple medication and spend time with them. Your cat keeps their routine, and cats from the same home stay together.

Your cat is alone between visits, and the sitter holds a key. Before you book, meet them in your home, ask to see their DBS certificate and insurance, ask how they handle keys, and check whether they send updates. Ask your vet, neighbours or a local group for names.

With us, one visit a day is £11 and two visits a day is £20, for one or two cats.

2. A pet-sitting app or agency

Apps and agencies list local sitters, usually with profiles and reviews, and you book through them. The sitter visits your home in the same way. What the platform checks, what insurance it includes and what it charges vary, so read its terms before you book.

3. A friend, neighbour or relative

This is often free, and your cat may already know them. It works best with someone reliable who lives close by. Write down the feeding, litter and medication routine, leave your vet's details, ask for a photo each day, and have a backup in case they can't make it.

4. A cattery

A cattery boards only cats, usually in their own pen or room, with staff on site. It can suit long trips, confident cats, and owners who would rather not hand over a key. Visit first and ask whether cats from the same home can share.

5. Boarding at your vet

Some vet practices board cats, which can suit a cat with a health condition that needs close watching. Not every practice offers it, and some cats find a clinic stressful. Ask your own vet.

6. A pet hotel

Pet hotels are boarding with larger rooms and more extras, and they usually cost more than a standard cattery. Your cat is still somewhere new.

7. An automatic feeder plus daily visits

For a short trip with a healthy, independent cat, some owners set up an automatic feeder and water fountain and have someone visit once a day for the litter and a check. Feeders can jam, and nobody sees the cat between visits, so it doesn't suit cats on medication, nervous cats or longer trips.

Which to choose

For most short trips, a visit at home is usually the least disruption for your cat. A cattery may suit a confident cat or a long trip, and vet boarding may suit a cat with a medical condition. If your cat has health problems, ask your vet.

Home visits with us

We're Dad & Lad Cat Care, and we visit cats around Shortlands, Beckenham and Bromley. It starts with a free meet-and-greet at your home, and after every visit you get a photo and a report card on WhatsApp.