Are Cats Better at Home Or in a Cattery?
When you’re planning a trip, one of the toughest decisions for cat owners is: are cats better at home or in a cattery? Choosing between leaving your cat at home with a sitter or boarding them in a professional cattery depends on your pet’s personality, your travel plans, and the level of care they need. Let’s explore the differences so you can make an informed choice.
Cats and Their Need for Routine
Cats are territorial animals that thrive on familiarity. Their routines—feeding times, favourite spots, familiar scents—provide comfort and reduce stress. However, while some cats dislike any change to their environment, others are adaptable and handle new surroundings well. This makes it essential to consider your cat’s temperament before deciding if it is better to leave the cat at home or board.
Leaving Your Cat at Home
For many owners, keeping cats at home feels like the least disruptive option. With a trusted pet sitter or neighbour checking in, your cat remains in their own environment with minimal stress.
Advantages
Familiar territory: Cats remain in their safe, known environment.
Lower stress for anxious cats: Avoids car travel and strange smells.
Consistent routine: Same feeding and sleeping areas.
Considerations
Limited supervision: Even with daily visits, cats may spend long hours alone.
Missed health concerns: Issues like illness or injury might go unnoticed between visits.
Loneliness: Social cats may miss human interaction beyond a quick check-in.
Boarding in a Cattery
Professional catteries, like Paws Hotel in Melbourne, are designed specifically to provide comfort, care, and security for cats while their owners are away. By choosing reliable Cat Boarding in Melbourne, you ensure your pet receives consistent attention in a safe and enriching environment, supported by premium Cat Accommodations tailored for feline comfort.
Advantages
24/7 care: Staff are available to monitor cats more closely than a sitter can.
Safe facilities: Purpose-built spaces reduce risks of accidents or escapes.
Professional attention: Staff can administer medications, manage special diets, and notice health concerns quickly.
Enrichment and stimulation: Many catteries provide toys, climbing spaces, and interaction to keep cats engaged.
Considerations
Adjustment period: Some cats may take time to settle into a new environment.
Travel stress: Getting to and from the cattery may cause short-term anxiety.
Quality varies: It’s important to research and visit facilities before booking to confirm that the Cat Boarding services meet your expectations.
How to Decide: Home or Cattery?
When deciding whether cats are better at home or in a cattery, ask yourself:
How independent is my cat? Nervous, home-loving cats may prefer staying in their own space. Outgoing, curious cats might adapt well to boarding.
How long will I be away? For a night or two, a sitter may be enough. For longer holidays, a cattery offers reliable daily care.
Does my cat need special attention? Professional boarding is better suited for cats with medical or dietary needs.
What gives me peace of mind? Your comfort matters too—if you’ll worry about limited supervision at home, a cattery may be the best option.
Choosing the Right Cattery in Melbourne
If you decide boarding is best, make sure to choose carefully. A high-quality cattery should:
Provide clean, secure facilities with spacious, comfortable rooms.
Employ experienced staff who understand feline behaviour and care.
Offer enrichment opportunities such as climbing structures, toys, and cosy bedding.
Welcome inspections, so you can see where your cat will stay and ask questions.
Give owners peace of mind with 24/7 live camera access, so you can check in on your cat anytime and feel reassured while you’re away.
At Paws Hotel, we focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring every cat feels comfortable, cared for, and loved while their owner is away.
Key Takeaway
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to whether cats are better at home or in a cattery. Cats that are highly territorial may be happiest staying at home with a sitter, while others thrive with the care, supervision, and enrichment provided by a professional cattery.
For Melbourne cat owners looking for reliable care, Paws Hotel provides a secure, welcoming home away from home—so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
