Is Boarding Stressful for Cats? What the Research Actually Says

If you've ever dropped your cat off at a cattery and spent the whole holiday worrying, you're not alone. But here's the thing – while plenty of articles offer tips and reassurance, very few actually look at what the science says.

So we did. And the findings might surprise you.

The Short Answer

Research from the University of Zurich found that about two-thirds of cats adapt well to boarding within two weeks. The other third find it more stressful – and for roughly 4% of cats, boarding simply doesn't work. Their stress levels stay high throughout the entire stay.

That's actually reassuring for most cat owners. But it also means some cats genuinely struggle, and understanding why can help you make better decisions.

What Scientists Know About Cat Stress in Catteries

Most of what we know comes from researchers Kessler and Turner, who published landmark studies in the late 1990s examining stress in boarding cats. Their work has been cited hundreds of times and remains the foundation for how catteries and shelters assess feline welfare.

The Stress Timeline

Here's what they found: stress levels in boarding cats decline over time, with the most significant drop happening in the first few days. However, even after two weeks, most cats haven't returned to their baseline stress levels – the way they'd feel at home.

That's not necessarily alarming. It just means boarding is inherently a bit stressful, even in good facilities. The question is whether that stress stays at manageable levels.

Cats at Higher Risk

The research identified several factors that predict higher stress:

• First-timers – Cats with no previous cattery experience show higher stress scores than those who've been boarded before
• Older cats – Senior cats tend to find boarding more difficult
• Male cats – Males showed slightly higher stress levels than females in the studies
• Cats from multi-cat homes – Interestingly, research published in PMC found that cats from multi-cat households showed higher perceived stress when suddenly housed alone

If your cat ticks several of these boxes, they might benefit from extra preparation – or you might want to consider alternatives like in-home cat sitting.

The Cat Stress Score: How Vets and Catteries Assess Stress

Kessler and Turner developed something called the Cat Stress Score (CSS), which is now used worldwide in shelters, catteries, and veterinary clinics. According to Maddie's Fund, the CSS evaluates body posture, activity level, and vocalisation to produce a stress rating.

The scale runs from 1 (fully relaxed) to 7 (terrorised):

1. Fully relaxed – Belly exposed, slow blinking, may be purring
2. Weakly relaxed – Resting comfortably, responsive to surroundings
3. Weakly tense – Alert, watching environment, body slightly tense
4. Very tense – Crouched, tail close to body, minimal movement
5. Fearfully stiff – Frozen posture, wide eyes, flattened ears
6. Very fearful – Trying to escape or hide, may hiss
7. Terrorised – Completely shut down or frantically trying to flee

Why does this matter to you? Because you can use similar observations when you pick up your cat or during trial visits. A cat consistently showing level 4+ behaviours might not be coping well.

The Health Risks of Cattery Stress

Stress isn't just uncomfortable – it can create real health problems.

Not Eating: More Dangerous Than You'd Think

According to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, a cat who doesn't eat for more than 24-48 hours is at risk for hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially life-threatening condition. This is why good catteries monitor food intake closely and will contact you if your cat refuses meals.

Some cats simply won't eat in a strange environment. If your cat has a history of appetite loss during stress, discuss this with your cattery beforehand and consider whether boarding is the right choice.

Increased Disease Risk

Here's a sobering statistic: research shows that after just one week in a shelter environment, the proportion of cats actively shedding Feline Herpesvirus-1 jumps from 4% at entry to 52%. While catteries typically have better infection control than high-volume shelters, the principle holds – stress suppresses immune function and increases disease transmission.

This is why vaccination requirements exist. Your cat's F3 vaccine protects against herpesvirus and other diseases that spread more easily when cats are stressed and housed near others.

What Actually Helps (And What Doesn't)

The Owner Scent Myth

Here's something interesting: you've probably heard that leaving a worn t-shirt with your cat will comfort them. It makes intuitive sense. But research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found something surprising.

Cats did show fewer stress behaviours when their owner was physically present. But when the owner left and only the scented object remained, the calming effect disappeared. The cats weren't comforted by the scent alone.

Does this mean you shouldn't leave familiar items? Not necessarily – familiar bedding and toys can still help cats feel more settled by providing environmental consistency. Just don't expect your old jumper to work magic.

What the Research Supports

Space matters more than you'd think. Kessler and Turner found that stress levels correlate strongly with density. Their research suggests cats need at least 1.67 square metres of floor space each to keep stress at acceptable levels. Cramped quarters equal stressed cats.

Hiding spots are essential. Multiple studies confirm that cats with access to hiding places – whether cardboard boxes, elevated perches, or enclosed beds – show lower stress scores. The ability to retreat and observe from safety is fundamental to feline psychology.

Routine helps. Cats are creatures of habit. Catteries that maintain consistent feeding times, cleaning schedules, and interaction patterns help cats establish predictability in an unfamiliar environment.

Separation from dogs. According to Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine, the sound of barking dogs is a significant stressor for cats. Well-designed facilities keep cat boarding areas acoustically separate from dog areas.

Classical music may help. Studies have shown that classical music – or music specifically designed for cats – can reduce stress indicators. Some catteries now play calming music as part of their environment.

Pheromones: Mixed Evidence

Products like Feliway (synthetic feline facial pheromones) are widely used in catteries and recommended by many vets. But the research is genuinely mixed.

Some studies, including one published in PMC, found that cats exposed to pheromone spray showed significantly lower stress scores than placebo groups. Cornell University's Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program includes Feliway in its stress reduction protocols.

However, other studies found no significant effect, and some researchers have noted that many positive studies were funded by the manufacturer.

The honest answer? Pheromones might help some cats in some situations, but they're not a guaranteed solution. They work best as part of a comprehensive approach, not as a standalone fix.

Preparing Your Cat: What Actually Works

Based on the research, here's what genuinely helps:

Before Boarding

Get your cat used to the carrier. Leave it out at home weeks before the trip. Make it a positive space with treats and comfortable bedding. A cat who panics at the sight of their carrier starts the boarding experience already stressed.

Consider a trial stay. If your cat has never been boarded, a one or two-night trial run can help them learn that you come back. According to the Ohio State Indoor Pet Initiative, this is particularly important for cats who show signs of separation anxiety.

Visit the cattery first. Watch how the cats already there are behaving. Do they look relaxed? Are there hiding spots in the units? Is it quiet, or chaotic?

Talk to your vet. If your cat has a history of severe anxiety, discuss options. Some cats benefit from short-term anti-anxiety medication during boarding.

What to Pack

• Your cat's regular food (sudden diet changes add digestive stress to environmental stress)
• Familiar bedding or blanket
• A favourite toy
• Any medications with clear instructions
• Your vet's contact details

At Drop-Off

Drop off earlier in the day when the facility is quieter. Keep your goodbye brief and calm – cats pick up on your anxiety. A drawn-out emotional farewell doesn't help either of you.

Signs Your Cat Isn't Coping

When you pick up your cat, or during any visits, watch for:

• Refusing food for more than 24 hours
• Excessive hiding or freezing
• Over-grooming (bald patches)
• Vocalising constantly
• Eliminating outside the litter tray
• Aggression that's out of character

If your cattery reports any of these, take them seriously. Some cats simply aren't suited to boarding – and that's okay. It doesn't mean there's something wrong with your cat; it just means you need a different solution.

When Boarding Isn't Right

For some cats, in-home cat sitting is a better option. Research from Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative notes that cats are "highly territorial" and some "become anxious when left alone for long periods" – but being in their own territory is still less stressful than an unfamiliar environment.

Consider alternatives if your cat:

• Has severe anxiety or a history of not eating when stressed
• Is elderly or has health conditions that stress could worsen
• Has never been socialised with other cats
• Showed extreme stress during a previous boarding stay

FAQ

Do cats get depressed in catteries?

Some cats show signs of what researchers call "feline inhibition behaviour" – reduced grooming, eating, and activity. This can look like depression and may last from days to weeks. Most cats bounce back once home, but persistent changes warrant a vet visit.

How long does it take a cat to adjust to boarding?

Research shows the most significant stress reduction happens in the first few days. Most cats adjust within the first week, though they may not return to completely relaxed states until they're home.

Will my cat hate me after boarding?

Short answer: no. Cats don't hold grudges that way. Some cats may seem aloof or clingy for a few days after returning home – this is normal readjustment, not resentment.

Is a cattery better than leaving my cat home alone?

It depends on the duration and your cat's personality. For trips longer than 24-48 hours, most cats do better with proper care (either a cattery or a cat sitter) than being left alone with an automatic feeder. Cats need social interaction and monitoring.

Are some catteries less stressful than others?

Absolutely. Look for facilities that offer individual housing, hiding spots, adequate space, quiet environments away from dogs, and staff who genuinely understand cat behaviour. A smaller, quieter cattery may suit your cat better than a large, busy facility.

The Bottom Line

Here's what the research tells us: most cats handle boarding reasonably well, especially if they've experienced it before, have adequate space and hiding spots, and are cared for by staff who understand feline stress signals.

But boarding isn't ideal for every cat. If your cat falls into the roughly one-third that struggles, or the small percentage that never adapts, it's worth exploring alternatives.

The best thing you can do? Know your cat. Pay attention to how they respond to new environments. Choose a cattery that prioritises welfare over volume. And trust your instincts – if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Sources

• Kessler & Turner - Stress and Adaptation of Cats in Boarding Catteries (Cambridge)
• Maddie's Fund - Cat Stress Score
• Ohio State Indoor Pet Initiative - Separation Anxiety
• PMC - Effect of Single-Cat vs Multi-Cat Home History
• PMC - Pheromone Therapy for Cats
• Applied Animal Behaviour Science - Owner Scent Study
• Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine - Reducing Stress