How to Choose a Cattery in New Zealand: The Complete Guide
Going on holiday but can't stop thinking about who'll look after your cat? You're not alone. With over 1.26 million cats living in 40% of Kiwi households (Companion Animals NZ 2025), finding the right cattery is something thousands of us deal with every year.
Here's the thing though – unlike the UK where catteries need a licence to operate, New Zealand doesn't have much in the way of regulation. That means the homework falls on you. But don't worry, we've done the research so you don't have to wade through government documents and industry reports.
The Short Answer
If you're in a hurry, here's what matters most: find a cattery that keeps cats in individual units (no mixing with strangers), requires up-to-date F3 vaccinations, looks and smells clean, has staff who actually seem to care, and lets you visit before booking. Budget around $15–$25 a night, though you'll often get discounts for longer stays or multiple cats.
Now, let's get into the details.
Why This Matters More in New Zealand
Here's something that might surprise you: New Zealand has a bit of a regulatory blind spot when it comes to catteries.
The NZ Boarding Kennel and Cattery Association? It disbanded back in 2007, and even when it existed, membership was voluntary. Consumer NZ did some digging and found that out of 12 city councils they contacted, only Wellington actually requires catteries to register.
So what does that mean for you? Basically, there's no guarantee that the cattery down the road meets any particular standard. The SPCA has flagged common complaints about boarding facilities: dirty conditions, inadequate security, not enough staff supervision, and poor access to vet care when cats get sick.
Not exactly reassuring, right? That's exactly why you need to do your homework.
What the Rules Actually Say
While there's no mandatory licensing in most places, good catteries follow the MPI Code of Welfare: Companion Cats (2018). This covers the basics you'd expect – proper food and water, reasonable temperatures, decent ventilation, staff who can spot health problems, and records for each cat including vaccination and microchip details.
The SPCA's advice? Look for catteries that are "accredited or certified" and always visit before you book. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip this step.
The Different Types of Catteries
Not all catteries work the same way, and what suits one cat might stress another out completely.
Non-Communal Catteries
Your cat gets their own private space with zero contact with cats from other families. This setup cuts down on disease risk and avoids any territorial scraps. Staff can keep tabs on how much each cat is eating, drinking, and using the litter tray. If your cat's on the shy side or gets anxious around other animals, this is probably your best bet.
Semi-Communal Catteries
Cats have their own private areas for sleeping and eating, but share play spaces during the day. This works well for social cats who enjoy a bit of feline company – but skip this option if your cat's never been around other cats or tends to be territorial.
Vet-Attached Catteries
Some vet clinics, like Greenlane Vets and Franklin Vets, run their own boarding facilities. The big advantage? If something goes wrong health-wise, a vet's right there. This is worth considering if your cat's getting on in years or has ongoing medical issues.
What to Actually Look for When You Visit
The SPCA recommends visiting any cattery before you commit. Here's what to pay attention to:
Trust Your Nose
A properly cleaned, well-ventilated cattery shouldn't smell bad. If you walk in and get hit with a strong ammonia odour, that's a red flag – no matter what excuse they give you. Check that food bowls look clean and litter trays aren't overflowing.
Check the Space
Is there enough room for a cat to actually move around? Ideally, you want separate areas for sleeping, eating, and toileting – cats are fussy about keeping these activities apart. Look up: is there proper ventilation between units? And while you're at it, check for smoke alarms.
Look at Security
Escapes happen more often than you'd think. You want secure enclosures, ideally with double-door entry systems so there's no chance of a dash for freedom when staff open up.
Watch the Staff
This one's harder to quantify, but you'll know it when you see it. Do they seem genuinely interested in cats? Are they happy to answer your questions? Do they ask about your cat's personality, quirks, and needs? A cattery that treats every cat the same isn't providing individual care.
Red Flags That Should Send You Elsewhere
Some warning signs are obvious. Others are more subtle. Watch out for any cattery that:
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Won't let you look around before booking – What are they hiding? Reputable places welcome visits.
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Doesn't ask questions about your cat – If they're not interested in your cat's age, temperament, or health, they're not planning to provide personalised care.
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Doesn't check vaccination records – This is basic stuff. Any cattery that doesn't require proof of vaccination is putting every cat at risk.
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Houses cats from different families together – Unless it's a specifically communal setup you've chosen, cats shouldn't be sharing space with strangers.
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Gets weird about unannounced visits – Places with nothing to hide don't mind you dropping by.
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Can't clearly explain what happens in an emergency – They should know exactly which vet they'd call and how they'd handle a health crisis.
And honestly? Trust your gut. If something feels off, keep looking.
Questions Worth Asking
Don't feel awkward about grilling the staff. Anyone running a decent operation will appreciate that you care. Here's what to cover:
About the space: Can I see the actual unit my cat would stay in? Are dogs kept completely separate? How do you stop diseases spreading between units?
About daily care: What's the routine for feeding and cleaning? Can I bring my cat's usual food? How much one-on-one time do cats get? Who specifically will be looking after my cat?
About emergencies: What happens if my cat gets sick? Which vet do you use? Is emergency care included in the price or extra?
About policies: What vaccinations do you require? How far ahead do I need to book? What's your cancellation policy? Any peak season surcharges I should know about?
The Vaccination Situation
Pretty much every reputable cattery requires the F3 vaccination at minimum. According to Family Vet NZ, this protects against:
- Feline parvovirus – nasty stuff that attacks the immune system and gut
- Feline herpes – a respiratory infection that can cause lifelong problems
- Feline calicivirus – another respiratory virus that often becomes chronic
Here's the crucial bit: your cat needs to be vaccinated at least 2–3 weeks before boarding. Getting jabbed the day before won't cut it – the vaccine needs time to work. Bring your certificate when you drop off, and check whether they accept digital versions.
Even if your cat never goes outside, they'll still need vaccinations for boarding. Diseases can hitch a ride into your home on shoes, through open windows, or via other pets.
What You'll Pay
Prices bounce around depending on where you are, what kind of place you choose, and when you're booking. Here's a rough guide:
Auckland
Expect anywhere from $15 a day at the budget end (Auckland Kennels) up to $25+ for mid-range options. Got multiple cats? A private room for three might run $70–$90 daily.
Wellington
The Sanctuary charges from $22 a day for a single studio. Their family suite fits four cats at $60 total – much better value if you've got a clowder.
Christchurch
Cattery Barn starts at $17.50 per cat, with most places sitting in the $18–$22 range.
Ways to Save
Ask about multi-cat discounts (usually 10–20% off for cats from the same household), long-stay rates, and whether prices drop outside school holidays. Conversely, expect to pay more over Christmas and New Year – sometimes $4–$6 extra per night, often with minimum stay requirements.
What to Pack
The Paperwork
- Vaccination certificate (dates, product names, batch numbers)
- Your vet's contact details
- Microchip number
- Pet insurance info
- Emergency contacts (yours and a backup)
Comfort Items
Your cat's going to a strange place. Familiar smells help enormously. Pack their favourite blanket, a toy they love, and maybe an unwashed t-shirt of yours. Sounds weird, but it works.
Food and Meds
Bring your cat's regular food – sudden diet changes often cause upset stomachs. If they're on medication, write out clear instructions and make sure staff are comfortable administering it.
A Cat Profile
Consider jotting down your cat's personality: what makes them anxious, where they like to hide, favourite treats, any quirks. This helps staff provide better individual care.
Special Cases
Older Cats
Book a pre-boarding health check with your vet. Consider a vet-attached cattery for peace of mind. Make sure staff understand any mobility issues, and maybe keep the stay shorter if possible.
Nervous Cats
Visit the cattery a couple of times before the actual stay. Choose a non-communal setup with private units. Load up on familiar-smelling items. Ask about quieter spots away from the entrance or high-traffic areas.
Cats with Health Issues
Write everything down – and I mean everything. Make sure whoever's caring for your cat knows how to give medication, what warning signs to watch for, and has your vet's direct number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I book?
For Christmas, Easter, or school holidays? Four to eight weeks minimum. Popular places fill up fast, especially December and January.
Can my cats share a unit?
If they're from the same household and get along, usually yes – and you'll often get a discount. But cats from different families should never share.
My cat's never been boarded before. What should I do?
Start with a short trial stay – just one or two nights. This lets both of you see how they cope without committing to a longer separation. Pack lots of familiar items and choose a non-communal facility.
Are NZ catteries regulated?
Barely. They should follow MPI welfare codes, but enforcement is patchy and only Wellington requires registration. That's exactly why visiting in person matters so much.
What if my cat gets sick while I'm away?
Any decent cattery has a relationship with a local vet and will contact you immediately. Ask upfront whether emergency vet bills are covered or charged separately.
Can I get updates while I'm away?
Many catteries now offer daily photo updates via text or email. Some even have webcams. Ask about this when you book – it can make a big difference to your peace of mind.
The Quick Checklist
Before you book, make sure you've:
- Visited in person and liked what you saw
- Confirmed vaccination requirements (F3 minimum)
- Checked cleanliness, ventilation, and security
- Met the people who'll actually care for your cat
- Asked about emergency procedures
- Understood all costs, including peak surcharges
- Planned what to bring (food, comfort items, paperwork)
- Prepared contact and medical information
And remember: if something doesn't feel right, keep looking. There are plenty of excellent catteries out there – you just need to find the one that's right for your cat.
