What to Pack for Cat Boarding: Complete NZ Cattery Checklist (2026)

You're packing for your cat's boarding stay and suddenly wondering: Do they need their bed? Favourite toys? That catnip mouse they ignore 364 days a year but might desperately need on day 3 at the cattery?

Here's the reality: most first-time boarders either pack way too much (bringing items the cattery provides or won't allow) or forget critical things (like medication dosing instructions or emergency contact details).

This guide will tell you exactly what to pack, what to leave home, and what questions to ask your cattery before you start filling that carrier. We'll cover comfort items backed by feline behavior research, food and medication logistics, and the often-overlooked documentation that protects your cat if something goes wrong.

The Quick Checklist: Essential vs. Optional vs. Don't Bother

Before we dive deep, here's your at-a-glance packing guide:

Always Pack (Non-Negotiable):

✅ Vaccination records (hard copy or digital proof) ✅ Medication + detailed dosing instructions (if applicable) ✅ Emergency contact information (your vet, your contact details while away, backup contact) ✅ Current food (enough for entire stay + 2 extra days) ✅ Feeding instructions (amounts, times, special requirements) ✅ Carrier or transport crate

Usually Helpful (Comfort Items):

🟡 One familiar bedding item (blanket or small bed with home scent) 🟡 One or two favourite toys (not expensive or irreplaceable) 🟡 Worn clothing item with your scent (old t-shirt, pillowcase)

Leave at Home (Cattery Provides or Won't Allow):

❌ Litter (catteries provide this) ❌ Food and water bowls (hygiene protocols require cattery dishes) ❌ Expensive or sentimental items (scratching posts, designer beds, irreplaceable toys) ❌ Large quantities of treats (can disrupt eating schedules) ❌ Flea collars or unapproved medications (without explicit cattery approval)

Now let's break down why each item matters—or doesn't.

What Catteries Actually Provide (So You Don't Over-Pack)

Before you fill a suitcase, understand what's already included in your boarding fee.

Standard Cattery Provisions:

Most New Zealand catteries provide the following as part of their standard service:

1. Accommodation

   • Individual or shared units (depending on booking)
   • Bedding (blankets, cushions, or beds)
   • Heating (especially important in winter)
   • Vertical space (shelves, cat trees in many facilities)

2. Daily Care

   • Litter boxes and litter (cleaned daily, sometimes twice daily)
   • Food and water bowls (washed between uses)
   • Fresh water (refilled daily or multiple times daily)
   • Daily health checks and observation

3. Food (Conditions Apply)

   • Many catteries provide premium commercial cat food (brands like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Fancy Feast)
   • BUT: This often comes with conditions or additional fees
   • Some charge extra for feeding cattery-provided food ($2–5/day)
   • Many prefer you bring your cat's regular food to avoid digestive upset

4. Basic Enrichment

   • Toys (often communal toys cleaned between uses)
   • Scratching surfaces
   • Windows or outdoor views

What's Usually NOT Provided:

• Your cat's specific food (unless you arrange and pay for it in advance)
• Medications or supplements (you must provide these)
• Specialty litter (if your cat needs a specific type, ask if you can supply it)
• Specialized comfort items (like Feliway diffusers, calming collars, anxiety wraps—though some premium catteries offer these)

Key takeaway: Call your cattery and ask what they provide. Many have detailed "what to bring" lists on their websites, but policies vary significantly.

Food: The Most Important Item You'll Pack

Getting the food right is critical. Diet changes during boarding are one of the leading causes of stress-related digestive issues, refusal to eat, and early pickup requests.

The Rules for Packing Food:

1. Bring enough for the entire stay + 2 extra days

   • If you're boarding for 7 days, pack 9 days of food
   • Emergencies happen: you might get delayed, or your cat might be stressed and eat less (requiring a longer adjustment period after you return)

2. Use your cat's current food (no changes)

   • This is not the time to try a new brand or flavor
   • Digestive upset from diet changes is stressful for your cat and creates extra work for cattery staff
   • According to feline nutrition research, sudden diet changes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and food refusal

3. Package food in clearly labeled containers

   • Use airtight containers or resealable bags
   • Label with your cat's name, feeding amounts, and frequency
   • For wet food, individual portions are ideal (small containers or pouches)

4. Provide detailed feeding instructions

   • Amount: "1/2 cup twice daily" or "1 pouch morning and evening"
   • Times: "8am and 6pm" (be realistic—catteries have schedules, so if your cat eats at 5:47am at home, round to 6am)
   • Special notes: "Eats slowly, leave food for 30 minutes" or "Grazes throughout the day"
   • Preferences: "Prefers food at room temperature" or "Mix with a teaspoon of water"

5. If your cat is on a prescription diet

   • Pack extra (3+ days cushion)
   • Include a copy of the prescription or vet authorization
   • Note any specific handling instructions
   • Consider whether your vet can provide backup food to the cattery if you run out (arrange this in advance)

What About Treats?

Most vets and behaviorists recommend limiting treats during boarding. Here's why:

• Disrupts appetite: Treats can reduce interest in regular meals, which staff need to monitor as a health indicator
• Creates expectations: Staff may not have time to hand-deliver treats multiple times daily
• Food sensitivities: Some cats develop digestive issues from treats when already stressed

Exception: If your cat requires treats for medication administration, pack a small amount and provide clear instructions.

Medications and Supplements: Pack Like Your Cat's Health Depends on It

If your cat takes any medications or supplements, packing correctly is non-negotiable.

Medication Packing Protocol:

1. Bring the entire original container

   • Don't transfer pills to baggies or unmarked containers
   • The label has critical information: drug name, dosage, prescribing vet, pharmacy details
   • Cattery staff need this for liability and accurate administration

2. Pack enough for the full stay + extra days

   • Medications: full stay + 3 days extra
   • If you're delayed or your cat needs extended boarding, running out of critical medication is dangerous

3. Provide explicit written instructions

   • Drug name and dosage: "Methimazole 2.5mg"
   • Frequency: "Once daily at 8am" or "Every 12 hours"
   • Administration method: "With food," "30 minutes before feeding," "Hide in treat pocket"
   • What to do if cat refuses: "Call owner immediately" or "Can skip one dose, then call vet"
   • Side effects to watch for: "Vomiting within 1 hour" or "Lethargy"

4. Include your vet's contact information

   • Vet clinic name, phone number, after-hours emergency contact
   • Your vet should be aware your cat is boarding and may need to be contacted

5. Confirm medication administration fees

   • Many catteries charge $2–10/day for medication administration
   • Complex medications (injections, multiple daily doses) may cost more
   • Some catteries can't administer certain medications (like insulin injections)—confirm this before booking

Special Considerations for Complex Medical Needs:

If your cat requires:

• Insulin injections: Confirm the cattery has staff trained in insulin administration, refrigeration for insulin, and protocols for monitoring blood glucose
• Twice-daily medications at precise times: Verify the cattery can accommodate exact timing (some operate on broader schedules)
• Multiple medications with interaction concerns: Provide a clear schedule and interaction warnings

Consider whether boarding a medicated cat at a standard cattery is appropriate, or if veterinary boarding might be safer.

Comfort Items: What Actually Helps (and What Doesn't)

Comfort items are where well-meaning owners often over-pack. Let's separate evidence-based comfort from emotional projection.

What Research Shows Actually Reduces Stress:

1. Familiar scents (your scent and home scent)

According to feline stress research, cats rely heavily on scent for environmental assessment. Familiar scents signal safety.

Pack:

• A worn t-shirt or pillowcase (worn for 24+ hours before packing, unwashed)
• One bedding item from home (a blanket or small bed they regularly sleep on)

Why it works: Your cat recognizes these scents as "home," which reduces stress hormones in unfamiliar environments.

Caveat: The item will smell like the cattery when you pick it up. If you're sentimental about it, pack something you're okay with not getting back in the same condition.

1. One or two familiar toys

Not the entire toy basket—just one or two items your cat regularly interacts with.

Pack:

• A favourite ball, catnip mouse, or wand toy (without the wand, for safety)
• Items your cat actually plays with (not that $40 electronic toy they ignore)

Why it works: Familiar objects provide a sense of continuity and can encourage play behavior, which is a sign of reduced stress.

Caveat: Don't pack expensive or irreplaceable toys. Items can be lost, damaged, or contaminated with cattery scents.

1. Calming pheromones (if your cat responds to them)

Some cats benefit from Feliway diffusers or sprays (synthetic feline facial pheromones).

Pack:

• A small Feliway spray to apply to bedding (if you already use it and know your cat responds)

Why it works: Pheromones signal "safe space" to cats and can reduce anxiety-related behaviors.

Caveat: This only helps cats who already respond positively to Feliway. Don't introduce it for the first time during boarding—stress is not the time to experiment.

What Probably Won't Help (Despite Good Intentions):

❌ Their entire bed or cat tree

• Most catteries don't have space for large furniture
• These items often won't fit in the assigned unit
• They're expensive to lose or damage

❌ Excessive toys

• Cats in stressful environments often don't play
• Multiple toys clutter the space and can be overwhelming
• Cattery staff may not have time to rotate toys daily

❌ Your pillow or full-sized blanket

• These take up significant space in small units
• They're likely to be soiled (litter, food, accidents)
• You probably don't want them back

❌ Food puzzles or enrichment feeders

• Good for home, not ideal for boarding
• Cattery staff need to monitor food intake—puzzles make this difficult
• Stressed cats often won't engage with puzzles

❌ Catnip or treats "just in case"

• Unless your cat consistently uses these for stress relief, they won't help
• Stressed cats often ignore catnip and treats
• It creates inconsistent expectations for cattery staff

Documentation: The Stuff You'll Regret Not Packing

This is the boring but critical part. Missing documentation can delay boarding or create emergencies.

Required Documents:

1. Vaccination records

All New Zealand catteries require proof of:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV) and calicivirus (FCV) vaccination (often combined as F3 or F4)
• Vaccinations must be current (typically within the last 12 months, though some catteries accept 3-year vaccines)
• Some catteries require FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) testing, particularly given NZ's high FIV prevalence rate

Pack:

• A photocopy or photo of vaccination certificates
• Or access to digital records (some vets use apps)

What happens if you forget: Most catteries will not accept your cat without proof of vaccination. You'll need to return home or contact your vet for records, delaying your trip.

1. Emergency contact information

Provide multiple ways to reach you:

• Your mobile number (and note if you'll be overseas or out of cell range)
• A secondary contact (friend or family member who can make decisions if you're unreachable)
• Your vet's contact information
• Your return date and expected pickup time

Critical detail: Authorize emergency medical treatment in writing. Some catteries require you to pre-approve vet visits and treatment up to a certain dollar amount (e.g., "Authorize emergency vet care up to $500").

1. Feeding and care instructions

This overlaps with food and medication sections, but consolidate everything into a single, clear document:

Include:

• Daily feeding schedule and amounts
• Medication schedule
• Behavioral notes: "Hides when scared, not aggressive" or "Might hiss initially but calms down"
• Litter box habits: "Uses litter box 3–4 times daily" (helps staff identify potential issues)
• Any quirks: "Drinks from water bowl obsessively when anxious" or "Sleeps 20 hours a day normally"

Optional (But Helpful) Documents:

• Recent vet health check summary: If your cat has chronic health issues (kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism), a one-page summary from your vet can be invaluable if emergencies arise
• Travel insurance confirmation: If you've purchased pet travel insurance, include policy details

The Carrier: Your Cat's Temporary Home During Transport

Most people pack for boarding but forget about boarding—specifically, the carrier used for transport.

Carrier Essentials:

1. Bring your own carrier (don't rely on the cattery)

   • Even if you're dropping off and picking up, you need a secure carrier
   • Carriers must be escape-proof with secure latches

2. Line the carrier with absorbent material

   • A towel or disposable pad in case of accidents during transport
   • Some cats urinate or defecate when stressed during car rides

3. Attach identification to the carrier

   • A luggage tag with your name, phone number, and cat's name
   • If carriers get mixed up, this ensures yours is identifiable

4. Consider carrier comfort for anxious cats

   • A light blanket over the carrier to reduce visual stimulation
   • A t-shirt with your scent inside the carrier
   • Feliway spray applied 15 minutes before placing your cat inside (allows alcohol carrier to evaporate)

What Not to Put in the Carrier:

❌ Food or water bowls during transport (spill risk) ❌ Toys that could become choking hazards (small balls, strings) ❌ Excessive bedding that could obstruct air flow

If transport will take more than 2–3 hours, plan rest stops to offer water (not food, which can cause car sickness).

What About Special Diets and Allergies?

If your cat has food allergies, intolerances, or is on a special diet, communication is everything.

Pack:

• Complete food supply (don't rely on cattery to source specialty foods)
• Written list of allergens or ingredients to avoid
• Emergency protocol: "If cat refuses food for 24 hours, contact owner and vet immediately"
• Backup food option: If possible, identify one secondary food your cat can tolerate in emergencies

Ask Your Cattery:

• How do they prevent cross-contamination? (Separate bowls and utensils for allergy-sensitive cats)
• What happens if your food runs out? (Do they have a protocol, or will they contact you?)
• Can they accommodate hydrolyzed protein diets or raw food? (Many catteries won't handle raw food due to safety protocols)

Items Catteries Usually Won't Accept (or Will Lose)

Save yourself disappointment—leave these at home:

❌ Expensive or irreplaceable items

• Designer cat beds, sentimental toys, custom furniture
• If you'd be devastated to lose it, don't pack it

❌ Electronic items

• Automated feeders, water fountains, laser pointers
• Most catteries don't have power outlets in individual units, and electronics create safety hazards

❌ Homemade or unapproved medications

• Herbal supplements, CBD oil, or non-veterinary products without explicit approval
• Liability concerns mean catteries often refuse these

❌ Clothing items (beyond one scent item)

• Your cat doesn't need a wardrobe

❌ Open food bags or perishables without proper storage

• Food must be sealed and clearly labeled
• Perishables should be in airtight containers

Packing for Different Boarding Durations

How much you pack depends on how long your cat will be away.

Short Stay (1–3 nights):

Minimal packing:

• 3–5 days of food (including buffer days)
• Medications
• One comfort item (scent t-shirt or small blanket)
• Vaccination records
• Emergency contact info

Why minimal: Short stays mean less risk of running out of supplies, and many cats won't engage with comfort items during very short boarding periods (they're still adjusting).

Medium Stay (4–10 nights):

Standard packing:

• Full stay + 2–3 days food buffer
• Medications with buffer supply
• 1–2 comfort items (bedding and one toy)
• Worn clothing with your scent
• Detailed care instructions
• Vaccination and emergency contact documents

Why more items: Medium stays give your cat time to settle and potentially engage with comfort items after the initial stress wears off.

Long Stay (2+ weeks):

Comprehensive packing:

• Full stay + 3–5 days food buffer (or arrange for food delivery to cattery)
• Medications with larger buffer (or arrange for vet to supply backup)
• Rotation of comfort items (ask if you can drop off a second bedding item mid-stay)
• Highly detailed care instructions, including behavioral changes to monitor
• Multiple emergency contacts
• Consider arranging a mid-stay check-in call with cattery staff

Why more comprehensive: Long stays increase risk of running out of supplies, and behavioral changes become more likely. More documentation helps staff identify issues early.

Special Situations: Kittens, Seniors, and Medical Needs

Different life stages and health conditions require adjusted packing.

Kittens (Under 1 Year):

Pack extra:

• Smaller portions, more frequent feeding instructions: Kittens eat 3–4 times daily
• Kitten-specific food: Don't substitute adult food
• Soft comfort items: Young kittens benefit more from physical comfort
• Updated vaccination records: Kittens often have multiple rounds of vaccines, ensure records reflect the most recent

Senior Cats (10+ Years):

Pack extra:

• Medications and supplements: Senior cats often have multiple prescriptions
• Soft bedding: Orthopedic or heated beds if your cat uses one at home
• Detailed health monitoring instructions: "Drinks 200ml water daily, note if significantly more or less"
• Emergency vet authorization: Senior cats have higher medical emergency risk

Cats with Chronic Illness:

Pack extra:

• Comprehensive medical summary from vet: Include diagnosis, current treatment plan, and emergency protocols
• Larger medication buffer: 5+ extra days
• Detailed symptom monitoring instructions: What's normal vs. concerning
• Pre-authorization for vet visits: Discuss with cattery what symptoms warrant immediate vet care vs. monitoring

Consider whether standard boarding is appropriate, or if veterinary boarding facilities are a better option.

Pre-Packing: The Week Before Boarding

Don't wait until the morning of drop-off to pack. Use the week before to prepare.

One Week Before:

• Confirm cattery requirements: Call and verify what they provide and what you need to bring
• Check vaccination records: Ensure vaccines are current; book a vet appointment if needed
• Inventory medications: Do you have enough? Refill prescriptions early
• Identify comfort items: Start scenting a t-shirt or blanket by wearing/using it daily

Three Days Before:

• Measure and package food: Portion out daily amounts into labeled containers
• Write care instructions: Type or clearly handwrite feeding, medication, and behavioral notes
• Gather documents: Vaccination records, vet contact info, emergency contacts
• Test carrier: Ensure latches work and carrier is clean

Day Before:

• Final scenting: Wear the t-shirt overnight to maximize scent transfer
• Pack medications in original containers
• Double-check emergency contact list: Are all phone numbers current?
• Brief family members: Ensure emergency contact person knows they might be called

Drop-Off Day:

• Final check: Food, meds, documents, comfort items, carrier
• Don't overfeed before transport: A full stomach + car ride = potential vomiting
• Arrive early: Give yourself time to review instructions with staff and settle your cat

The Bottom Line: Pack for Peace of Mind, Not Guilt

Here's what most first-time boarders get wrong: they pack to ease their own anxiety, not their cat's.

That $50 designer bed? It's for you, not your cat. Your cat would rather have a worn t-shirt that smells like you than the fanciest bed from a pet boutique.

Pack the essentials:

• Food (the exact food your cat eats at home, with buffer days)
• Medications (with detailed instructions and extra supply)
• Documents (vaccination records, emergency contacts, care instructions)
• One or two comfort items (something with your scent, a familiar bedding item)

Skip the extras:

• Expensive items you'd be upset to lose
• Excessive toys and enrichment
• Anything the cattery provides
• Items you haven't confirmed the cattery accepts

The goal isn't to recreate your home in a cattery unit. It's to provide continuity (same food), safety (medications and vet info), and minimal stress reduction (familiar scents). Catteries are designed to care for cats—trust their systems while providing the unique information and items specific to your cat.

If you pack smart, your cat will be safe, comfortable enough, and you'll return from your trip to a healthy, relatively unstressed animal. That's the win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pack my cat's favorite bed?

Only if it's inexpensive and you're okay with it being damaged or lost. Most catteries provide bedding, and familiar scent matters more than the specific bed. A small blanket or towel your cat sleeps on regularly is better than a large, expensive bed. The cattery environment (new smells, sounds) will be stressful regardless of bedding—focus on packing scent items (a worn t-shirt) rather than large furniture.

Can I bring my cat's automated feeder or water fountain?

Most catteries won't accept electronic items due to safety concerns (electrical hazards, malfunctioning equipment, lack of power outlets in individual units). Automated feeders also interfere with staff's ability to monitor food intake, which is a key health indicator. If your cat is used to a water fountain and won't drink from bowls, discuss this with the cattery—some premium facilities have fountains available, or staff can refresh water more frequently.

What if my cat only eats fresh food or raw diet?

Contact the cattery early. Many have protocols for handling fresh or raw food (refrigeration, separate prep areas) but may charge extra. You'll need to provide daily portions in sealed containers, clearly labeled. Some catteries can't accommodate raw food due to health and safety regulations. If your cattery refuses raw food, you may need to transition your cat to a canned food temporarily or find a cattery that specializes in raw feeding.

Should I pack treats to help my cat settle in?

Generally, no—unless treats are required for medication. Treats can reduce appetite for regular meals, which cattery staff monitor as a health indicator. Stressed cats often ignore treats anyway. The exception: if your cat requires treats for pill administration, pack a small amount with clear instructions. For comfort, focus on scent items (worn clothing) rather than food rewards.

How much food is "enough buffer"?

For most stays, pack the full boarding duration plus 2–3 extra days of food. For stays longer than 10 days, pack 3–5 extra days. This accounts for: delayed return (flight cancellations, emergencies), your cat eating more due to stress (or less, requiring a gradual ramp-up), or food spillage. If you're boarding for 7 days, pack 9–10 days of food. Running out of your cat's regular food can cause digestive upset and stress.

Can I bring flea treatment or flea collars?

Ask the cattery first. Some allow topical flea treatments (like Bravecto, Revolution) if applied before drop-off. Flea collars are often prohibited due to safety concerns (strangulation risk if caught on objects). Many catteries require proof of recent flea treatment as part of their intake protocol. If your cat isn't treated, they may require you to apply treatment before boarding or refuse entry.

What about prescription diets—should I pack extra since they're hard to get?

Yes. Prescription diets (renal support, urinary health, hypoallergenic) are critical and often require vet authorization to purchase. Pack the full stay + 3–5 days minimum. Additionally, provide your vet's contact information so the cattery can arrange emergency food delivery if needed. Some vets will provide backup food directly to catteries for long stays. Arrange this before you leave.

My cat takes medication hidden in pill pockets. Should I bring those?

Yes, if that's the only way your cat reliably takes medication. Pack enough pill pockets for the entire stay and include this in your medication instructions: "Hide pill in Greenies Pill Pocket, offer at 8am with food." Confirm the cattery has pill pockets available or accepts you bringing them. Some catteries prefer to use their own food for hiding pills (small amount of wet food or treats they stock).

Do I need to pack litter if my cat uses a specific type?

Most catteries use standard clumping litter and won't allow you to bring your own due to hygiene protocols. However, if your cat requires a specific type (e.g., unscented, paper-based, crystal), ask if you can supply it. Some catteries accommodate this for cats with medical needs (post-surgery, urinary issues) or strong preferences. Bring enough for the full stay if the cattery approves.

What if I forget something critical?

Call the cattery immediately. For non-perishables (food, medications), you can often deliver items after drop-off or have someone else drop them off. For perishables or urgent items, some catteries can make emergency purchases and charge you. For medications, your vet may be able to deliver directly to the cattery. Prevention: use a packing checklist and verify everything 24 hours before drop-off.

Packing for cat boarding isn't about bringing everything from home—it's about bringing the critical continuity items (food, meds, scent) and clear information. Pack smart, pack light, and trust that catteries are equipped to care for your cat with or without the designer furniture.

Sources:

• Proper Nutrition for Cats - University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
• 2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines - PMC
• Creating a cat friendly environment - International Cat Care
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in New Zealand - SAGE Journals
• Boarding Cats on Medication - PawSpot Guide
• What Happens When Cat Gets Sick at Cattery - PawSpot