
Cat Habitat Boarding Cattery
About this cattery
Cat Habitat Boarding Cattery is an AsureQuality approved facility set on 14 acres in Mairehau, approximately 5km from Christchurch Cathedral Square. Run by Darren and Lesley Ballagh who live on site, the cattery features 55 custom-designed units with heated indoor areas, 3 different levels to sleep and play, and private outdoor courtyards. Specialists in geriatric, diabetic, and special needs cats.
Cat Habitat Boarding Cattery is an AsureQuality approved facility set on 14 acres in Mairehau, approximately 5km from Christchurch Cathedral Square.
About
- AsureQuality Approved: Certified premises
- Owners On-Site: Darren and Lesley Ballagh live on the property
- 14 Acre Property: Rural outlook with farm pets and alpacas
- 55 Custom Units: Designed to reduce stress and maximise comfort
Accommodation
Standard Indoor/Outdoor Units (40 units) - $24/day
- Heated indoor area with 3 levels to sleep and play
- Windows to view the rural environment
- Cat door to private outdoor courtyard
Family Indoor/Outdoor Units (5 units) - $39/day
- For 1-3 cats from same family
- Larger space for multi-cat households
Indoor-Only Units (3 units)
- For cats preferring to stay indoors
Specialty Suites (2 units) - $40/day
- North Garden View Conservatory Suite
- North Lawn View Corner Suite
Special Needs Expertise
- Geriatric Cats: Experienced with elderly cats
- Diabetic Cats: Insulin administration $5/day
- Disabled Cats: Care for 3-legged and special needs cats
- Medical Requirements: Staff liaise with your vet
Outdoor Enrichment
- Birdwatching from courtyards
- Tree scratching opportunities
- Sunbathing areas
Pricing
- Standard: $24/day (1 cat), $33/day (2 cats)
- Family: $39/day (1-3 cats), $43/day (4 cats)
- Specialty Suites: $40/day
- Minimum charge: $50
Hours
- Daily: 9am-11am and 4pm-6pm
- After-hours: Available for $40
- Closed: Christmas Day, New Year's Day
Location
- Address: 125 Philpotts Road, Mairehau, Christchurch 8052
- Phone: 027 585 4048
- Email: cathabitat@xtra.co.nz
- Landmark: Opposite Oderings Nursery, between QEII Drive and Innes Road
Location
Mairehau, Christchurch
Amenities
Accommodation
Multi room
Premium meals available
Prescription meals available
BYO meals available
Services
AsureQuality Approved
Owners On-Site
Heated Units
Indoor/Outdoor Courtyards
14 Acre Property
Special Needs Care
Insulin Administration
Pick-up/Delivery
Airport Transfer
Policies
Check-in / Check-out
Daily 9am-11am and 4pm-6pm. After-hours available for $40. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
By appointment
Cancellation
Contact the cattery directly for their cancellation policy. Policies vary and may include deposit requirements for peak season bookings.
Requirements
All cats must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Flea and worm treatments must be current. Proof of vaccination required at check-in.
Reviews
Best cattery in Chch with lovely owner. Boarded our two cats for a few days at short notice. Found price reasonable too.
I 100% recommend this Cattery, Lesley has been absolutely brilliant. We felt very comfortable and proceeded to book our Royals in. Because of this, we were able to enjoy our trip away and know that our fur babies were in good hands.
Cat Habitat is run by lovely people, who live on site. They were so kind and accommodating to our needs when moving house recently required us to have our 6 cats boarded for a week.
Such an amazing Cattery, they looked after our babies and catered to all of their needs, especially our 3 legged ragdoll. Highly recommend Cat Habitat!!!
FAQs
What are your boarding rates?
Standard Indoor/Outdoor units are $24/day for 1 cat or $33/day for 2 cats sharing. Family units are $39/day for 1-3 cats. Specialty suites are $40/day. Minimum charge is $50.
What vaccinations are required?
All cats must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Core vaccines required: Feline Infectious Enteritis, Feline Herpesvirus, and Feline Calicivirus. Felocell 3 brand is accepted every 2 years; all other brands require annual vaccination.
What are your opening hours?
We are open 7 days between 9am-11am and 4pm-6pm. After-hours opening is available for $40. We are closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Can you accommodate cats with special needs?
Yes, we specialise in cats with special needs including geriatric cats, insulin-dependent diabetics, and those with medical or dietary requirements. Insulin injections are $5/day.
What type of units do you have?
We have 55 custom-designed units: 40 standard indoor/outdoor, 5 family indoor/outdoor, 3 indoor-only, and 2 specialty suites. Each has a heated indoor area with 3 levels and an outdoor courtyard.
Do you offer pickup and delivery?
Yes, home pickup/delivery is $30 and airport pickup/delivery is $50.
What food do you provide?
We provide premium food with meals twice daily tailored to owner preferences. We accommodate fussy cats. If your cat requires prescription food, please bring it (no discount applies).
Are you AsureQuality approved?
Yes, Cat Habitat is an AsureQuality approved premises.
Do the owners live on site?
Yes, Darren and Lesley Ballagh live on site and monitor activities 7 days a week, providing constant supervision especially for cats with special health requirements.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, EFTPOS, internet banking (advance payment required), and credit cards (2% surcharge). Settlement is required in full at pickup.
Highlights
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