Boarding more than one cat from the same household can be straightforward, but it helps to tell us how they normally live together. Some cats are bonded. Some tolerate each other. Some share space at home but become tense when routines change.
The cattery arrangements should protect each cat's comfort, food intake, medication and toileting, not assume that every cat in the household has the same needs.
Let us know which cats sleep together, eat separately, groom each other, avoid each other or compete for food and litter trays. Household harmony can look different when cats are away from familiar territory.
If one cat bullies another, steals food, guards space or becomes anxious around the other, that matters during boarding. It is better to say it plainly than hope it will not matter.
Cats may live in the same house while still needing separate bowls, litter trays, resting places or escape routes. Boarding should respect those realities rather than assuming they want everything together.
Tell us if one cat eats more slowly, guards food, avoids the other cat or becomes anxious when confined near them. These small details can prevent a lot of stress.
Some cats settle better together. Others are calmer when they can eat, toilet or rest without pressure from the other cat. The kind option depends on the actual relationship.
If you know your cats need separate feeding or resting spaces at home, tell us before drop-off. Boarding is not the time to test whether a tense relationship improves.
Cats who travelled together may not behave the same way once they arrive. One cat may recover quickly while another stays withdrawn, refuses food or becomes defensive.
That is why individual notes matter. If we know each cat's normal behaviour, we can avoid judging the whole group by the most confident cat.
Each cat's food and medicine should be labelled separately. This is especially important if one cat has a prescription diet, appetite problem, weight issue or treatment schedule.
Do not assume the team will know which bowl belongs to which cat unless the instructions are clear. Names, amounts, timing and restrictions should be written down for each cat.
If one cat needs medicine or a prescription diet, shared accommodation may need extra thought. It may not be safe for another cat to eat the wrong food or interfere with dosing.
Tell us whether feeding separately is normal at home. A simple note can prevent accidental sharing and makes it easier to monitor appetite for the cat who needs closer attention.
Vaccination status, parasite prevention, medication and diet should be checked for each cat individually. One cat being up to date does not tell us anything about the others.
If one cat has a medical condition or special food, label everything by name. This helps avoid mix-ups and makes it easier to notice individual changes.
Cats who genuinely like each other may settle better when their familiar companion is nearby. Even then, each cat should still be watched as an individual.
A confident cat can mask the fact that the quieter cat is not eating or toileting normally. Group comfort should never replace individual care.
In multi-cat homes, the quiet cat can be easiest to miss. They may be the one who eats last, avoids conflict, hides more or gives way around resources.
Tell us what is normal for each cat, not just the group. Individual appetite, toileting, medication and behaviour notes help us avoid assuming everyone is coping the same way.
If one cat has recent vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite change, urinary signs, medication changes or weight loss, let us know even if the other cats are well.
Sometimes one cat needs a different arrangement from the rest of the household. It is easier to prepare for that before arrival than to separate a group after everyone is already unsettled.
Cats from the same household may smell different after boarding. Occasionally this can cause hissing, avoidance or tension when they return home.
Give them space, watch their interactions and avoid forcing closeness. If fighting, hiding or appetite changes persist, contact us for advice.
When cats come home, scent changes can unsettle the household. Even bonded cats may hiss, avoid each other or need time before they behave normally again.
Give them space, keep resources easy to access and avoid forcing closeness. If tension continues or one cat stops eating, contact us for advice.
How food routines are handled while your cat is staying with us.
What to expect when your cat comes home and when to contact us.
What to bring, what to label and what is better left at home.
Return to the main cattery page for bookings, vaccination requirements and how the cattery works.
If your cat has medication, anxiety, dietary needs, senior health changes or a first boarding stay coming up, talk to us early so the arrangements are practical.
If something changes before boarding, contact us before drop-off so we can decide whether the stay can go ahead as arranged or whether your cat needs extra support first.
Cat-specific advice for appetite, toileting, stress, senior comfort and clinic visits.
Carrier, litter and environment support for cats at home.
Carrier and travel planning can make boarding drop-off easier too.
Watch our cattery preparation video.
