Multiple Cats at a Cattery

Can sibling or bonded cats share a pen?

Most licensed catteries offer a family pen — a larger enclosure for two or more cats from the same household. This is the preferred option for genuinely bonded cats, as separation increases stress for both animals.

The 2018 Regulations require family pens to meet minimum space requirements per cat. In practice, family pens in well-run catteries significantly exceed the minimum.

Bonded versus cohabiting cats

Not all cats from the same household are bonded. Some merely tolerate each other at home. A boarding pen is a significantly smaller and more stressful environment — cats that are indifferent or mildly antagonistic at home may fight in a pen.

If in doubt, ask your vet or a behaviourist whether your cats are likely to share a boarding pen comfortably. Some catteries offer a trial period for multi-cat pairs.

Pricing

Family pen rates vary. Common structures include: a flat rate per pen (one price regardless of whether 2 or 3 cats use it), a base rate for the first cat plus a per-cat supplement, or a flat family pen rate for two with additional supplement for a third.

On a per-cat basis, family pen boarding usually costs less than two separate pens, but confirm this with the specific cattery.

Three or more cats

Most family pens are designed for 2–3 cats. Four cats from one household is a booking that requires direct discussion with the cattery — some can accommodate this in a larger chalet, others may need to use two adjacent pens.

Frequently asked questions