Questions to Ask a Cattery Before Booking

Twenty questions that reveal whether a cattery is genuinely well-run — covering licensing, health protocols, emergency procedures, and pricing.

Licensing and inspections

Can I see your Animal Activity Licence number? (A reputable cattery will give this without hesitation.)

When was your last local authority inspection, and what was the outcome?

Are you affiliated with any industry association such as the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB/ISFM)?

Which vaccinations do you require, and how recently must they have been given?

Do you require a Bordetella (cat flu) vaccination?

Do you require a recent flea treatment?

What is your policy if a cat shows signs of illness during the stay?

Which vet do you use for emergencies, and is there out-of-hours cover?

What is the pen size for a single cat / two cats?

Are pens separated by solid walls or mesh? (Solid walls significantly reduce stress and disease transmission.)

Is there an outdoor run, and do cats access it unsupervised?

How many cats does the cattery take in total?

How many times a day are cats fed?

Can you accommodate my cat's specific diet?

How often are pens cleaned?

How much human interaction does each cat receive daily?

What does the daily rate include? (Food, bedding, enrichment?)

Is there a minimum stay?

What is the cancellation policy?

Are there supplements for medication administration?