Senior Cats and Cattery: What to Know

Older cats have specific needs in boarding: medication management, warmth, quieter environments, and closer health monitoring. A guide for owners of cats aged 10 and over.

Age-related considerations

Cats aged 10+ are increasingly common in catteries as owners live and travel more actively. Most licensed catteries can accommodate senior cats well — but explicit communication about the cat's needs is essential.

Common senior needs include: daily medication (thyroid, kidney, diabetes), warmth (older cats lose body heat faster), quieter pen location (away from high-traffic areas), and softer bedding for arthritic joints.

Medication

If your cat requires daily medication, confirm the cattery can administer it before booking. Most catteries will administer tablets and liquids; insulin injections require explicit confirmation and may carry a supplement charge.

Bring medication in its original packaging with the dispensing label. Write a clear dosing schedule. Give the cattery your vet's emergency contact details.

Monitoring

Ask the cattery how frequently they check on senior cats. Experienced operators often schedule additional pen visits for older boarders.

Agree on a threshold for calling you — for example, if the cat has not eaten after 24 hours or shows any respiratory change.

Vet-on-call

Confirm which vet the cattery uses and whether they have out-of-hours cover. For cats with known conditions, it can be worth giving the cattery a letter from your own vet summarising the cat's health status and preferred treatment approach.

Frequently asked questions

Is cattery stress particularly dangerous for senior cats?

It can be. Stress raises cortisol levels, which can exacerbate existing conditions such as hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease. A calm, well-briefed cattery with experienced staff significantly reduces this risk.

Should I get a vet check before boarding a senior cat?

For cats with existing conditions, a vet check 2–4 weeks before boarding is sensible — it gives time to address any emerging issues and allows the vet to provide a health note for the cattery.