What Do Cattery Prices Include?

What the standard rate typically covers

Accommodation in a pen or chalet for the stated period — usually calculated per night, not per 24-hour period. Many catteries count the arrival day and departure day as separate nights.

Standard meals — typically a dry food provided by the cattery. Your own food may be accepted at no extra charge or a small supplement.

Fresh water and daily litter cleaning.

Basic enrichment — toys and interaction during pen cleaning.

Common extras

Medication administration — most catteries charge a supplement (typically £1–£3 per administration) for tablets, eye drops, or injections. Insulin injections usually carry a higher supplement.

Premium or prescription food — if your cat requires a specific wet food, especially prescription diets.

Family pens — a larger enclosure for two or more cats from the same household, priced higher than a single pen.

Grooming — not offered by all catteries; those that do charge separately.

Collection and delivery — rare but available at some rural catteries.

What is not usually included

Veterinary fees — if your cat requires a vet visit during boarding, the cost is passed to the owner. Comprehensive pet insurance covering boarding emergencies is worth considering.

Isolation pen supplements — if a cat needs to be moved to an isolation pen, some catteries charge a supplement.

How to compare prices fairly

When comparing cattery prices, always ask what the rate includes. A cattery charging £20/night including wet food and medication may cost less overall than one charging £14/night with a £3/day food supplement and £2/administration medication fee.

Our price data shows the minimum observed price per pen type, which is the standard rate before supplements.

Frequently asked questions