Leaving your beloved cat in someone else’s care can feel daunting. Whether it’s your first time or you simply want to be better prepared, having a proper cat boarding checklist makes all the difference between a stressful drop off and a smooth, worry free experience.
This cattery checklist covers everything cat owners need to know from vaccinations and paperwork to comfort items and feeding instructions so both you and your feline companion can feel relaxed from day one.
1. Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Every reputable UK cattery including licensed facilities in Essex requires your cat to be up to date with core vaccinations before boarding. These typically include:
- Cat Flu (Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus)
- Feline Infectious Enteritis (Feline Panleukopaenia)
- Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) increasingly required by quality catteries
Your vaccination certificate must be signed by a registered vet and show that boosters were administered within the past 12 months. Some catteries require vaccinations to have been given at least 48–72 hours prior to arrival.
2. Flea & Worm Treatment Before Boarding
Responsible catteries require all guests to arrive free of fleas and parasites. This protects not only your cat but every animal staying on site.
Apply a vet recommended flea treatment at least 24–48 hours before drop off, and ensure your cat’s worming treatment is current. Spot-on treatments or vet-prescribed tablets are generally the most effective options.
3. Documents to Bring on Drop Off Day
Being organised with paperwork ensures a smooth handover and means staff can care for your cat with full confidence. On drop off day, bring:
- Vaccination certificate
- Completed health and care forms
- Your vet’s contact details
- Pet insurance documents, if applicable
- Any signed consent forms for emergency treatment
4. What to Bring to a Cattery
Knowing what to bring to a cattery helps your cat settle in more quickly and prevents last-minute scrambling. Pack the following:
- Enough food for the entire stay, plus a few extra days’ supply
- Your cat’s usual food and water bowls (if preferred)
- A familiar blanket or bed that smells like home
- Any medications clearly labelled with dosage instructions
- A favourite toy
5. Feeding Instructions & Dietary Notes
Cats are creatures of habit, and a sudden change in food can cause digestive upset. Write out your cat’s full feeding routine clearly, including:
- Brand and flavour of food (wet, dry, or both)
- Portion sizes and number of meals per day
- Any food allergies or intolerances
- Whether your cat free feeds or eats at set times
- Any supplements added to meals
6. Medication & Special Health Needs
If your cat requires medication or has an ongoing health condition, communicate this clearly at the time of booking and again at drop off. Provide:
- Medications in their original packaging with the vet’s label intact
- Written instructions for dosage, timing, and method of administration
- Details of any known allergies or adverse reactions
- Contact information for your vet and any specialist
7. Comfort Items to Reduce Stress
Leaving your cat at a cattery, especially for the first time, can trigger anxiety. Familiar scents and objects can make a boarding suite feel more like home.
Consider bringing:
- A worn T-shirt or pillowcase that carries your scent
- A favourite toy (soft toys, feather wands, small balls)
- Their usual bed or a piece of bedding from home
- A pheromone spray or collar (such as Feliway) applied before travel
8. Emergency Contact Information
Your cattery needs to reach you or a trusted contact in case of any health concern during your cat’s stay. Provide:
- Your mobile number and any alternative number
- The name and number of a local emergency contact in the UK
- Your vet’s name, practice, and phone number
- Details of your pet insurance provider, if applicable
9. How Far in Advance Should You Book a Cattery in the UK?
Quality catteries in the UK, particularly licensed luxury catteries in Essex, fill up quickly, especially around school holidays, bank holidays, and the summer months. As a general guide:
- Peak periods (Christmas, Easter, summer): Book 1–2 months in advance
- Bank holidays and half-terms: 2–4 weeks ahead
- Off-peak periods: 3–7 days is usually sufficient
The Pussy Cat Hillton in Rainham is a licensed cattery operating under Havering Council regulations, which means spaces are limited to maintain the highest standards of care. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts
Preparation is everything when it comes to leaving your cat at a cattery with confidence. With this checklist in hand, you can focus on your trip knowing your cat is in safe, loving hands. A little planning goes a long way and the right cattery will always make you feel like a valued partner in your cat’s care, not just another booking.
Planning to board your cat in Rainham or Essex? The Pussy Cat Hillton offers luxury 5-star cat boarding with daily updates and expert care. Book your cat’s stay today with us.