Leaving your cat behind is hard. Here's exactly what happens when they arrive at Gillitts Cattery and why most cats are napping within the hour.
5 minutes | Cat Boarding
Let’s be honest. Cats are creatures of habit. They like their spot on the couch, their specific afternoon napping window, and the exact frequency at which you open a tin. Change any of that, and they notice.
Which is why boarding a cat isn’t just about keeping them fed and safe. It’s about creating an environment where they can still feel like themselves, even without you. Here’s how we do it at Gillitts Cattery.
Cats feel most secure when their environment is predictable. Unfamiliar smells, sounds, and spaces can spike cortisol levels and lead to a stressed or withdrawn cat. The signs aren't always obvious: hiding, refusing food, over-grooming, or just a very pointed look of betrayal.At Gillitts, we've designed every part of the boarding experience to work with a cat's natural instincts, not against them.
Cats rely heavily on scent to feel safe. When their familiar scent markers disappear, it can trigger anxiety. That’s why we ask owners to bring a blanket or item from home. It makes a bigger difference than you might think.
Every cat at Gillitts stays in their own private, enclosed space, completely separate from other guests.Each suite has space to sleep, play, eat, and do all the important sitting-and-staring out into the garden that cats require. Vertical space is included too, because cats feel safer when they can survey their surroundings from above.
Consistent routine
Feeding times, play times, and quiet times happen at the same time every day. Predictability is calming, full stop.
Scent familiarisation
We use your cat’s own bedding or a piece of clothing to keep familiar smells present. It’s the single most underrated stress-reducer in cat boarding.
Daily welfare checks
Every cat is checked morning and evening: eating, drinking, behaviour, litter box. Any change in pattern gets flagged immediately.
Their own food
Sudden diet changes are a guaranteed way to upset a cat’s stomach (and mood). We feed exactly what you feed at home, just bring their usual food along.
Gentle human interaction
We let cats set the pace. Some want fuss immediately. Others need a day or two. We follow their lead and never force it.
Surrounded by greenery
We love maintaining our gardens, so your cat gets natural light, garden views, and birdsong instead of concrete. It turns out nature is calming.
Shy cats, anxious cats, senior cats, cats on medication: they're welcome here. In fact, they often do better than their owners expect, because they have the one thing a boarding environment rarely offers: greenery around them.We ask owners to share as much as possible before arrival. Sleep preferences, food quirks, the exact tone of voice that gets them to come out from under the bed. All of it helps us care for them properly from day one.
Cats from the same household can often board together, which dramatically reduces stress for both. They keep each other company and maintain their familiar social bond.
We administer daily medication, prescription diets, and supplements as directed. We're experienced with everything from hyperthyroid tablets disguised in treats to twice-daily subcutaneous fluids. As long as you provide the meds and the instructions, we handle the rest.Senior cats and cats with chronic conditions stay with us regularly. Their owners come back because they know their cat is getting attentive, consistent care, not just a roof over their head.
