Cat Sitter or Cattery? Which Is Best for Your Cat?

Cat Sitter vs Cattery: Which Is Best for Your Cat?

If you're planning a holiday, weekend away or business trip, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is how to care for your cat while you're away.

Should they stay at home with a cat sitter, or spend their holiday in a cattery?

At The Cambridge Cat Sitting Company, we've cared for hundreds of cats across Cambridge and the surrounding villages, and we've learned that there's no universal answer. Every cat is different, and the right choice depends on their personality, health and routine.

Both options have their benefits. The important thing is choosing the one that's right for your cat.

Why home is so important to cats

Unlike dogs, cats are highly territorial animals. Their sense of security comes from familiar sights, sounds, smells and routines.

Cats Protection explains that a cat's home is much more than a place to eat and sleep. It's their safe space, where they've carefully mapped their territory and built daily routines around it.

That's why changes in environment can sometimes lead to stress or anxiety, particularly for older cats or those who are naturally nervous.

For many cats, staying at home while their owners are away allows life to continue with as little disruption as possible. See our services here.

Cat sitter or cattery?

Both options can provide excellent care, but they offer very different experiences.

Home Cat Sitting	Cattery
Your cat stays in familiar surroundings	Your cat moves to a new environment
Normal feeding and daily routine	New routine and surroundings
One-to-one care during each visit	Care shared across multiple cats
No travel required	Travel to and from the cattery
Home security checks included	Home left unoccupied

Neither option is inherently better. It simply depends on what your cat is most comfortable with.

The benefits of a cat sitter

For many cats, remaining at home is the least stressful option.

Their favourite sleeping spot is still there. Their litter tray stays where they expect it. Their food arrives at the usual time, and their daily routine changes very little.

Professional cat sitting also offers reassurance for owners.

Alongside caring for your cat, visits can include bringing in post, watering plants, checking your home is secure and sending regular updates with photos, so you know everything is going smoothly.

At The Cambridge Cat Sitting Company, every visit is tailored to the individual cat. Some love to play, some simply enjoy company, while others prefer a quiet check-in and a little space. We adapt every visit to suit their personality.

When is a cattery a good option?

A well-run cattery can also be an excellent choice.

Many provide clean, spacious accommodation with experienced staff and plenty of enrichment.

Some confident, sociable cats adapt very well to a temporary change of environment and settle quickly.

If you're considering a cattery, we'd always recommend visiting beforehand to check the facilities, cleanliness and level of care, and making sure vaccinations and health requirements are clear before booking.

Do cats prefer staying at home?

Many do.

Because cats are naturally attached to their territory, remaining at home often means less disruption and a smoother experience while you're away.

That's particularly true for:

Older cats
Indoor cats
Cats receiving medication
Nervous or anxious cats
Multi-cat households with established routines

Of course, every cat is unique. Some adapt quickly to new environments, while others are happiest staying exactly where they are.

So, which should you choose?

Rather than asking whether a cat sitter or cattery is "better", it's often more helpful to ask:

Where will my cat feel safest and happiest?

For many cats, that's in the comfort of their own home, with familiar routines and regular visits from someone they know and trust.

For others, a reputable cattery may be the perfect fit.

The best decision is always the one that puts your cat's wellbeing first.

Professional cat sitting across Cambridge

The Cambridge Cat Sitting Company provides professional home visits for cats across Cambridge and many surrounding villages.

Whether you're away for a weekend, a family holiday or a business trip, we'll make sure your cat stays happy, comfortable and well cared for in the place they know best: home.

If you're unsure which option is right for your cat, we're always happy to offer friendly advice with no obligation.