Why They Matter
Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping cats healthy — especially when they stay in a boarding environment with other cats.
Even if your cat is usually an indoor-only cat at home, when staying here they are no longer in a single-cat environment. Being around different animals increases the risk of infectious disease spreading, so up-to-date vaccinations are required for all cats staying with us.
This helps protect your cat and every other cat in our care.
Licensed catteries in the UK are required to record and hold evidence of each cat’s most recent vaccinations as part of keeping to legal minimum standards.
What Vaccinations We Require
To keep disease risk as low as possible, we ask that your cat’s vaccinations cover the following core diseases (your vet can advise on details):
- Feline enteritis (panleukopenia) — a serious, highly contagious intestinal disease
- Feline respiratory viruses (such as feline herpesvirus and calicivirus) — common causes of “cat flu” or respiratory illness
These are often given together as part of a routine vaccine schedule recommended by vets.
Some catteries may also ask about additional vaccinations (such as feline leukaemia virus), depending on local advice or veterinary recommendations.
Why Vaccinations Still Matter for “Indoor-Only” Cats
Many people assume that indoor-only cats don’t need vaccinations because they don’t go outside — but this isn’t the full picture:
- Infectious agents can still be brought into the home or the cattery environment on clothing, footwear, or other pets
- In a boarding situation, even indoor-only cats can be exposed to germs shed by other animals
For this reason, the vaccination requirement applies to all cats staying with us, regardless of their usual lifestyle.
Timing and Records
To ensure the vaccine has had time to provide protection, we ask that vaccinations be up to date before your cat’s stay. Many catteries recommend that boosters are completed at least 10–14 days before arrival — your vet will confirm exact timing.
Please ensure you bring or upload a vaccination record or certificate showing the dates and type of vaccines given. We will keep this on file during your cat’s stay in line with licensing requirements.
A Note About Safety and Protection
Good vaccination coverage doesn’t just meet regulatory requirements — it reduces the likelihood that infectious diseases spread between cats in a busy boarding environment.
While no vaccine can provide absolute protection, maintaining a current vaccine schedule significantly lowers the risk of illness during and after your cat’s stay.