Question 1

What are your prices?

Accepted Answer

Boarding is £25 per day per cat, including the day of drop-off and collection. If two cats from the same household share a pen, the rate is £40 per day.

Question 2

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Please message or call us to check availability. Then simply download and fill out a booking form and email it to us. Once we’ve had a look at the form, we’ll ask for a 20% deposit to confirm your cat’s stay.
For the fastest response please send us an email or whatsapp message.

Question 3

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

A deposit is required to secure your cat’s booking. It is refundable if canceled more than 30 days prior to arrival. Cancellations within 30 days result in a non-refundable deposit. This policy helps manage reservations and offers flexibility.

Question 4

Can I bring items from home?

Accepted Answer

We are happy for owners to bring along one small blanket and a couple of toys for their cat.  Please do not bring any other items including Duvets, beds, or large blankets, sratching posts or large toys, bowls/water fountains, or personal clothing items or other belongings of the owner.

We provide all bedding, litter, bowls, and enrichment for every cat, ensuring each guest is comfortable, safe, and well cared for. To maintain this standard, we only allow one small blanket and a couple of familiar toys per cat. We kindly ask that no other items be brought into the cattery.

This policy helps us follow strict cleaning and hygiene protocols, including purpose-designed DEFRA-standard disinfection and full airing of each pen between guests, keeping every cat safe, comfortable, and relaxed during their stay.

Question 5

Why do you have set drop-off and collection times?

Question 6

How many cats do you board at one time?

Accepted Answer

AliCats has 7 individual pens, allowing up to two cats from the same household sharing a pen. We keep numbers intentionally limited to maintain a calm, quiet environment and ensure each cat receives plenty of individual care and attention.

Question 7

Can you cater to special dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As standard we feed wet food twice daily (8:30am and 8:30 pm) and dry food and water is left out constantly. If your cat has additional feeding needs (smaller portions, half pouches, extra pouches, kittens under 1 year), please let us know on the booking form so we can cater for them.

Question 8

Can you groom my cat?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to provide light grooming during your cat’s stay if your cat allows, and we have a variety of brushes and combs on hand. Grooming is always done on the cat’s terms and will never be forced. Cats who enjoy being groomed at home may not tolerate it in a cattery environment. We do not offer a nail clipping service.

We ask that all long-haired cats arrive with a sanitary clip already done. In a boarding environment, cats are more likely to pick up litter in their fur, even if this isn’t an issue at home. Preparing long-haired cats in advance helps keep them clean, comfortable, and relaxed while boarding with us.

Question 9

What is the minimum age for boarding?

Accepted Answer

Based on our experience, we find that 6 months is the age when kittens are better able to cope with the change of a boarding environment. While most catteries accept kittens once fully vaccinated, very young kittens are still extremely dependent and need one-to-one attention that is difficult to fully replicate outside the home. Our setup is designed to provide attentive care, enrichment, and companionship throughout the day, and older kittens are generally more independent and able to enjoy this environment confidently. This ensures all kittens have a safe, comfortable, and positive boarding experience.

Question 10

Why do you have an upper age limit?

Accepted Answer

As of 2026, we are no longer taking new bookings for elderly cats. As cats reach their later years, their needs can often become more complex and individual, even when they appear well at home. 
Older cats can find changes to routine and environment more challenging, and they may require closer monitoring or specialised care than we can comfortably provide.

Sadly, we have had a few cases where owners have failed to disclose age-related health issues.
This has influenced our decision to decline new booking requests for cats aged 15 years and over, as their needs can be more complex and unpredictable. Limiting new bookings for elderly cats helps us ensure the safety, wellbeing, and comfort of every cat in our care. We are still happy to look after returning senior guests, where we are already familiar with their routines, health needs, and personalities.

Question 11

Can you cater to cats with medical conditions?

Accepted Answer

We can sometimes accommodate cats requiring regular medication or special care, but this is at our discretion, depending on the type of medication and the cat’s individual needs. Some medications, such as insulin injections or certain transdermal treatments, cannot be administered.

Question 12

How do I receive updates during my cats stay?

Accepted Answer

Updates are usually sent twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays) via WhatsApp, including photos and videos when possible. Please send a WhatsApp message from the number you’d like us to use on drop-off day.'

In order to continue providing the best care for all our cats and focus our attention and time on looking after them, we kindly ask that you refrain from requesting additional updates unless you haven’t received one on these days, in which case please bring it to our attention, as there may have been an error in sending.

Question 13

My cat goes outside. Will they be allowed to go out during their stay?

Accepted Answer

No. All cats remain fully enclosed in their pens at all times. Our pens are built to a high DEFRA standard and include both an indoor sleeping area and a secure, covered outdoor run, allowing cats to enjoy fresh air safely with no risk of escape. Cats have constant access to their runs via cat flap, which can be propped open. All pens open onto a secure corridor, so there are always two doors between your cat and the outside.

Question 14

Will my cat interact with other cats?

Accepted Answer

No. Cats are territorial by nature, and mixing unfamiliar cats is incredibly stressful. Cats in our care may hear and smell other cats, but they cannot see or interact with cats in adjoining pens, allowing each cat to feel secure in their own space.

Question 15

How much interaction will my cat get?

Accepted Answer

As much as your cat wants. We’re here all day, every day, and cats can see and hear us going about our daily routine. Our kitchen overlooks the cattery, less than 10 metres away, so even when we are in the house, cats can watch us and feel our presence. Some cats enjoy lots of fuss and play, while others prefer quiet companionship. Many of our regulars even learn how to summon us with a well-timed meow when they see us across the garden!

Question 16

What enrichment do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Cats have access to a variety of activities throughout their stay, including: 
• Multiple puzzle feeders for treats 
• Cardboard boxes 
• A huge variety of toys 
• Tall scratching posts 
• Catnip 
• Lick mats 
• Shelves at different heights 
Enrichment is offered daily, and cats can choose how and when they engage.

Question 17

Will my cat miss me?

Accepted Answer

It’s normal for cats to notice when you’re away, but most settle quickly once they get used to the routine. Being a small, family-run cattery, your cat will have familiar caregivers throughout their stay. We often jokingly compete over who is a particular cat’s favourite! Cats make friends with us very quickly, and we are experienced in reading their cues and body language, allowing us to provide interaction and enrichment on their terms. Along with a consistent routine, this helps your cat feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable while you’re away.
Many of our regular guests return time and again, and it’s lovely to see that the friendships they form with us continue each time they come back.

Question 18

Will my cat forget me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Reunions are some of our favourite moments. Cats often hear their owner’s voice at the front gate when they return, and sit expectantly at their pen door and are very excited to see their owners!

Question 19

What happens if my cat becomes unwell during their stay?

Accepted Answer

We will contact your usual veterinarian where possible. In emergencies, veterinary treatment may be sought without prior consent if necessary for your cat’s welfare. All veterinary fees are the owner’s responsibility.

ALICATS CATTERY

Kittens Available!

Frequently asked questions