Christmas Booked, Cat Calm: Planning a Festive Cattery Stay for 2026

At Todhill Cattery, we know that Christmas can be a lovely whirl of family, food and travel — and also a time when your cat would quite like everything to stay exactly as it is, thank you very much. A festive boarding stay does not have to upset that apple cart. With a little planning now, you can book with confidence and give your cat the calm, cosy Christmas they would choose for themselves.

Start with the dates, not the decorations

Christmas 2026 falls with Christmas Eve on Thursday 24 December, Christmas Day on Friday 25 December and Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December. That combination can make travel days busier than usual, and it can also affect cattery opening hours. Many UK catteries close for arrivals and collections on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and some keep reduced hours between Christmas and New Year.

Before you compare rooms or pack a single toy, confirm the exact dates the cattery is open for drop-offs and pick-ups. Ask about any closure dates, Sunday hours and what happens if your train is delayed. If you are travelling by plane or rail, build in a buffer day. Cats generally cope better with a quieter arrival than with a rushed handover on the busiest travel day of the year.

Why the festive season feels different to a cat

Cats are creatures of routine and scent. The Christmas period brings visitors, unusual smells, suitcases, decorations and changes in household noise. A good cattery will not add to that sensory overload. Ask how the team manages festive decorations, music and footfall. Some cats are unbothered by a radio in the background; others would prefer a quiet room away from reception and the laundry.

If this is your cat's first festive boarding stay, say so when you book. A thoughtful cattery will note it and may place your cat in a calmer corner, with a covered bed or hiding box ready. First-time nerves are normal — for owners as well as cats — and gentle care starts with knowing what your cat needs.

Book earlier than feels necessary

Christmas is one of the busiest periods for UK catteries, and many regular guests are booked in months ahead. If you have not yet reserved a place for Christmas 2026, ring or email now rather than waiting until December. Ask about deposits, cancellation terms and waiting lists. A clear booking conversation now is far easier than a frantic phone call in the final week before Christmas.

Confirm vaccination and health paperwork

UK catteries generally require up-to-date core vaccinations, and the team will want to see your cat's vaccination card. Confirm exactly what the cattery requires and when the vaccinations need to have been given before the stay. If your cat's booster is due close to Christmas, speak to your vet early so there is no last-minute dash.

Ask about flea and worm treatment policy too, along with microchip details and any health conditions the team should know about. If your cat takes medication, provide written instructions, the original packaging, the correct dose and your vet's contact details. Do not rely on a verbal handover alone. Christmas is a busy time, and clear labels help everyone.

Ask for the quiet room, not just any room

Not all cattery rooms are equal in terms of noise. Ask where the room sits in relation to reception, the kitchen, the laundry and any dog boarding areas. A quiet room away from busy corridors can make a real difference to a nervous cat. Ask whether lower-level rooms or covered hides are available, and whether your cat will be able to see other cats. Some cats find that reassuring; others find it stressful.

It is also fair to ask how many cats are housed in the same block and how the team manages introductions and scent. You do not need to become a cattery inspector to ask a few sensible questions. A good provider will welcome them.

Make the festive routine portable

Pack familiar bedding, a worn T-shirt that smells of home, and a favourite toy if the cattery allows it. Keep your cat's food the same as usual to avoid a tummy upset, and ask about feeding times so the routine is as close to home as possible. Label everything clearly and share an emergency contact who can make decisions if you are travelling.

A gentle checklist for Christmas 2026

• Confirm opening and closure dates, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
• Book early and check the deposit and cancellation policy.
• Check vaccination cards and any booster timing with your vet.
• Confirm flea and worm treatment requirements.
• Write down medication details and pack them clearly.
• Ask for the quietest available room for a nervous cat.
• Pack familiar bedding, food and a labelled toy.
• Share emergency contacts and your vet's details.
• Confirm collection time and any New Year opening hours.

Reassurance for first-time festive boarders

It is completely normal to feel guilty about leaving your cat at Christmas. Try to remember that cats do not measure the calendar the way we do. They notice routine, scent, noise and whether they feel safe. A calm cattery with gentle handlers, quiet rooms and familiar comforts gives your cat the best possible chance to settle.

Ask the team how they monitor eating, drinking and litter use, and whether they can send an update if you are worried. At Todhill Cattery, we believe Christmas boarding should feel like a cosy pause rather than a disruption. Book early, ask the practical questions, and let your cat enjoy a quiet festive stay while you enjoy the season.