Inside Old School Cattery near Bury St Edmunds: the corridor of pens, cats on cat trees, and a cat relaxing in a bed

Cat Boarding Services Near Bury St Edmunds

Old School Cattery offers calm, attentive cat boarding in Whepstead, just a few miles from Bury St Edmunds. We deliberately take only a small number of cats at a time so that every guest receives genuine one-to-one care in our purpose-built, centrally heated cattery. Here is what we provide during your cat's stay.

Daily care and hygiene

Hygiene is really important to us. Each room and bathroom area is cleaned throughout the day, with a thorough clean and freshen up every morning and regular checks in between. Your cat's guest room is kept warm in winter and cool in summer, with double glazing and thermostatically controlled heating and ventilation, plus gentle lighting that comes on at night so no cat is ever left in total darkness.

Feeding and fresh water

Fresh water is monitored and topped up regularly throughout the day. We can feed your cats as many times a day as you require, or make fresh food available throughout the day. To protect the gastric health of your cat we recommend bringing their own food for the duration of their stay - keeping their diet the same minimises the stress of dietary changes and helps them feel at home.

One-to-one attention and enrichment

Cats are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation as well as a warm, safe environment. Every guest room has toys, games and a scratch post, and we provide personalised attention and enrichment activities so your cat stays happy and engaged rather than bored. The rooms have multiple levels and large windows looking out onto the garden and chickens.

Expert care for nervous cats

Owner Pamela is a qualified animal behaviourist who has worked in animal rescue with cats of every personality. We use Feliway and calming crystals to help newcomers settle, and take the time to get to know each cat's individual needs - which makes us especially well suited to timid or anxious cats. Read more about us and Pamela's behaviourist background.

Photo and text updates

We know how hard it can be to leave your cat, so regular text and photo updates are available to let you see your furry friends enjoying their own holiday while you are away.

Medication

We are happy to provide simple additions to your cat's daily food. For health and safety reasons we are unable to accept cats that require daily medication beyond this, so please discuss any special requirements with us at the time of booking. Full details are on our terms and conditions page.

What to bring

  • Your cat's usual food for the length of the stay
  • Up to date vaccination records and microchip details
  • Any familiar bedding, blanket or toy to help them settle
  • Details of your vet and an emergency contact

Special beds are available for older cats if required.