Cattery Software Buyer's Guide

Managing a cattery presents unique challenges. Cats need individual housing, careful health monitoring, and specific care protocols that differ from dog boarding. The right cattery software accounts for these feline-specific requirements while handling the standard business operations.

This guide covers cattery management software comprehensively: what makes cat boarding different, essential features, platform options, and how to choose the right solution for your facility.

What Is Cattery Software?

Cattery software is management software designed for cat boarding facilities. While it shares core functionality with general kennel software, it includes features specific to feline care:

• Individual unit management (cats typically don’t share spaces)
• FIV/FeLV testing records alongside standard vaccinations
• Detailed feeding management for finicky eaters
• Stress monitoring and quiet environment protocols
• Litter box tracking and health indicators
• Indoor/outdoor preferences and handling notes

The platform manages reservations, client records, care documentation, and billing—all tailored to how catteries actually operate.

Why Cat Boarding Differs from Dog Boarding

Feline-Specific Considerations

Cat boarding has distinct requirements:

Housing: Cats rarely share spaces (unlike dog playgroups). Each cat needs their own unit, making capacity management straightforward but different from kennels with shared spaces.

Health screening: FIV/FeLV testing is standard for catteries but not required at dog facilities. Vaccination requirements also differ (FVRCP vs. DHPP).

Feeding complexity: Cats are notoriously particular. Detailed feeding notes, food brands, and portion sizes matter more than with most dogs.

Stress management: Cats stress more visibly in unfamiliar environments. Good catteries monitor stress indicators and provide quiet, secure environments.

Handling requirements: Some cats tolerate handling poorly. Documentation of handling preferences prevents incidents.

What General Software Misses

Generic pet software often falls short for catteries:

• Limited health record customisation for cat-specific requirements
• No FIV/FeLV tracking fields
• Inadequate feeding detail options
• Missing litter box monitoring
• Dog-focused terminology and workflows

Purpose-built cattery software (or well-customised general platforms) addresses these gaps.

Essential Features for Cattery Software

Reservation Management

Standard but essential:

• Online booking with real-time availability
• Unit assignment based on size and type
• Multi-day stays with flexible check-in/out
• Waitlist for peak periods
• Recurring reservations for regular boarders
• Family bookings (cats from same household sharing)

Cat Health Records

Feline-specific health tracking:

• FIV/FeLV test results with test dates and expiry
• FVRCP vaccination (core cat vaccine) tracking
• Rabies vaccination records
• Flea/parasite treatment history
• Medical conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism—common in cats)
• Medication management with detailed administration logs

Feeding Management

Critical for cats:

• Food type and brand (cats often reject unfamiliar food)
• Wet vs. dry preferences
• Portion sizes by weight
• Feeding frequency (multiple small meals common)
• Special diets (prescription, urinary, kidney)
• Treat permissions and preferences
• Feeding completion tracking

Daily Care Tracking

Monitoring feline wellbeing:

• Litter box usage (frequency and characteristics—important health indicators)
• Eating and drinking observations
• Activity level and behaviour notes
• Stress indicators (hiding, vocalisation, over-grooming)
• Interaction logs (how cat responds to staff)

Unit Management

Cattery-specific space management:

• Unit types (standard, premium, family-size, windows)
• Visual availability calendar
• Cleaning status tracking
• Temperature monitoring (cats are sensitive)
• Unit preferences for returning cats

Client Communication

Keeping cat parents informed:

• Booking confirmations and reminders
• Daily updates with photos
• Health observations communication
• FIV/FeLV expiry notifications
• Post-stay follow-up

Cattery Software Options (2026)

Most platforms marketed for kennels or boarding also work for catteries. Here’s how they compare for cat-specific use:

Pricing verified January 2026. Confirm current rates with vendors.

Platform Notes for Catteries

PetLinx works well for smaller catteries. The interface is straightforward, and it handles cat-specific fields adequately via custom configuration. Pricing is the most accessible of any platform.

ProPet handles cats well, especially for facilities offering both cat and dog boarding. Custom fields accommodate FIV/FeLV tracking.

Gingr is more platform than you need for a small cattery, but works excellently for larger or multi-service facilities. Customisation handles all feline requirements.

Kennel Booker is popular with UK catteries. Good value, though cat-specific features require some custom configuration.

PetExec is customisable enough for catteries but designed primarily for dog facilities. Works fine with proper setup but may feel dog-centric.

The Customisation Question

No software is built exclusively for catteries. The market is smaller than dog boarding, so vendors build general platforms with customisation options.

What this means for you:

• Check that custom fields are available for FIV/FeLV, feeding details, etc.
• Ask vendors about other cattery clients
• Plan to configure the system for your cat-specific needs during setup

Pricing for Cattery Software

Cost Expectations

Cattery software costs the same as general boarding software—there’s no cat premium:

Small Catteries (Under 20 units)

• Budget: $30-60/month
• Platforms: PetLinx, Kennel Booker

Medium Catteries (20-40 units)

• Budget: $50-100/month
• Platforms: ProPet, PetExec

Large Catteries (40+ units or multi-service)

• Budget: $100-200/month
• Platforms: Gingr, PetCare.Software

ROI for Catteries

For a cattery with 25 units at $25/night average:

Time savings

• 6 hours/week admin reduction = $480/month

No-show reduction

• 3% improvement = $560/month

Occupancy improvement

• 5% better fill rate = $940/month

Total benefit: ~$2,000/month vs. ~$60 software cost

Features by Cattery Type

Small Independent Catteries

Priorities: Simplicity, affordability, core features Key features: Online booking, vaccination tracking, basic feeding logs Recommended: PetLinx, Kennel Booker

Boarding Catteries (Cat-Only Facilities)

Priorities: Cat-specific features, detailed care tracking Key features: FIV/FeLV tracking, comprehensive feeding, litter monitoring Recommended: ProPet, PetLinx with customisation

Mixed Facilities (Cats and Dogs)

Priorities: Unified client experience, species-appropriate handling Key features: Multi-species support, separate boarding areas, combined billing Recommended: Gingr, ProPet, PetCare.Software

Premium/Boutique Catteries

Priorities: Detailed documentation, premium communication, upselling Key features: Photo sharing, activity logging, premium unit management Recommended: Gingr, PetCare.Software

Breeding Catteries with Boarding

Priorities: Health records, pedigree tracking, litter management Key features: Breeding modules, detailed health history Recommended: PetLinx (has breeding features), specialist breeding software

Implementation for Catteries

Data Preparation

Before setup, gather:

• Client contact information
• Cat records (breed, age, colour, microchip)
• FIV/FeLV test results with dates
• Vaccination records
• Feeding requirements for each cat
• Medication and health notes
• Unit preferences for returning cats

Configuration Priorities

During setup, focus on:

1. Custom fields for FIV/FeLV testing dates and results
2. Vaccination tracking with feline vaccine types
3. Feeding fields with appropriate detail levels
4. Unit types reflecting your cattery layout
5. Communication templates appropriate for cat parents

Staff Training

Train on:

• Standard booking and check-in procedures
• Logging feeding observations
• Recording litter box usage (if tracked)
• Documenting stress indicators
• Photo taking and sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cattery software and is it different from kennel software?

Cattery software is management software for cat boarding facilities. It’s similar to kennel software but should include cat-specific features: FIV/FeLV tracking, detailed feeding management, and individual housing rather than group spaces. Most platforms work for both cats and dogs with proper configuration. Check out Dog Boarding Software. Check out Dog Daycare Software. Check out Kennel Software. See how Pet Grooming Software can help. See how Pet Sitting Software can help.

What cat-specific features should cattery software have?

Essential cat-specific features: FIV/FeLV test result tracking with expiry alerts, FVRCP and rabies vaccination records, detailed feeding fields (food type/brand, portion size, wet/dry preference), medication management for common feline conditions, and stress monitoring capabilities.

How does cattery software track FIV/FeLV testing?

Good platforms store test dates, results (positive/negative), and expiry periods for both FIV and FeLV tests. The system alerts when tests are approaching expiry and can flag cats without current results during booking. Some platforms require custom field configuration for this.

Can cattery software manage dietary requirements?

Yes. Look for feeding modules that include food brand/type, wet vs. dry preferences, portion sizes, meal frequency, special diets, and completion tracking. Cats are particular about food, so detailed notes are essential.

How much does cattery management software cost?

Monthly costs range from $30-60 for small catteries to $100-200+ for larger operations. This is comparable to dog boarding software—there’s no premium for cat-specific features. Most platforms offer free trials.

Do I need separate software if I board cats and dogs?

No. Modern platforms handle multiple species with unified client records. Use separate boarding areas operationally, but manage everything in one system for administrative efficiency.

Can cat owners book online themselves?

Yes. Online booking is standard across all modern platforms. Clients see unit availability, select dates, enter cat information, and pay deposits without staff involvement.

What about webcams for cattery clients?

Some platforms integrate with webcam systems for owner viewing. This is less common in catteries than dog facilities (cats are less active to watch), but available if desired. Check webcam integration options with specific platforms.

Choosing Your Cattery Platform

Evaluation Checklist

• Custom fields available for FIV/FeLV tracking?
• Feeding detail level sufficient for finicky cats?
• Vaccination tracking supports feline vaccines?
• Other cattery customers use this platform?
• Pricing appropriate for your size?
• Free trial available for proper testing?
• Data export possible if you switch later?

Decision Factors

1. Customisation: Can you configure cat-specific fields?
2. Size fit: Is it appropriate for your facility size?
3. Budget: Sustainable monthly cost?
4. Usability: Will you and staff actually use it?
5. Support: Responsive when you have questions?

Final Recommendation

For small catteries, PetLinx or Kennel Booker offer good value with sufficient customisation. Medium and larger catteries should look at ProPet or Gingr for more comprehensive features.

The key is configuring the platform properly for cat-specific needs during setup. No platform is perfect out of the box for catteries, but all can be made to work effectively with thoughtful configuration.

Ready to get started? Visit our cattery software page to learn more about PetCare.Software’s cat boarding features.

Related guides: Dog Daycare Software, Dog Boarding Software, Kennel Software