Cat boarding in Somerset: a safe, caring home away from home for your cat

With over 85 years’ experience of rehoming cats, we know better than most – not all cats are the same and not all cats are great with new people or adapting to new environments.

One question we often get asked when we meet with cat owners ahead of boarding is; how do we make sure their cat is happy when they board with us? And the answer is, we put in a lot of work to build trust with and understand your pet to ensure they thrive while they are with us.

Getting ready for your cat boarding at Ferne

We know cats can be fussy in a new environment, which is why preparation is the key to a successful stay. Ahead of every visit we dedicate time to allow you to share your cats likes, dislikes and needs. We do everything we can to understand any medical needs, dietary preferences, how they spend their days, their favourite types of snuggles and most importantly their no stroke zones – yes, we mean no stroke zones, we’re quick, but we know murder mittens act quicky when the boundaries have been crossed.

When you bring your pet for a stay, we encourage you to bring their favourite toys and bedding, and even items of your clothing that smell of you and your home. We use these to furnish the pen and welcome your four-legged furry friends into their holiday home.

How it starts

For cats, moving into a new environment can be overwhelming, so creating a calm, reassuring “home away from home” is at the heart of everything we do. We allow for plenty of time and space to provide the care they need to settle in and feel safe.

Every pet who stays for a feline holiday is welcomed into their own spacious pen which has secure indoor and outdoor space. The indoor accommodation is fully insulated, heated, and fitted with an air purification system with plenty of high and low cosy areas to ensure a clean and comfortable environment. The outdoor space is easy to access and provides plenty of room to roam.

We play soft background music throughout the facility with gentle calming aids such as Pet Remedy to help your cat feel relaxed and at ease.

From the moment they arrive, our team focuses on helping each cat adjust at their own pace. We use the items you bring from home to set up quiet, comfortable and familiar feeling spaces so they can retreat when they need to. Building trust is key, and our staff take time to get to know each individual personality – because no two cats are ever the same.

Days filled with catnaps and enrichment

Exercise and exploration are an important part of their day. A typical day at the sanctuary is structured around their needs with mornings often beginning with feeding and health checks, followed by cleaning and gentle social interaction. Throughout the day, cats have access to the outdoors and enrichment activities designed to stimulate curiosity and play – whether that’s toys, climbing spaces, scratching posts, quiet time with our welfare team or even lazing in the morning sun, we have it covered.

On the topic of lazing, we know cats love being curled up in a sunny spot or tucked away somewhere cosy. Sleep and relaxation are a vital part of their routine. Some might be more active and curious, while others are perfectly content taking life at a slower pace, we adapt to their needs.

At Ferne, we understand that feeling safe is just as important as staying active. By combining structure, enrichment and calm companionship, we help every cat settle in, thrive, and feel truly at home while they are with us.

Don’t take our word for it, here is what our customers say

“We adopted Mildred as a kitten from Ferne, she’s now 8 years old and up until last year had never stayed away from home. We booked her into stay for a week and left her with a list of her odd ways!

She does not like strangers, so it was really pleasing to get a video halfway during our holiday of Mildred coming out of her bed purring and saying hello to the staff who were looking after her.

We have booked her in again this year, it’s good to know she will be well looked after.”

– Kim & Mildred

 “We went to view the recently opened cattery at Ferne Animal Sanctury last year. Saffron loves to be outside so we were really impressed with the cosy looking pens with outdoor space.  The staff appeared to be very loving and professional.  We just had a really good feeling about the cattery and booked her in for a week in May 2025. We were so pleased with how well Saffron was cared for that we have booked her in again in May 2026.”

– S Handford

A break for you, a purrfect staycation for them

If you are planning weekend away or a longer escape, Ferne’s cat boarding service offers peace of mind while you’re gone. Your cat will enjoy a calm, cosy environment designed around their needs – complete with familiar comforts, personalised care and plenty of space to relax, explore and, of course, nap the day away.

From curious climbers to champion loungers, every cat is given the time and attention they need to feel safe, settled and right at home while you enjoy a break.

Planning a getaway? Discover Ferne’s cat boarding service and give your feline friend a little purradise of their own. Visit our boarding page for prices and bookings: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/visit-the-sanctuary/pet-boarding/