When planning a trip away from home, whether it’s a weekend getaway or an overseas holiday, one of the biggest concerns for New Zealand cat owners is: “Should I hire a cat sitter or book a cattery?” Both options have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your cat’s personality, your budget, and your comfort level. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each to help you make the best decision for your furry family member.
What exactly is a cat sitter?
In this article, we refer to a cat sitter as a professional, or trusted individual who visits your home to care for your cat while you’re away.
Services range from once-a-day visits to overnight stays, and may include feeding, changing litter, playing, administering medication, and even keeping an eye on your plants or bringing in the mail.
In New Zealand, cat sitters can be found through agencies, word-of-mouth, or platforms like PetBacker, Pawshake, or local services such as Leaf Me Alone in Wellington’s eastern suburbs.
What is a cattery?
A cattery, also known as a boarding facility, is a place where your cat stays while you’re away. It’s a controlled environment specifically designed for housing cats, with individual enclosures or rooms, set routines, and staff responsible for care and cleaning.
New Zealand is home to many well-reviewed catteries, from luxury boutique lodges to no-frills family-run facilities. Some are even attached to veterinary clinics, which can be ideal if your cat has medical needs.
Let’s take a look at each option in more detail, to help you decide which is best for your cat (and you).
Cat Sitter: 5 Reasons to Choose In-Home Care
#1. Familiar Environment = Less Stress
Cats are territorial creatures. They form strong attachments to their environment, and changes can lead to anxiety. By choosing a cat sitter, your cat gets to stay in the comfort of their own home—surrounded by familiar smells, sounds, and routines.
In New Zealand’s often unpredictable weather (hello, Wellington wind!), having a sitter also ensures that your cat doesn’t need to be transported through rain, cold, or extreme heat.
#2. Personalised, One-on-One Attention
Cat sitters can tailor their care to your pet’s unique needs. Whether your cat loves a morning cuddle, needs their eye drops at a certain time, or has a favourite perch to nap on—this level of attention is more feasible with a sitter than in a shared facility.
Many sitters in NZ also send daily updates and photos, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.
#3. Routine Maintained
Cats thrive on routine. A disruption to feeding times, litter box cleanliness, or human interaction can be very unsettling. A cat sitter keeps things consistent, which is especially important for elderly cats or those with health conditions.
#4. Home Security Bonus
Having someone come by daily or stay overnight means your home is less obviously vacant. They can bring in packages, put out bins, check for leaks or power outages, and even water your plants.
In areas like Auckland, Tauranga, or Christchurch where break-ins can be a concern during long absences, this added layer of security is a valuable bonus.
#5. Reduced Exposure to Illness
Unlike boarding facilities, where cats are exposed to others (even with vaccination protocols in place), staying at home means your cat won’t risk contracting respiratory infections like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.
Cat Sitter: 5 Drawbacks to consider
#1. Can Be More Expensive (Especially for Long Trips)
Daily visits or overnight stays can add up. In New Zealand, the average cost for one visit per day ranges from $25–$40, with overnight stays starting at $50–$80 depending on the region and services offered.
If you’re away for a week or more, this may not be as cost-effective as a cattery.
#2. You Must Trust the Sitter in Your Home
Letting someone into your personal space requires trust. It’s vital to hire a sitter with strong references or through a reputable agency. Many Kiwis opt for a meet-and-greet before confirming, which is a great way to assess compatibility and professionalism.
#3. Limited Supervision Between Visits
If your sitter isn’t staying overnight, your cat may still be alone for 20+ hours a day. For cats with separation anxiety, health issues, or high social needs, this can be tough.
#4. Availability May Be Limited
During peak travel times (summer holidays, Easter, Christmas), good sitters get booked quickly. If you leave things to the last minute, you may struggle to find someone available.
#5. Emergency Response Time May Be Slower
If something urgent happens (like a medical emergency or house issue), your sitter may not be on-site to respond immediately unless they are doing full-time care or overnight stays.
Cattery: 5 Reasons to Choose Boarding
#1 Professional Supervision and Support
Catteries are purpose-built and typically staffed by experienced carers. Some are run by vet clinics or have medical personnel on hand, which is ideal if your cat is diabetic, on regular medication, or recovering from surgery.
Your cat is checked on multiple times a day, and emergencies can be dealt with quickly.
#2 Safe and Secure
Good catteries in New Zealand are designed to be escape-proof and weather-protected. With cyclone season in the north and strong southerlies in the south, peace of mind around physical safety is a big plus.
#3 Structured Routine
Catteries run on schedules. Cats are fed, cleaned, and cared for at consistent times. While this may not suit free-spirited cats, many adjust quickly and benefit from the predictability.
#4 No Strangers in Your Home
If you feel uncomfortable about someone staying in your house, a cattery solves this problem. You drop your cat off and leave your home just as it was.
#5 All-Inclusive Services
Some catteries offer grooming, vet checks, or even enrichment sessions as part of the boarding package. In cities like Auckland and Wellington, luxury options even include private suites, music, heating, and toys.
Cattery: 5 Drawbacks to Consider
#1 Environment Can Be Stressful
Cats don’t always like other cats. Even if separated by walls or fences, the scent, sound, or sight of other animals can cause anxiety—especially for timid or senior cats.
In New Zealand, where many cats are indoor/outdoor roamers, a confined space can also be a hard adjustment.
#2 Risk of Illness
Despite vaccination rules, boarding facilities can still be breeding grounds for viruses like cat flu, especially during peak seasons. While reputable catteries are clean and careful, the risk is higher than at home.
#3 Less Personalised Care
Staff are busy and care for multiple animals at once. Even if your cat likes affection, they may not get the same level of one-on-one attention they’re used to.
#4 Transport Stress
Getting your cat to the cattery—especially if it involves car rides or crates—can be stressful. For cats that panic in vehicles, this can be a major ordeal.
This is even more pronounced in rural areas, where the nearest cattery may be a 30–60 minute drive.
#5 Popular Facilities Book Out Fast
Just like sitters, high-quality catteries fill up quickly during school holidays and long weekends. You may need to book months in advance to secure a spot.
Cost Comparison: Cat Sitter vs. Cattery in New Zealand
When you have more than one cat, the cost of a cat sitter vs. a cattery can be a major factor in your decision.
Cattery prices usually increase per cat, whereas cat sitter prices might be per visit up to a certain number of cats.
| Service | Average Cost (per day) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Sitter | $25–$40 | One visit per day (feeding, litter, cuddles) |
| Overnight Sitter | $50–$80 | Extended time, possible house-sitting |
| Cattery | $20–$45 | Boarding, feeding, basic care |
| Luxury Cattery | $50+ | Enclosed suites, heating, enrichment |
Prices vary by location and season. Rural areas may be cheaper, while major cities tend to be pricier.
So, Cat Sitter or Cattery? The Final Verdict
If your cat is territorial, shy, elderly, has health issues, or simply doesn’t cope well with change, a cat sitter is often the better choice. They get to stay in their own safe space, and the stress of relocation is avoided.
If your cat is confident, sociable, has high care needs, or you’re going away for an extended period and want more structured supervision, a cattery may be more suitable.
Best of Both Worlds?
Some New Zealand pet owners opt for a hybrid approach—starting with a cat sitter, then moving to a cattery if a trip is extended or the sitter becomes unavailable. Others book sitters who stay overnight, offering the benefit of in-home care with the security of constant supervision.
Final Tips Before You Decide
- Visit the facility or meet the sitter first—a good service will welcome this.
- Ask for references and proof of insurance.
- Check for local reviews—especially for rural or suburban options.
- Trial a short trip first to see how your cat copes before committing to a long one.
Whether you choose a cat sitter or cattery, the key is to plan ahead and choose what suits your cat best—not just what’s convenient for you. Every cat is different, and the more you tailor their care, the happier and healthier they’ll be when you return home.
