Tag: Sutherland Shire cat boarding

Leaving your cat in boarding for the first time can feel like a very big step.

You may wonder whether they will eat, how long they will take to settle and whether the people caring for them will understand their particular ways. Perhaps they only eat when dinner is presented just so, or enjoy attention but prefer to be the one who initiates it.

These are perfectly understandable concerns. Your cat is part of the family, and trusting someone else with their care is not something you do lightly.

At Hotel for Cats, every guest has private accommodation and care shaped around their individual needs. We take the time to learn about your puddycat before they settle into their room, so we know how they usually eat, play, relax and make friends.

Quick answer

When boarding your cat for the first time, it can help to make their carrier familiar beforehand and keep their usual routine steady in the days leading up to the stay. Bring their vaccination record, information about their food and any clearly labelled medication. A favourite blanket or toy can also add a familiar scent to their room. At Hotel for Cats, each guest stays in private accommodation and is given time to settle at their own pace.

Make the carrier part of the furniture

If your cat only sees their carrier immediately before a car journey, it is understandable that they may be suspicious of it.

Leaving the carrier open in a familiar room for several days can make it feel less unusual. You might place their blanket inside or leave a few treats for them to discover. Some cats will begin sleeping in it; others may simply give it the occasional inspection.

There is no need to force them inside while you are introducing it. The aim is simply to let the carrier become an ordinary object rather than an unexpected arrival on check-in day.

If your cat is comfortable in their carrier but uncertain about the car, a couple of short practice drives may also make the journey feel more familiar. This is entirely optional, particularly for cats who already travel without much fuss.

Keep things familiar before the stay

Cats often appreciate predictability, so the days before boarding are not the time to introduce lots of changes.

You can continue feeding your cat at their usual times and follow their normal home routine. If suitcases appear and furniture starts filling with holiday supplies, having their familiar carrier and blanket nearby may give them something recognisable among the activity.

A calm, unhurried check-in can also make the departure easier. Once we have talked through your cat’s needs, our team will take them to the suite prepared for their arrival and allow them to begin exploring in their own time.

Tell us about the cat behind the booking

The information you share at check-in helps us understand how to approach your cat.

It is useful to know:

• What they normally eat and when
• Whether they are confident or cautious with new people
• The kind of attention they enjoy
• Whether they like toys, brushing or quiet company
• Where they prefer to sleep
• Any health concerns or recent changes
• What behaviour is normal for them
• Anything that tends to help them feel comfortable

Perhaps your cat adores a brush but does not enjoy being picked up. Maybe they are reserved with new people but become affectionate once they feel secure. These details help our feline butlers care for the individual guest, rather than making assumptions based on how other cats behave.

What might your cat like to bring?

Your cat does not need to relocate the entire contents of home for their stay. Most families find that one or two familiar comforts are enough.

You are welcome to bring a favourite blanket, bed or suitable toy for your cat’s room. Familiar scents can help their new surroundings feel more recognisable, especially during the first day.

If your puddycat has many beloved possessions, you might choose the item they use most often or one that carries the scent of home. Anything you bring should be labelled so it can be kept with your cat’s belongings.

Along with their carrier, useful things to have ready include:

• Their current vaccination record
• Any food you would like us to serve
• Clearly labelled medication and instructions
• A favourite blanket, bed or suitable toy
• Current contact and emergency contact details

Our team will talk through these items with you during check-in.

Keeping their usual food

Food is an important part of a cat’s routine, and many owners prefer their puddycat to continue eating the same meals while they are away.

You are welcome to bring your cat’s usual food from home. This can be particularly useful for cats with sensitive stomachs, prescription diets, strong preferences or a routine that already works well for them.

If you bring food, pack enough for the booking and label it with your cat’s name. Simple information about portions, feeding times and any connection between food and medication will help us follow their usual routine.

Hotel for Cats can also provide premium dry food, while wet food and other dietary options can be arranged.

Our guide to keeping your cat’s usual diet while boarding explains the available choices and how to prepare food from home.

Preparing medication

Cats who take regular medication can still enjoy a lovely stay at Hotel for Cats.

Our trained team can administer most oral and topical medications when this has been arranged beforehand. Let us know what your cat needs when making the booking so we can review the instructions before they arrive.

Medication should remain in its original packaging with the veterinary prescription and dosage information clearly visible. It also helps to tell us how your cat usually takes it, particularly if there is a method that works well at home.

For more detailed preparation advice, read our guide to cat boarding with medication.

Checking their health requirements

Hotel for Cats requires guests to have a current F3 vaccination. Cats must also be desexed, except for kittens under six months of age.

It is worth checking the vaccination record when you make the booking. That gives you time to arrange an update with Blakehurst Vet or your regular veterinarian if one is needed.

Flea treatment is applied as part of check-in. You can bring a suitable treatment for our team to apply or arrange to purchase one from us.

You can also visit our frequently asked questions for current information about health requirements, check-in and what is included in your cat’s stay.

What happens on check-in day?

Check-in begins at 12pm from Monday to Saturday.

We welcome you into our check-in room, where we talk through your cat’s food, medication, favourite comforts, personality and health needs. We also confirm your contact information and emergency contact details.

After you have said goodbye, our team takes your cat to the private suite prepared for them that morning. Their familiar blanket or toy can be placed in the room, and they are given time to investigate everything at their own pace.

Some puddycats begin exploring immediately. Others prefer to sit quietly and observe before deciding what they think of the room and its staff.

Our article on what happens on a cat’s first day at Hotel for Cats takes you through the arrival and settling-in process step by step.

Every cat settles differently

There is no single correct way for a cat to behave on their first day.

A confident guest may leave their carrier, inspect the room and begin seeking attention very quickly. A cautious cat may prefer to watch quietly until the surroundings feel familiar.

Taking a little longer does not mean a cat is having a bad stay. Often, they are simply gathering information and deciding when they are ready to engage.

Our team follows their lead. An outgoing puddycat may welcome play and attention early on, while a quieter guest may appreciate gentle conversation and more time.

You can read more about why some cats settle into boarding faster than others.

Private accommodation gives them room to settle

Every guest at Hotel for Cats stays in private accommodation. Cats from different households are never mixed.

This gives your cat a room they can begin making their own, without having to share it with unfamiliar cats. Cats from the same family may stay together when they already live happily together and the chosen room is suitable.

Our accommodation ranges from comfortable private options to large designer suites and apartment-style Penthouse rooms. Senior Suites with low ramps are also available for older or less mobile puddycats.

You can compare the choices on our rooms and suites page or read our guide to choosing the right luxury cat suite.

Familiar care, play and quiet company

Interaction during a stay is guided by your cat’s personality and what you tell us they enjoy.

Some guests love toys, brushing and attention from the moment we meet. Others prefer quiet company while they become familiar with their surroundings. A gentle visit can be just as valuable as a lively play session when that is what the cat wants.

Our rooms also offer opportunities to climb, watch the world and choose different resting places. You can learn more about why enrichment matters during cat boarding.

Keeping an eye on how they are doing

Our team monitors each guest’s eating, drinking, toileting and behaviour throughout their stay.

The information you provide gives us a helpful picture of what is normal for your cat. If you tell us they are usually very enthusiastic about meals, for example, we know that a change in appetite deserves attention.

Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet, with a full veterinary clinic on the premises. If something causes concern, veterinary expertise is close at hand.

Our guide explains what happens if a cat becomes sick while boarding.

A glimpse of their first holiday

Every guest receives a complimentary settling-in photo update on Day 2, or on the next available update day if Day 2 falls on a Sunday or public holiday.

It is a chance to see how your puddycat is settling and which part of the room they have claimed as their own. During longer stays, further photo or video updates are provided approximately once a week, depending on the suite selected. Additional updates can also be arranged if required.

Many owners find that first settling-in update particularly reassuring. The cat they worried might never emerge from the carrier is often discovered stretched across a bed, watching television or supervising room service.

Frequently asked questions about first-time cat boarding

How can I prepare my cat for boarding for the first time?

Making the carrier familiar, keeping your cat’s home routine steady and preparing their food and health information can all help. A favourite blanket or toy can also add a familiar scent to their private room.

What should I bring for my cat’s stay?

Bring your cat in a secure carrier, along with their vaccination record, any food you are supplying, clearly labelled medication and a familiar comfort if you would like to include one. We will also confirm your contact and emergency contact details.

Can my cat eat their usual food?

Yes. You are welcome to provide your cat’s normal food, including prescription or special diets. Hotel for Cats can also provide premium dry food, with wet food and other dietary options available.

Can my cat bring their favourite blanket or toy?

Yes. Familiar blankets, beds and suitable toys are welcome. These can add a recognisable scent to the suite while your cat becomes comfortable.

Will my cat have to mix with other cats?

No. Cats from different households are never mixed at Hotel for Cats. Cats from the same family may share a suitable room if they already live happily together.

How long will it take my cat to settle?

Every cat is different. Some begin exploring immediately, while others prefer to observe quietly before showing their usual personality. Our team gives each guest the time and approach that suits them.

Can you give my cat medication?

Most oral and topical medications can be administered when arranged before the stay. Medication should remain in its original packaging with clear veterinary prescription and dosage information.

What if my cat does not eat straight away?

Some cats eat normally from their first meal, while others may take a little time to adjust. Our team monitors each guest’s appetite, water intake, toileting and behaviour and can seek veterinary support if a change causes concern.

Will I receive an update?

Yes. Every guest receives a complimentary settling-in photo update on Day 2, or on the next available update day if Day 2 falls on a Sunday or public holiday. During longer stays, further photo or video updates are provided approximately once a week, depending on the suite selected. Additional updates can also be arranged if required.

How early should I book?

Booking once your travel dates are confirmed gives you the best choice of accommodation. Christmas, Easter, school holidays and long weekends often fill well in advance. Our guide explains how far ahead to book cat boarding.

Ready for their first holiday?

Boarding your cat for the first time may feel like a big step, but you do not have to prepare everything perfectly.

A familiar carrier, their usual food information and a few details about what makes them comfortable give us a wonderful place to start. Once they arrive, our team will take the time to get to know them and help them settle into their private room in their own way.

Explore our rooms and suites and book your puddycat’s first stay online.

Cats have a remarkable talent for making relaxation look like a full-time occupation. Even so, a satisfying day involves more than finding somewhere comfortable to sleep.

Cats like to climb, watch, investigate, stretch, play and decide for themselves when they would like company. Those natural behaviours still matter when they are away from home.

At Hotel for Cats, enrichment is not a rigid programme that every guest must follow. It is part of the room, the daily routine and the way our team gets to know each puddycat.

Quick answer

Cat boarding enrichment gives cats opportunities to use their natural behaviours while they are away from home. This may include climbing shelves, interesting views, toys, cat wheels, window catios, play or quiet interaction with their carers. At Hotel for Cats, enrichment is guided by each guest’s personality, so an active cat can explore and play while a quieter cat can enjoy watching the world from a place where they feel comfortable.

What does enrichment mean for a cat?

Enrichment is anything that gives a cat a suitable opportunity to think, move, investigate or engage with their surroundings.

At home, this happens in ordinary ways. Your cat may watch birds through the window, climb onto furniture, chase a toy down the hallway or follow you into a room simply because you closed the door.

A boarding environment should give them similar opportunities. That does not mean filling every moment with activity. Cats also need uninterrupted time to rest and observe.

Good enrichment offers choices. The cat decides whether to play, climb, watch or sleep.

The room is part of the experience

Enrichment begins with the accommodation itself.

Every guest at Hotel for Cats has private accommodation, with cats from different households never mixed. This gives each cat a space they can explore without unfamiliar cats entering their room.

Depending on the room selected, features may include:

• Climbing shelves and furniture
• Elevated resting places
• Large windows and interesting views
• Window seats
• Cat wheels
• Secure window catios
• Televisions
• Toys and space to play
• Comfortable places to sleep and observe

These features give cats different ways to spend their day. One guest may climb to the highest shelf before breakfast. Another might choose a window seat and remain there, deeply involved in monitoring everyone outside.

You can compare the features in our rooms and suites or read our guide to choosing the right luxury cat suite.

Enrichment should suit the individual cat

Not every cat wants an energetic play session, and not every cat enjoys the same toys.

A confident young cat may be ready to chase, climb and investigate almost immediately. A cautious guest may find more value in a quiet visit from someone who sits nearby and speaks gently. A senior puddycat might enjoy a brush or a little attention without wanting to leap between shelves.

All of these can be worthwhile forms of enrichment.

Before a stay, we ask what your cat enjoys at home. Knowing whether they like toys, brushing, cuddles or quiet company helps us offer interaction that feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

Play can help us build trust

For cats who enjoy it, play is a lovely way to build a relationship with their carers.

A toy gives the cat control over the interaction. They can approach, retreat, pounce or decide that the game is over. As they become familiar with the person on the other end of the toy, many guests begin to seek out more interaction.

Play also gives active cats an opportunity to stretch, move and use their natural hunting behaviours.

The style and pace should always suit the cat. A lively young guest may enjoy an energetic game, while another might prefer a slowly moving toy that can be studied carefully before launching an attack.

Watching can be an activity too

A cat sitting quietly at a window may appear to be doing very little. In reality, they may be following birds, people, changing light and every movement within sight.

Many of our rooms have windows or glass frontages that provide guests with an interesting outlook. The Penthouses include large windows and secure window catios, while other suites offer church, city or gym views.

For cats who enjoy observing, a good view can provide hours of interest without asking them to leave the comfort of their chosen spot.

Our article about the Sydney cat hotel Penthouses explores the catios, windows, wheels and climbing furniture on the top floor.

Climbing gives cats choice

Many cats naturally seek height, particularly when they are assessing unfamiliar surroundings.

Shelves and climbing furniture allow them to move above floor level and choose the position where they feel most comfortable. They can look across the room, watch their feline butler arrive or find a peaceful place for a nap.

Climbing can also give active guests another way to move around their room. They are not limited to walking between a bed and a food bowl.

For senior or less mobile guests, enrichment looks different. Our Senior Suites have low bedding and shelves that are easier to access, allowing older cats to move around without difficult jumps.

You can learn more about boarding a senior cat.

Familiar comforts have a role

A familiar blanket, bed or favourite toy can add the scent of home to a cat’s room.

That item does not need to entertain them constantly to be valuable. It may simply become the place they choose to sleep while everything else is still new.

Owners are welcome to bring familiar comforts for their cat’s stay. During check-in, tell us what you have packed so we can place it in the room prepared for them.

Our guide for anyone boarding their cat for the first time includes more advice about carriers, belongings, food and preparing for arrival.

Enrichment begins with letting a cat settle

A newly arrived cat may not be ready to play straight away.

Some guests inspect their room immediately. Others prefer to watch quietly while they become familiar with the sights, sounds and people around them. Both responses are normal.

For a cautious cat, privacy and patience may be the most helpful things we can offer at first. As their confidence grows, they may begin exploring the shelves, looking through the window or showing interest in the team.

We let the cat set the pace. Our article on why some cats settle into boarding faster than others explains the different ways guests respond to a new environment.

Care and enrichment belong together

Enrichment is not something added separately after the essential work is finished. It is woven through the way we care for each guest.

When our team enters a room, we are doing more than delivering a meal or refreshing the litter. It is a chance to see how the cat greets us, notice where they have chosen to spend their time and offer the kind of interaction they enjoy.

These visits help us learn about the cat while also giving them a familiar human presence throughout the day.

We monitor every guest’s eating, drinking, toileting and behaviour. Changes can tell us whether a cat is still settling or whether something needs closer attention.

Hotel for Cats also operates alongside Blakehurst Vet, with a full veterinary clinic on the premises and veterinary expertise close at hand.

Food can provide familiarity

Keeping a cat’s normal feeding routine can help their days feel more predictable.

Owners are welcome to bring their cat’s usual food, including prescription diets and meals for cats with strong preferences. Hotel for Cats can also provide premium dry food, with wet food and other dietary options available.

Our team follows the feeding information supplied at check-in and monitors how well each guest is eating.

You can read more about keeping your cat’s usual diet while boarding.

Frequently asked questions about cat boarding enrichment

What is cat boarding enrichment?

Cat boarding enrichment gives cats appropriate ways to think, move, play, observe and interact during their stay. It can include climbing furniture, toys, windows, cat wheels, catios and individual attention from their carers.

Does every cat receive the same enrichment?

No. Enrichment is guided by each cat’s age, personality, mobility and preferences. An active guest may enjoy play and climbing, while a quieter cat may prefer watching from a window or spending time with a familiar carer.

What if my cat does not want to play?

Play is offered, not forced. Quiet company, brushing, gentle attention, climbing or watching activity from a window can all provide interest for a cat who does not want an energetic game.

Can I bring my cat’s favourite toy?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a suitable toy, blanket or bed from home. Familiar items can add a recognisable scent to your cat’s private room.

Do the rooms have climbing areas?

Many of our rooms include shelves or climbing furniture. The exact features vary by room category, so visit our rooms and suites page when choosing your cat’s accommodation.

Which rooms have cat wheels?

Cat wheels are available in selected larger rooms, including the Clowder and Terrace Penthouses and some Grand Suites. Check the features of your preferred room before booking.

Is enrichment suitable for senior cats?

Yes. Enrichment for a senior cat may involve gentle movement, an accessible view, brushing or quiet interaction rather than energetic play. Our Senior Suites have low bedding and shelves designed for easier access.

Can enrichment help a nervous cat settle?

A private room, familiar comfort items, predictable care and the freedom to engage at their own pace can help a cautious cat become familiar with their surroundings. Our team follows the cat’s lead rather than pushing them to interact.

Will my cat share enrichment spaces with other cats?

No. Cats from different households are never mixed at Hotel for Cats. Each guest enjoys enrichment within their private accommodation or with individual attention from our team.

A stay shaped around your cat

Meaningful enrichment does not require filling every minute with entertainment. It means giving a cat the space, choices and individual attention to spend their day in a way that feels right for them.

For one guest, that might be climbing, playing and running on a wheel. For another, it may be a window view, a familiar blanket and regular visits from a feline butler who understands that friendship takes time.

That individual approach is at the heart of every stay at Hotel for Cats.

Explore our rooms and suites and book a holiday designed around your puddycat.

Choosing somewhere for your cat to stay is a personal decision. You are not simply reserving a room. You are trusting people to notice whether your cat has eaten, understand when they need a little space and learn the small things that help them feel comfortable.

At Hotel for Cats, those details have mattered from the very beginning.

Our hotel has been independently owned and family-run since Holly Bathgate created it in 2009. It grew alongside Blakehurst Vet and continues to be shaped by the same family, the same purpose and the belief that cats deserve a genuine holiday of their own.

Quick answer

A family-run cat hotel offers care shaped by people who are personally involved in the business and the standard it provides. At Hotel for Cats, decisions about the rooms, routines and guest experience are made here in Blakehurst by people who know the hotel and its cats. Every guest stays in private accommodation, receives individual attention and benefits from the reassurance of Blakehurst Vet on the same premises.

A hotel that began with one cat

Hotel for Cats began when a long-standing Blakehurst Vet client asked whether her cat could stay at the clinic while she travelled to Europe for two months.

At the time, the only available option would have been a cage inside the veterinary clinic. Holly could not imagine leaving a much-loved cat in that environment for such a long stay.

The request stayed with her. If one owner wanted something better for her cat, surely others did too.

Holly’s husband and business partner, veterinarian Dr Hamish Bathgate, suggested visiting existing catteries for ideas. Holly refused. She did not want to copy what was already available. She wanted to create something completely different.

Working with a carpenter, she developed spacious private rooms with climbing areas, comfortable beds and room for cats to move around properly. Hotel for Cats opened in 2009, built around the idea that a cat should feel as though they are on holiday, not simply waiting for their family to return.

You can read more about how Hotel for Cats began.

Family-run care begins with knowing the guest

Personal care is difficult to deliver when every cat is treated as though they have the same personality.

Some guests arrive ready to inspect their suite and introduce themselves to everyone. Others prefer their feline butler to serve dinner quietly and allow the friendship to develop in its own time.

Our team learns about each cat before they settle into their room. We ask about their usual food, routine, personality, health needs and the kind of attention they enjoy.

Throughout the stay, we monitor eating, drinking, toileting and behaviour. We get to know which guests greet breakfast enthusiastically, who prefers a gentle approach and who has very definite views about when a smooch is appropriate.

This individual knowledge helps us care for the cat in front of us, rather than following the same script for every guest.

Decisions are made here in Blakehurst

One of the meaningful differences in an independent family business is that decisions are made by people who understand the hotel firsthand.

The Bathgate family knows the building, the rooms, the team and the experience they want every owner to have. If something can be improved, it does not need to pass through layers of distant management before anyone can act.

That direct involvement has shaped the hotel as it has grown.

In 2020, Hotel for Cats and Blakehurst Vet moved into a purpose-built facility on King Georges Road. The accommodation continued to evolve, with new designer suites, Executive Junior Suites and the top-floor Penthouse rooms added to give owners more choice.

We do not assume that creating a beautiful cat hotel once is enough. The rooms and guest experience continue to develop as we find new ways to make each stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Private accommodation for every cat

Every guest at Hotel for Cats has private accommodation. Cats from different households are never mixed.

Cats from the same family can share a suitable room when they already live happily together. Larger suites and our Penthouse rooms give siblings space to stay together while still choosing separate places to rest.

Our accommodation ranges from affordable private Condos to Junior and Senior Suites, the Grand Suites Collection, The Estate and human-sized Penthouse rooms.

Each category offers a different amount of space and different features, allowing owners to choose what suits their cat’s personality, mobility and length of stay.

You can compare our rooms and suites or read our guide to choosing the right luxury cat suite.

Rooms created around cats

The rooms at Hotel for Cats were not designed by taking ordinary animal accommodation and making it look more attractive. They were created around the way cats like to live.

Depending on the suite, a guest may have access to climbing furniture, elevated beds, large windows, televisions, cat wheels, window seats or private catios.

These features give cats choices. They can climb when they feel active, sit at a window and watch the world, or find the perfect position for an uninterrupted afternoon nap.

Senior Suites take a different approach, with low bedding and shelves that are easier for older or less mobile puddycats to use.

The room is part of the care because it determines how much freedom a cat has to settle and spend their day in their own way.

Attention that follows the cat’s lead

A family-run approach does not mean overwhelming every guest with affection.

Real personal care involves noticing what the cat actually wants.

One guest may enjoy toys, brushing and company whenever a team member enters the room. Another may feel more comfortable with a quiet voice and a little patience. A third might decide that the staff are acceptable, provided meals remain punctual.

Our team offers play, interaction and companionship according to the guest’s preferences. We allow cautious cats to take their time and give confident cats opportunities to explore and engage.

Our article on why some cats settle into boarding faster than others explains why every guest approaches a new environment differently.

The team behind each stay

Although Hotel for Cats is family-owned, caring for our guests is a team effort.

Our hotel attendants, veterinary nurses and managers bring their own knowledge and experience to the role. The family-run difference lies in the culture surrounding that work: people are encouraged to know the cats, notice changes and understand that good care is found in the details.

When a staff member enters a room, it is not simply to complete a list of tasks. It is an opportunity to see how the cat greets them, where they have chosen to sleep, how well they are eating and whether they seem like themselves.

This is how unfamiliar faces become trusted feline butlers over the course of a stay.

If you would like to know what happens when a guest arrives, our article on a cat’s first day at Hotel for Cats follows the check-in and settling process.

Blakehurst Vet on the same premises

Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet, with a full veterinary clinic on the premises.

Our team monitors each guest’s appetite, water intake, toileting and behaviour. If something causes concern, veterinary expertise is close at hand.

This offers valuable reassurance for every owner and can be particularly important for senior cats, cats taking medication and guests with existing health needs.

You can read more about on-site veterinary support at Hotel for Cats and what happens if a cat becomes sick while boarding.

Familiar faces over many stays

Many guests return to Hotel for Cats whenever their families travel.

Returning cats often recognise the routine and become comfortable more quickly. The team may already know which room they enjoy, what kind of interaction they prefer and whether they consider breakfast the most important event of the day.

That continuity is valuable for owners too. They are not starting from the beginning with every booking or explaining their cat’s personality to an entirely unfamiliar business.

A first-time guest can become a familiar face, and a familiar face can become part of the Hotel for Cats family.

Reassurance while you travel

Every guest receives a complimentary settling-in photo update on Day 2, or on the next available update day if Day 2 falls on a Sunday or public holiday. During longer stays, further photo or video updates are provided approximately once a week, depending on the suite selected.

The update gives you a glimpse of how your cat is spending their holiday, whether they are playing, watching the world from a window or stretched across their bed as though they have always lived there.

Additional updates can be arranged if required.

A local cat hotel with a convenient location

Hotel for Cats is located in Blakehurst and welcomes cats from Hurstville, St George, the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney.

We are around 20 minutes from Sydney Airport under normal traffic conditions, making check-in and collection convenient for many travelling families.

Our guide to cat boarding near Sydney Airport has more information for owners planning a flight.

Frequently asked questions about family-run cat boarding

What does family-run cat hotel mean?

Hotel for Cats is independently owned and operated by the Bathgate family. The family remains involved in the hotel, its development and the standards of care provided to every guest.

Who founded Hotel for Cats?

Holly Bathgate founded Hotel for Cats after a Blakehurst Vet client needed somewhere suitable for her cat to stay during a two-month trip. Holly created an alternative built around spacious private rooms and individual feline care.

How long has Hotel for Cats been operating?

Hotel for Cats opened in Blakehurst in 2009. In 2020, it moved with Blakehurst Vet into the current purpose-built premises on King Georges Road.

Is Hotel for Cats part of a corporate chain?

No. Hotel for Cats is an independent, family-run Sydney business.

Will my cat have private accommodation?

Yes. Every guest has private accommodation, and cats from different households are never mixed. Cats from the same family may share a suitable room when they already live happily together.

Will the team get to know my cat?

Yes. We ask about your cat’s food, routine, health and personality before they settle into their room. Our team then adapts its approach according to the attention and interaction your cat enjoys.

Is veterinary support available?

Yes. Hotel for Cats operates alongside Blakehurst Vet, with a full veterinary clinic on the premises. Veterinary expertise is close at hand if a health concern arises during a stay.

Can you care for a cat who needs medication?

Our trained team can administer most oral and topical medications when arranged before arrival. Medication should remain in its original packaging with a clear veterinary prescription and dosage instructions.

Will I receive an update during the stay?

Yes. Every guest receives a complimentary settling-in photo update on Day 2, or on the next available update day if Day 2 falls on a Sunday or public holiday. During longer stays, further photo or video updates are provided approximately once a week, depending on the suite selected. Additional updates can also be arranged if required.

Why choose an independent, family-run cat hotel?

A family-run hotel offers continuity, personal involvement and decisions made by people who know the business firsthand. At Hotel for Cats, that approach is reflected in the private rooms, individual care and attention given to every guest.

Still family-run, still created around cats

Hotel for Cats has grown considerably since Holly created those first rooms in 2009, but the reason behind it has not changed.

We want owners to travel without feeling guilty about where they have left their cat. We want every puddycat to have privacy, space and care from people who take the time to know them. Most of all, we want their stay to feel like a holiday of their own.

That is what being family-run means to us. The people responsible for the hotel are still here, still involved and still looking for ways to make the experience better.

Explore our rooms and suites and book your cat’s next stay online.