Looking for the best cattery in Christchurch? Here are 10 highly rated options, compared for reviews, value, safety, specialist care, accommodation and more – plus what to do if your preferred cattery is already booked.
Last reviewed: August 2026*
Finding a good cattery in Christchurch can be surprisingly difficult – especially when you’re looking for Christmas or summer holiday accommodation.
And if you’ve ever tried booking a cattery over Christmas, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
The really good ones can book out months in advance.
So, rather than simply looking for the cattery with the highest Google rating, I’ve put together this guide to some of the best-known and best-reviewed catteries in Christchurch and the surrounding area.
I’ve looked at more than just star ratings.
I’ve considered Google reviews, review volume, value for money, accommodation, safety and security, vaccination requirements, heating and climate control, specialist and medical care, enrichment, outdoor access, owner communication and overall customer experience.
Because the thing is, when you’re leaving your dear friend behind, you want more than somewhere that simply has a spare kennel.
You want somewhere where you can feel confident saying:
“I’m so happy we were able to book. My cat is going to love it here.”
Christchurch’s 10 Best Catteries at a Glance
| Cattery | Google rating* | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Cattery | ⭐ 5.0 | Best overall |
| Cat Habitat | ⭐ 5.0 | Senior & special-needs cats |
| Donquest | ⭐ 4.7 | Best value |
| Cherry Grove Cattery | ⭐ 4.9 | Rural setting |
| Avoca Valley Cattery | ⭐ 4.9 | Outdoor space |
| Country Paws | ⭐ 4.9 | Value + medical care |
| Ali Cats Cattery | ⭐ 4.9 | Standards & experience |
| Avon Cattery | ⭐ 4.8 | Boutique experience |
| Cattery Barn | ⭐ 4.9 | Personal service |
| Parkavon | ⭐ 4.7 | Established boarding operation |
*Google ratings and review counts change over time. Ratings shown are a snapshot checked in August 2026.
1. Riverside Cattery – Best Overall
📍 Kainga | ⭐ 5.0 | 157 Google reviews
If I had to choose an overall winner, Riverside Cattery would be it.
What really stands out is the combination of an exceptionally strong review profile, extensive accommodation choices and some impressive attention to comfort.
Riverside currently has a 5.0-star rating from around 157 Google reviews, which is a particularly impressive combination.
A perfect score is one thing.
Maintaining it while accumulating a substantial number of reviews is another.
The accommodation ranges from standard units through to substantially larger luxury suites. Some units have individual heating and cooling, while the premium options include features such as climbing towers, large windows and plenty of room to explore.
There’s also an on-site presence, which is a big tick for me when assessing safety.
And for owners who suffer from the classic “I wonder how my cat is doing?” syndrome while they’re away, Riverside also offers regular photo/social-media updates.
Why I like it
- ⭐ Excellent Google rating with a substantial review base
- Individual accommodation
- Heating/cooling options
- Larger premium suites available
- On-site owners
- Photo updates
- Airport proximity
- Good range of accommodation options
Best for: The owner who wants the whole package and is happy to pay a little more for extra comfort.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Luxury: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Cat Habitat – Best for Senior & Special-Needs Cats
📍 Mairehau | ⭐ 5.0 | 60 Google reviews
If your cat has medical or special-care requirements, this is one I’d put very high on the list.
Cat Habitat isn’t simply saying “yes, we can give your cat medication.”
Special-needs cats are a significant part of what they do.
The facility specifically caters for geriatric cats, diabetic cats and cats requiring ongoing medication, with the owners living on site. They can also liaise with your nominated vet if necessary.
The accommodation itself is designed with cats in mind, with individual heated indoor areas, multiple levels for climbing and sleeping, windows and private outdoor courtyards.
And the reviews back up the reputation – the current Google listing shows a 5.0 rating from 60 reviews.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 5.0 Google rating
- Specialist medical care
- Experience with diabetic cats
- Senior/geriatric care
- Medication administration
- Owners live on site
- Individual indoor/outdoor units
- Vet liaison when required
Best for: Older cats, diabetic cats, cats on medication or simply cats who need a little more TLC.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Specialist care: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Donquest – Best Value
📍 Harewood | ⭐ 4.7 | 87 Google reviews
If price is important, Donquest deserves serious consideration.
Their advertised cattery price has historically been very competitive, making it one of the more affordable options I’ve found in Christchurch.
But this isn’t necessarily a case of cheap = basic.
Donquest has on-site owners, security cameras, climate-controlled accommodation and regular observation checks.
It’s also particularly convenient for travellers because of its location near Christchurch Airport.
The current Google listing shows 4.7 stars from 87 reviews, giving it a substantial review base even though its rating isn’t quite as high as some of the smaller catteries on this list.
Why I like it
- 💰 Competitive pricing
- On-site owners
- Security cameras
- Climate controlled
- Regular checks
- Established business
- Airport location
- Pet transport services
Best for: Travellers, budget-conscious owners and anyone who wants strong safety features without paying luxury-cattery prices.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Luxury: ⭐⭐⭐½
4. Cherry Grove Cattery – Best Rural Setting
📍 Templeton | ⭐ 4.9 | 50 Google reviews
There’s something lovely about Cherry Grove if you’re looking for a peaceful, home-away-from-home environment.
The cattery sits on a lifestyle property and has individual accommodation, family rooms and secure outdoor areas.
The outdoor areas are particularly well thought out: cats can take turns enjoying them, but they aren’t simply put loose together with unrelated cats.
That’s an important distinction.
Cherry Grove also has a dedicated isolation unit, separate from the main accommodation, and the suites are cleaned regularly, with thorough cleaning and sanitising between guests.
They also have sensible vaccination and parasite-treatment requirements, which is another good sign when you’re assessing a boarding facility.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.9 Google rating
- Peaceful rural setting
- Individual accommodation
- Family rooms
- Secure outdoor areas
- Separate isolation unit
- Heated buildings
- Strong vaccination requirements
Best for: Cats who would appreciate a quieter, rural environment.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Environment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Avoca Valley Cattery – Best for Fresh Air & Outdoor Space
📍 Heathcote Valley | ⭐ 4.9 | 48 Google reviews
Avoca Valley is another one that really appeals to me because of the environment.
Rather than simply providing an indoor cage, every unit has its own outdoor enclosure, giving cats access to fresh air, sunlight and views of the surrounding valley.
The facility is purpose-built and sits in a relatively peaceful setting away from the noise and congestion of the city.
There are also heat pads, underfloor heating and heat pumps for colder weather, while the owners live on site.
They’ll also accommodate special diets and medication by arrangement.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.9 Google rating
- Every unit has an outdoor enclosure
- Purpose-built facility
- Quiet setting
- Owners live on site
- Heating throughout
- Medication/special diets by arrangement
- Can accommodate cats from the same household
Best for: Cats who love watching birds, smelling the outdoors and having a bit of extra space.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor enrichment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Country Paws – Best for Value + Medical Care
📍 West Coast Road | ⭐ 4.9 | 71 Google reviews
Country Paws is an interesting option because it combines reasonable pricing with a surprisingly comprehensive service.
Cats stay in their own multi-level apartments, with bedding, litter trays, food and water. The cattery can also be heated during colder weather.
For cats requiring extra care, Country Paws can administer medication and special diets, and they have experience administering insulin injections.
That’s a pretty compelling proposition.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.9 Google rating
- Competitive pricing
- Self-contained multi-level apartments
- Heating
- Medication available
- Special diets
- Experience with insulin
- Family-run
- Long-term discounts
Best for: Owners looking for excellent value without sacrificing care.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Specialist care: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
7. Ali Cats Cattery – Best for Proven Experience & Standards
📍 Templeton | ⭐ 4.9 | 53 Google reviews
Ali Cats has something that’s difficult to put a price on:
more than 20 years of experience.
The business was established in 2003 and is purpose-built.
More importantly from a safety perspective, Ali Cats states that the facility is five-star accredited by AgriQuality New Zealand and built to New Zealand Cat & Kennel Association standards.
The facility includes individual rooms, an isolation unit and private patios.
For me, this makes Ali Cats particularly interesting for owners who put formal standards and experience high on their checklist.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.9 Google rating
- 20+ years of experience
- Purpose-built
- Five-star accreditation stated by the business
- Individual rooms
- Isolation facilities
- Individual patios
- Strong focus on welfare standards
Best for: Owners who want an established, standards-focused facility.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Safety/standards: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Avon Cattery – Best Boutique Experience
📍 Avondale | ⭐ 4.8 | 82 Google reviews
Avon Cattery is smaller and more boutique than some of the larger operations, and that’s exactly its appeal.
The accommodation includes individual floor-to-ceiling rooms and access to a playroom with climbing structures, scratching posts and toys, with cats using the playroom individually throughout the day.
The owner also provides photo updates, which comes up repeatedly in customer testimonials.
Medication is another strong point, with the business offering administration of medications including insulin, thyroid medication and antibiotics.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.8 from 82 reviews
- Boutique environment
- Floor-to-ceiling accommodation
- Individual playroom sessions
- Climbing and enrichment
- Medication administration
- Airport transport
- Long-established business
Best for: Owners who like the idea of a smaller, more personal cattery.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Personal service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Cattery Barn – Best Small-Business Feel
📍 Prebbleton | ⭐ 4.9 | 45 Google reviews
Cattery Barn is one of those businesses where the customer reviews tell a particularly strong story.
The current Google listing shows a 4.9-star rating from 45 reviews.
Reviews repeatedly mention the clean, warm facilities, thoughtful layout and owners going above and beyond for their guests.
One particularly interesting theme is long-term boarding.
That’s important because caring for a cat for a weekend is one thing.
Caring for one for several weeks is another.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.9 Google rating
- Strong customer feedback
- Clean, modern facilities
- Small-business atmosphere
- Family/household accommodation
- Good feedback around longer stays
- Hands-on approach
Best for: Cats who benefit from a quieter, personal environment – and owners who value a small-business approach.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Personal care: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. Parkavon – Best for a Large, Established Boarding Operation
📍 Marshland | ⭐ 4.7 | 214 Google reviews
Parkavon is a slightly different proposition because it’s a larger pet boarding business rather than a dedicated cat-only facility.
But it deserves consideration because 214 Google reviews at 4.7 stars is a substantial body of customer feedback.
They also have a strong focus on health monitoring, with daily health checks and records covering feeding, medication and other care.
It’s worth noting, though, that some of Parkavon’s published safety information is specifically written around dogs, so I’d ask detailed questions about the cat-specific accommodation and procedures before booking.
Why I like it
- ⭐ 4.7 from 214 reviews
- Large volume of customer feedback
- Daily health checks
- Medication records
- Established boarding operation
- Cat and dog boarding
- Regular updates
Best for: Owners who want an established boarding business and live in or around northern Christchurch.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Safety/peace of mind: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So… Which Christchurch Cattery Is Actually the Best?
Here’s how I’d break it down rather than declaring one winner for every cat.
| Category | My pick |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Best overall | Riverside Cattery |
| 💰 Best value | Donquest |
| ❤️ Best for special-needs cats | Cat Habitat |
| 🌿 Best rural environment | Cherry Grove |
| 🌳 Best outdoor accommodation | Avoca Valley |
| 💊 Best value + medical care | Country Paws |
| 🛡️ Best documented standards | Ali Cats |
| 🏡 Best boutique experience | Avon Cattery |
| 🐾 Best small-business feel | Cattery Barn |
| 📋 Best established larger operation | Parkavon |
What Should You Look For When Choosing a Cattery?
Don’t just ask, “How much is it per night?”
Ask:
1. Are the cats housed individually?
Unless your cats live together, you generally want to know exactly how separation is handled.
2. What happens if my cat becomes unwell?
This is probably one of the most important questions you can ask.
3. Who is actually on site overnight?
“24-hour care” and “someone lives on site” aren’t necessarily the same thing.
4. What are the vaccination requirements?
A good cattery should take infectious disease seriously.
5. How is medication handled?
Particularly important for older cats or cats with ongoing medical conditions.
6. What happens during a power cut or extreme weather?
Heating and cooling are fantastic – but you also want to know there is a contingency plan.
7. Can I see the accommodation before booking?
I’d absolutely take them up on this.
And finally…
Trust your gut.
When you walk into a cattery, pay attention to how the cats look.
Are they relaxed?
Does the place smell clean?
Are the units clean and well maintained?
Do staff seem genuinely interested in the individual cats?
And perhaps most importantly – do they ask you questions about your cat?
Because the best catteries aren’t just interested in:
“How many days are you booking?”
They’re interested in:
“Tell me about your cat.”
And that’s probably the biggest green flag of all. 🐱
What If All the Christchurch Catteries Are Booked?
And here’s where things get interesting…
If you’re reading this in October, November or December, there’s a very good chance you’re looking at this list because you’ve just discovered that your first-choice cattery has no availability.
Don’t panic.
A cattery isn’t your only option.
For some cats, staying at home can actually be a much better experience than being transported somewhere unfamiliar.
Cats are creatures of routine, and staying in their own environment means they don’t have to deal with the stress of a car journey, unfamiliar smells, unfamiliar cats and a completely different daily routine.
That’s exactly why in-home cat sitting can be such a good alternative.
At VIPets, we care for cats in their own homes throughout Christchurch, maintaining their usual feeding and litter routines while providing companionship, wellness checks, medication where required, and photo updates so you can see how they’re getting on.
We also provide home-security checks while you’re away, so you’re not simply arranging someone to feed the cat – you’re having someone keep an eye on your home too.
And yes, we work over Christmas and New Year, including public holidays.
In other words…
If you’ve left your cattery booking until December and everywhere is saying “Sorry, we’re full”, you still have options.
Your cat doesn’t necessarily need to go anywhere at all.
👉 Learn more about Christmas cat sitting in Christchurch
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a cattery in Christchurch for Christmas?
As early as possible.
Christmas and summer holidays are the busiest periods of the year for Christchurch catteries, and popular facilities can fill months ahead.
If you’re hoping to use a particular cattery, I’d start looking several months before Christmas rather than waiting until December.
And if you’re already reading this in November?
It’s definitely worth asking about cancellations and waitlists – but it’s also a good idea to have an alternative care plan.
What if Christchurch catteries are fully booked?
Consider in-home cat sitting.
Instead of taking your cat to a cattery, a professional pet sitter visits your home while you’re away.
This can be particularly good for cats who are elderly, nervous, territorial, don’t travel well or simply prefer their own bed!
Is a cattery better than having a pet sitter visit my home?
There’s no universal answer.
Some cats absolutely love the stimulation of a good cattery.
Others would much rather stay on the sofa they’ve spent the last seven years claiming as their own.
Consider your cat’s personality, age, health, routine and tolerance for change when making the decision.
How much does a cattery cost in Christchurch?
Prices vary considerably depending on the facility, accommodation type, length of stay, number of cats and whether additional services such as medication are required.
Always check the cattery’s current pricing directly before booking, particularly around Christmas when minimum stays and holiday surcharges may apply.
Can cats stay together in a cattery?
Many catteries offer family accommodation for cats from the same household.
However, don’t assume that cats will be housed together simply because they live together at home.
Ask the cattery exactly how shared accommodation works and whether there are additional charges.
A Final Word From a Christchurch Pet Carer
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this guide, it’s this:
There isn’t one “best” cattery for every cat.
The best cattery is the one that suits your particular cat.
A confident young cat might adore a spacious cattery with outdoor access.
An elderly cat might be much better suited to a specialist facility experienced with medication.
And a nervous homebody?
Well…
They might be perfectly happy staying exactly where they are.
Sometimes the best holiday accommodation for a cat is their own house, their own sofa and their own human’s bed that they’re not supposed to be sleeping on anyway. 😹
So do your research, visit your shortlist, ask questions and – most importantly – book early.
Because when it comes to Christmas cat care in Christchurch, the best time to organise it is usually earlier than you think.
*A note about this guide: Google ratings, review numbers, prices, services and availability can change. This article was researched and updated in August 2026 using publicly available information. We’ve done our best to provide accurate information, but we recommend contacting each cattery directly to confirm current pricing, availability, vaccination requirements and services before booking.
