The Cat Pad is a cat-only boarding facility in Prahran, with individual accommodation, natural light and a quiet environment designed around feline comfort. Each cat’s feeding, health and daily-care requirements are recorded before the stay.
Accommodation
A comfortable place to settle in.
The Cat Pad has 28 condos designed to give each cat a calm, defined place to rest and settle. Cats are housed individually unless two cats from the same family are sharing a condo.
28 individual condos
The Cat Pad has 28 condos. Each condo accommodates one cat, or two cats from the same family when sharing is suitable.
Space to settle
Each standard condo is approximately 1 metre high, 1 metre wide and 1 metre deep, with separate areas for resting, eating and toileting.
Flexible stays
Day stays, overnight boarding and longer stays are available, subject to availability.
Rates
Clear nightly rates.
Straightforward nightly pricing, including complete boarding rates for cats requiring medication or insulin. All prices include GST.
Nightly rates
All rates are per night unless otherwise shown.
Boarding
One cat
Individual accommodation
$48.50
Two cats sharing
Compatible cats from the same household
$87.50
Single-night stay
One-night booking
$62.50
Special-care nightly rates
Medication boarding
Complete nightly boarding rate
$54.00
Diabetic boarding
Complete nightly boarding rate
$59.50
Surcharges and discounts
Public holiday surcharge
Added for each applicable day
+$35.50
per day
Four weeks or longer
Eligible long stays
5% off
Included with every stay
Individual accommodation
Bedding and toys
Feeding to your instructions
Daily observation
Play, cuddles and enrichment
Owner updates by arrangement
Good to know
Sharing rates apply only to two cats from the same family sharing a condo.
Medication and diabetic rates are complete nightly boarding rates.
Blood glucose checks, if required, are discussed with the owner at drop-off and are not priced on the website.
Deposits are required for Easter, Christmas and new clients.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice require pre-payment for the next booking.
The public holiday surcharge applies for each applicable day.
A 5% discount applies to stays of four weeks or longer.
Everyday care
Care shaped around your cat’s routine
01
Feeding and diet
The Cat Pad supplies Royal Canin Dental and Whiskas Chicken Mince. A limited range of Royal Canin and Hills dry and wet food is also available. If your cat normally eats another brand, please supply enough for the stay.
02
Daily observation
Appetite, behaviour, comfort and toileting are observed during the stay so changes can be noticed early.
03
Medication and insulin
Medication and insulin can be administered. Owners must supply enough medication or insulin for the entire stay. Diabetic cats must have veterinary approval to board, and medical records may be requested.
04
Comfort and enrichment
Bedding, toys, cuddles, play and environmental enrichment are provided within each cat’s condo.
05
Owner contact
Routine updates can be arranged with the team. If a cat becomes unwell, The Cat Pad will contact the owner or emergency contact using the details provided.
Medication and insulin support
Discuss the routine before the stay.
Medication and insulin can be administered. Owners must supply enough medication or insulin for the entire stay. Diabetic cats must have veterinary approval to board, and medical records may be requested. Provide clear written instructions for any medication or insulin.
Health and veterinary support
A clear process if something changes.
If a cat becomes unwell, The Cat Pad will contact the owner or emergency contact and use The Cat Doctors as its go-to veterinary clinic. Travel to the clinic and veterinary treatment are additional costs to the owner and will be discussed with them.
Updates will come from The Cat Pad or The Cat Doctors depending on whether the cat remains at the clinic for treatment.
The team
Experienced cat people, attentive to individual personalities.
Jodie and Nietta bring feline-behaviour knowledge, practical animal-care experience and a calm, patient approach to every stay. They take time to understand each cat’s routine, temperament and individual needs.
Jodie
Cattery Manager
Jodie is studying advanced feline behaviour and focuses on helping cats feel relaxed, safe and comfortable during their stay. She takes time to understand each cat’s personality, routine and individual needs.
Jodie is currently studying advanced feline behaviour and has always felt a strong connection with animals. She is especially drawn to cats because of their mystery and individuality, and she loves the sound of a contented cat purring.
At The Cat Pad, Jodie’s goal is to help boarding cats feel relaxed, safe and comfortable. She takes time to understand each cat’s personality, build trust at their pace and recognise the small changes that matter during a stay.
Outside work, Jodie enjoys dancing, musicals, scrapbooking, land sailing, World of Warcraft, Supanova and Oz Comic Con. Elexis was Jodie’s shadow for 16 years. Elexis had a wonderful life, and Jodie misses her every day. Forever in my heart.
Nietta
Cattery Attendant
Certificate II in Animal Care
Nietta holds a Certificate II in Animal Care and works as a Cattery Attendant. She focuses on creating a peaceful, settled environment tailored to each cat’s personality and individual needs.
Nietta has always had a deep love for animals and cannot imagine life without a cat by her side. Wanting to provide other cats with the same level of care she expects for her own led her to pursue a career in animal care.
At The Cat Pad, Nietta values working alongside people who share her enthusiasm for cats. She understands that every cat has a unique personality and set of needs. Her goal is to provide each guest with a peaceful, settled environment tailored to their individual requirements, while giving owners confidence that their cats are in attentive, loving hands.
At home, Nietta shares her life with Siamese siblings Ammie and Quilla, whom she adopted from her late grandparents. Outside work, she enjoys films, video games, basketball, making art and learning new things, usually with one of her cats close by.
Reviews
What cat owners say
Kind words from cat owners who have trusted The Cat Pad with their cats.
“They really take care of our Mochi and keep us updated during his stay. Jodie and the team really love cats and make sure The Cat Pad becomes a cat’s ‘home away from home’, keeping our minds at ease.”
“I can’t recommend The Cat Pad enough for their knowledge of cats, skills and care. The staff are all cat lovers and modify their approach to suit individual cats’ personalities.”
“The place is very neat, clean and quiet for cats. The staff are friendly, professional and experienced. They know cats inside out, and your cats will be in good hands.”
“Looked after my boy beautifully. He came home in perfect condition. Very happy.”
✓
Enough medication or insulin for the entire stay, if required
✓
Clear medication or insulin instructions
✓
Veterinary approval for diabetic cats; medical records may be requested
✓
Enough preferred food if your cat normally eats a different brand
✓
Emergency contact details
✓
Regular veterinarian details
✓
Familiar bedding or toy if desired
Frequently asked questions
A few common questions
before you book.
If your cat has a specific routine or health requirement, please contact the team before requesting a stay.
Yes. An up-to-date F3 vaccination is required before boarding. Please provide the current vaccination certificate as proof. Owners need to organise vaccination before admission.
The Cat Pad has 28 condos. Each standard condo is approximately 1 metre high, 1 metre wide and 1 metre deep, with separate areas for living, sleeping and toileting.
All cats are housed individually unless two cats from the same family are sharing a condo. Cats from different families are not housed together.
Preferred drop-off and collection times are 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. No appointment is required for Saturday drop-off or collection.
The Cat Pad supplies Royal Canin Dental and Whiskas Chicken Mince. A limited range of Royal Canin and Hills dry and wet food is also available. If your cat normally eats another brand, please supply enough for the stay.
Yes. Flea prevention and worming must be up to date. If treatment becomes due while your cat is boarding, the team can administer it. If flea dirt is found, flea treatment will be given automatically at the owner’s cost.
Yes. Bedding and toys are provided, but owners may bring a familiar item from home if it is clearly labelled and suitable for the condo.
Yes. Routine updates can be arranged with the team. If your cat becomes unwell, the owner or emergency contact will be contacted. Depending on the treatment required, updates may come from The Cat Pad or The Cat Doctors.
Cats remain within their allocated condo for safety, hygiene and disease control. Staff provide attention, play and enrichment within the condo.
Yes. Medication can be administered. Owners must supply enough medication for the entire stay and provide clear instructions. Requirements should be discussed before the booking is confirmed.
Yes. Owners must supply enough insulin for the entire stay. Diabetic cats must have veterinary approval to board, and medical records may be requested. Blood glucose checks, if required, are discussed with the owner at drop-off.
Street parking is available on Malvern Road and Miller Street. Please observe local clearway and parking restrictions.
The Cat Pad will contact the owner or emergency contact and use The Cat Doctors as its go-to veterinary clinic if treatment is required. Travel to the clinic and veterinary treatment are additional costs to the owner. Updates will come from The Cat Pad or The Cat Doctors depending on whether the cat remains at the clinic.
No. The form is a booking request. The team will review availability and your cat’s care requirements, then contact you to confirm the booking and next steps.
Visit The Cat Pad
Easy to find in central Prahran.
456 Malvern Road Prahran VIC 3181
Monday to Friday
9am–12pm and
3pm–5pm
Saturday
9am–12pm
Sunday and
public holidays
Closed
Preferred drop-off and collection times are 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday. Street parking is available on Malvern Road and Miller Street.
