Whether you’re a longtime local, thinking of moving to the area, or simply visiting with your feline friend in mind, you’ll be pleased to hear that Barnet is one of London’s most welcoming boroughs for cat owners. With excellent veterinary services, professional grooming options and luxury boarding facilities, this north London gem provides everything a discerning cat owner could need.
Why Barnet is Perfect for Cat Owners
The borough’s tree-lined residential streets create safe environments for outdoor cats, while the abundance of gardens and green views provide perfect entertainment for indoor cats who spend their days watching the world from windowsills.
The area’s suburban character also means lower traffic volumes on many residential streets, making it safer for cats who do venture outdoors. Many properties in Barnet feature gardens, giving cat owners the opportunity to create secure outdoor spaces or simply provide their indoor cats with garden views that offer hours of bird-watching entertainment.
For the growing number of cat owners who keep their pets exclusively indoors, Barnet’s peaceful atmosphere and excellent transport links provide the perfect balance. You can enjoy the tranquility of suburban living while having easy access to central London’s specialized cat services and entertainment venues. The Northern line from High Barnet provides direct access to areas like Camden and central London, where many of the capital’s best cat cafés and specialist pet stores are located.
The borough’s strong sense of community extends to pet ownership, with active local groups and online communities where cat owners share advice, recommendations, and the occasional photo of their beloved felines.
Exceptional Veterinary Care
One of Barnet’s greatest strengths for cat owners is the exceptional quality and variety of veterinary services available throughout the borough. From routine check-ups to emergency care, the area’s veterinary practices understand that cats have unique health needs and often require a more patient, gentle approach than their canine counterparts.
Creature Comforts at 204 High Street, Barnet, leads the way with their innovative approach to feline healthcare. Their All-Access membership program, available for £20 per month, provides unlimited vet consultations, annual vaccinations, and 10% off routine treatments.
East Barnet Veterinary Surgery, Wood Street Veterinary Hospital, and multiple Goddard Vet Group locations throughout the area provide additional options, ensuring that cat owners can find a practice that suits their specific needs and location preferences. Medivet also operates several locations in Barnet, contributing to a competitive environment that keeps standards high and prices reasonable.
Professional Cat Grooming Services
Maintaining your cat’s coat and overall hygiene is essential for their health and comfort, and Barnet offers several excellent grooming options that understand the unique challenges of working with feline clients. Professional grooming is particularly valuable for long-haired breeds, senior cats who may struggle with self-grooming, and cats who need regular nail trims or specialized care.
May’s Pets Grooming, located at 195 Mays Lane, Barnet, stands out as a professional, City & Guilds qualified grooming parlour that specifically caters to both dogs and cats. This family-run establishment understands that cats require a fundamentally different approach from dogs, with patience, gentle handling, and stress-reduction techniques being paramount. Their experienced groomers are trained to work with nervous or elderly cats who may find the grooming process challenging.
For cat owners who prefer the convenience and reduced stress of home-based services, Feline Features offers comprehensive mobile cat grooming throughout the area, covering everywhere from Barnet to Clapham and Dagenham to Islington. This mobile service is particularly valuable for cats who become anxious during travel or in unfamiliar environments. The mobile grooming van brings professional services directly to your door, including bathing, shaving, nail trimming, and expert advice on coat maintenance and general cat care.
The Mobile Cat Groomer provides another excellent mobile option, covering the whole of Hertfordshire with particular expertise in handling difficult and elderly cats. This specialization is crucial for senior cats or those with behavioral challenges who might struggle with traditional grooming environments. Their comprehensive service includes not only grooming but also advice on diet and behavioral issues, making them a valuable resource for cat owners facing multiple challenges with their pets.
Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel also offers professional grooming services as part of their comprehensive cat care package. Their grooming services are particularly popular with clients using their boarding facilities, ensuring cats return home looking and feeling their absolute best. The combination of boarding and grooming services can be particularly convenient for cat owners preparing for or returning from extended travel.
When selecting a grooming service, it’s important to consider your cat’s temperament and specific needs. Some cats do better with mobile services that eliminate travel stress, while others may prefer the professional facilities of an established grooming parlour. Most reputable groomers will offer consultation appointments to assess your cat’s needs and discuss the best approach for their temperament and coat type.
Cat Boarding and Sitting Services
Barnet cat owners have access to some of London’s finest cat care services, ranging from luxury boarding facilities to professional in-home sitting services. The choice between these options will obviously depend on your cat’s personality, with some cats preferring the familiarity of their home environment while others adapt well to high-quality boarding facilities.
Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel represents the pinnacle of cat boarding services, offering an experience that many cats genuinely enjoy rather than merely endure. Located in a peaceful East Barnet neighborhood with ample off-street parking, this fully licensed facility features seven luxurious, temperature-controlled suites. Each suite includes a thermostatically controlled bedroom leading to a full-height play area, allowing cats to climb, exercise, and relax according to their natural preferences.
For cats who prefer to remain in their familiar home environment, several professional cat sitting services operate throughout Barnet. Cat in a Flat provides 5-star cat sitters offering daily visits and overnight stays, with sitters who understand that cats often require more subtle care than dogs. Their service is particularly valuable for cats with specific routines, medical needs, or those who become stressed in unfamiliar environments.
Pawshake offers cat sitting services specifically in New Barnet, focusing on in-home visits that ensure cats stay safe and comfortable in their own territory. This approach is often preferred by older cats or those with established territorial behaviors who might struggle with the transition to a boarding facility.
Community Support
From pet supply stores to emergency services and community support, the borough provides everything needed to maintain a high quality of life for both cats (and their owners!).
The RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Centre, located inside Pets at Home at the Friern Bridge Retail Park, serves as both an adoption facility and a valuable resource for cat owners. The centre regularly rehabilitates and rehomes cats and kittens, providing opportunities for those considering adding to their feline family. The location within Pets at Home also means easy access to a comprehensive range of cat supplies, from premium foods and treats to toys, bedding, and health products.
The local cat-owning community has embraced social media as a way to share information, advice, and celebrate their feline companions. The “Cats of Barnet” community on Instagram and Facebook has gained significant popularity, featuring beloved local cats and providing a platform for cat owners to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from fellow enthusiasts. This online community proves invaluable for new cat owners seeking recommendations for local services or experienced owners looking to share knowledge about everything from the best local veterinarians to tips for dealing with common behavioral issues.
Barnet’s excellent transport infrastructure makes it easy to access specialized cat services throughout London when needed. The Northern line provides direct access to areas like Camden and central London, where many specialist pet stores, cat behaviorists, and unique services are located. The overground services from Oakleigh Park connect to Kings Cross and Liverpool Street in just five minutes, making it convenient to reach appointments or collect specialized supplies.
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