Take the cat on holiday with you?
This is usually not a good idea.
But who takes care of feline friends when their owners go away?
In a cattery, a cat's every need is taken care of.
The following article will explain what aspects need to be considered during selection and preparation.
When taking your cat on holiday isn’t possible, a boarding cattery provides reliable care in your absence
Where can you send your cat when you go on holiday?
If you asked a cat what their ideal holiday destination is, they would probably say “There’s no place like home!” This is because felines are extremely devoted to their territory. They appreciate the environment they are accustomed to, with its familiar smells, sounds and sleeping spots.
However, leaving the cat at home and having a friend, neighbour or professional cat sitter look after them it is not always possible. So what can cat owners do if they want to go on holiday or need to stay in hospital? In this case, a cattery is a good alternative.
Important: Reserve in good time
In a reputable cattery, your furry friend will receive expert care while you are not able to look after them yourself.
In some places, there may even be trained animal keepers or veterinary assistants taking care of the feline guests.
Remember to reserve a space for your cat in good time.
Particularly during the peak season, good catteries get booked up quickly.
Many facilities have a base of satisfied, regular customers who bring their cats whenever they go on holiday.
How to find the right cattery?
Talk to the cat owners in your circle of friends and acquaintances; maybe someone can recommend a good cattery nearby. It is also worth asking your vet: Some vets work with professional catteries, and others even offer their own holiday care services.
Alternatively, an Internet search can provide a quick overview of the catteries in your area. Read online reviews and social media comments for various facilities and visit your two or three favourites in the local area. This will allow you to find the best cattery for your fur baby.
Checklist for choosing the right cattery
In the past, catteries were reminiscent of medical stations in animal clinics or the kennels in animal shelters. Feline friends were accommodated in functional, individual tiled cells offering little variation. Nowadays, good catteries are available with spacious indoor and outdoor enclosures, including many spots for climbing, playing and hiding.
The type of accommodation is also important when selecting a suitable facility. Does the cattery offer private rooms as well as group accommodation? After all, not all feline guests get along with others. In addition, it should be possible for all cats from a household to stay together during their stay at the cattery, for example in a separate room.
Overview of the key points
When visiting the cattery, pay attention to the following aspects:
- Cleanliness: Do the rooms look well kept? Are the sleeping places, litter trays and bowls clean?
- Nutrition: Is your cat able to receive its usual food? This is especially important if your furry friend needs a specific diet food, for example in the case of kidney problems.
- Medication: If your cat suffers from a chronic illness, this question is crucial when assessing catteries. Are the cattery staff able to administer tablets or even insulin injections?
- Staff: How do employees behave when interacting with the animals? Do they take the time to stroke the cats and play with them?
- Staff ratio: How many cats does a single member of staff care for?
A single member of staff should not be responsible for looking after more than 10 to 15 cats.
- Special requests: Can the individual characteristics and needs of your cat be addressed by the cattery?
- Expertise: In some locations, catteries must hold a certificate of competence or approval from the veterinary authorities.
Is all necessary evidence available?
- Vet: Will a vet take care of your cat on-site in a medical emergency?
Or is it possible for your cat to be taken to the vet if treatment is required?
- Contract: Is a written care contract concluded that includes all important points such as length of stay and costs?
Are catteries good for cats?
Although some catteries use advertising slogans like “a holiday for your cat” or “a cat retreat”, staying in a cattery is stressful for most feline friends. They are forced to leave their familiar environment and come to a completely new place.
The strange smells, the sight and sound of other cats, the unfamiliar staff: Most cats do not enjoy this. Nevertheless, staying in a cattery can be a useful option, especially if no other form of care is available. In a cattery, cats are provided with food and water, as well as with any necessary medication.
And, if the cats allow it, they also receive lots of strokes and/or are entertained with a range of toys.
How do cats react to staying in a cattery?
How well cats are able to cope with staying in a cattery varies from one cat to another. Some cats retreat and hide in the cuddly caves provided. Some even miss their owners so much that they don’t want to eat properly in the first few days.
Others are less bothered by the change of scenery. Especially when cats get used to visiting the cattery from a young age, they often cope with staying there without any problems. And in fact, there are some curious, fearless felines who don’t seem to mind the trip to the cattery at all — or perhaps even enjoy it.
How much does a cattery cost?
The cost of staying in a cattery varies greatly. Amongst other things, the location and any special requests are deciding factors: Does your cat require a specific food or medication? There are often extra charges for this.
How to prepare for staying in the cattery
A good cattery is intent on avoiding the spread of diseases amongst its feline guests. Therefore, most facilities require an up-to-date vaccination certificate to be submitted. Outdoor cats in particular must also be dewormed and free of fleas before they are allowed to check in.
In general, your cat should be in good health before taking them to the cattery. In case of doubt, have them checked over again by the vet beforehand. Male cats usually have to be neutered before they can stay at the cattery.
What to pack for your cats
To make your cat’s stay at the cattery as pleasant as possible, you should pack all important items before their trip. In addition to their favourite food and medication, you should also take a toy and their blanket or cushion to the cattery.
A garment worn by you can help ease separation anxiety, as the familiar smell provides a feeling of security.
In addition, you should give your mobile number to the on-site staff so that they can reach you in case of an emergency.
Conclusion: Cattery as an alternative to a cat sitter
Staying in a cattery is often a necessary evil.
Most cats are not happy being taken out of their familiar environment.
If you are able to do so, you should leave your cat at home to be looked after by a cat-loving friend or a professional cat sitter.
If this is not possible, a cattery is a good alternative.
Your fur baby will get everything it needs there while you are away.
