Choosing a Cattery

When you go on holiday, you may choose places you can visit with your cat, making your trip a real family vacation (although finding pet-friendly accommodation is often easier said than done). But what about if you’re heading overseas for a couple of weeks? Taking your cat with you then is obviously impossible.

For many cat owners, the answer comes in the shape of friends and family members. Thanks to willing helpers, you can set off knowing that your pet is well cared for, either in your home or at your friend’s place. Sometimes, however, circumstances can conspire to ensure that particular pet-sitting service is not an option. In such situations, you’re going to have to consider a boarding cattery.

Now, be honest here. If you hear the word ‘cattery’, does it conjure up images of starving, poorly treated, pitifully mewing cats (a feline version of Oliver Twist, perhaps)? That’s perfectly understandable. But today’s modern, properly registered catteries are completely different. They are so nice, in fact, that your cat will love the experience.

What to look for

If possible, visit the possible cattery (or several catteries if you like to compare and contrast) in advance. You will probably want to choose one close to home, but beware of choosing one that’s up the road just for the sake of it. For your cat to get the most enjoyment out of the experience, location is important. So consider the following:

•    Is the cattery in a quiet and peaceful area, offering the opportunity for your cat to get out into the fresh air?
•    Is the cattery on a main road?
•    How accessible is it by public transport (if necessary)?
You may also want to consider a cattery alone. Some pet-boarding facilities look after a variety of animals, which raises the prospect of your cat’s peace and quiet being frequently disturbed. And when visiting the cattery, look at the size of enclosures your cat will be staying in, the amount of space your cat will have to move around in (including the security of inside and outside enclosures), the size of the exercise areas and the presence of scratching posts and so on.

Also check for the cleanliness of the facility, particularly in the feeding areas. Does the places smell fresh and urine-free?

Questions to ask

•    Is the facility staffed 24/7?
•    How experienced are the staff?
•    What food is used? Are special dietary requirements taken into consideration?
•    Are grooming services available?
•    Is there a vet on 24-hour call? What is the general policy regarding veterinary care?
•    How are medication needs catered for?

Obviously, cost will be a factor when choosing a cattery, but by asking the above questions and considering the above points, you can choose a cattery that will more than fulfil your – and your cat’s – needs.

Images by Three Eyed Gymp, Mia Elliot