How to find a good boarding cattery…
It’s that time of year again and you’re heading off for a well-earned break! There are so many things to think about… sun tan lotion, currency, transport, tickets, passports, insect repellent, best places to eat, new sunglasses, inflatable unicorn for the pool and… I’m sure there’s something else…
THE CAT! For a good holiday and a happy (ish) cat when you return it is vital to ensure that you have given their holiday home as much consideration as your own. After all, you can speak up if your accommodation isn’t what you expect!
If you have decided that a boarding cattery is the best option for your cat, make sure that you allocate enough time to find a good cattery Never rely on a website or a telephone conversation… always make arrangements to visit for yourself.
A good cattery will be happy to show you around and answer all of your questions.
They must also have a current Animal Boarding Establishment Licence (England, Wales and Scotland)
Follow the steps below to make sure that the cattery you choose is professional, clean, safe, calm and respectful of your cat’s individuality.
What to ask before you visit;
- Is the booking process strictly dependent on seeing your cat’s vaccination records & vet registration? DON’T GO ANY FURTHER IF YOU ARE NOT ASKED FOR THIS INFORMATION OR IF YOU ARE TOLD THAT IT ISN’T IMPORTANT.
- What emergency arrangements do they have if your cat becomes unwell?
- Can your cat bring their own comforts from home? i.e. bed, blanket, bowls, food, scratching post (this should be allowed).
- Do staff have evidence to prove that they can safely administer medication?
- Are staff are trained or qualified in cat behaviour?
- Does the cattery have strict policies and practices on hygiene and infection control?
What to look for when you visit;
- There should be a double door system to the cattery (to prevent cats from escaping!)
- Interaction observed between staff/cats should be gentle, calm & quiet.
- Staff should be friendly & talk fondly & kindly about cats in their care.
- Facilities should be clean (and cleaned regularly) using a recommended safe disinfectant.
- Litter trays and bowls should be cleaned daily.
- Check that cats appear calm & have choices (cats should be able to hide if they want to or be able to access high surfaces).
- Make sure that cats cannot physically come into contact with other cats and are fully protected by solid dividers (perspex, glass or wood) DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAT IN A CATTERY THAT HAS SHARED COMMUNAL AREAS.
- Check that each enclosure has sufficient space for cats to move about, access privacy, rest, play, watch, eat, drink.
- The general environment should be quiet and calm.
- Observation records are available for each cat i.e. health/behaviour (this is important as if your cat becomes ill, the notes can often build a useful picture for the vet).
Finding the best cattery for your cat will help you to relax on holiday with the peace of mind that they are in safe hands.
A few extra considerations before you get the suitcases out!
- Make sure your cat’s annual vaccinations are up to date.
- Check that flea and worming treatments are up to date.
- If your cat is on medication or a special diet, make sure you have enough of everything to leave at the cattery.
- Check out our page about helping your cat to feel less stressed in their carrier
Last but not least… For us cat lovers, finding a great cattery that you trust is really important. When you find a super cattery that meets (or even exceeds) all of the requirements above, don’t forget to let others know by crediting/leaving a review in recognition of the hard work they do to keep our lovely cats safe and sound.
If you need help finding a boarding cattery near you, simply click here to visit Find Pet Boarding.
