Choosing a boarding cattery

Owning a cat shouldn't mean avoiding holidays! There are many excellent and highly reputable catteries around, where your cat could feel comfortable and safe, and you can relax knowing they are well taken care of.

 

We’ve put together a handy list of points to help you know what to look for when choosing the best kind of cattery accommodation.


Secure units with access to indoor and outdoor spaces
What to look out for:


● Individual units which are securely built and adequately maintained.

● A 'safety corridor' or 'safety area' outside the cat's unit. Cats are notorious escape artists!

● Trained staff who understand the importance of door-shutting.

● Many catteries offer an outdoor run that provides healthy fresh air and a change of scenery; these types of accommodation are more pleasant and stimulating for a holidaying feline.

● There should be a cosy bed inside the unit and a heater for cold weather.

 

Disease prevention
What to look out for:

● Felines from different households must not come into contact. A well thought-out design and strict management prevent the spread of viral or bacterial disease.

● Cat units can be alongside each other, but need to be separated either by an
impenetrable barrier such as Perspex, or by a wide gap.

● Avoid catteries advertising communal runs and 'exercise' areas.

● Staff should sanitise their hands between handling cats.

● A reputable establishment will ask to see the cat's vaccination certificate. Ideally, your cat needs an annual booster against cat flu and enteritis if it goes into a boarding cattery.

● The cattery should be meticulously clean and disinfected and it shouldn't smell. Staff should clean food bowls in a separate area to litter trays.

 

A stress-free environment to move and play
What to look out for:

● Cats should be in individual runs (except cats from the same household). 6ft by 4ft (1.8m by 1.2m) is the recommended size, with shelves to sunbathe on, scratching posts and playthings.

● Choose a cattery that has no kennels on the premises or one well separated from kennels. Loud barking is stressful to cats.

● Send familiar bedding or toys to help your cat feel secure.

● Look for thoughtful design. Cats like high places such as shelves, making it feel
much more secure.

● Ensure the cattery has a strict routine. This helps cats feel at ease.

 

Proper monitoring systems
What to look out for:

● Good proprietors will monitor your cat, recording bowel movements and noting what your cat is eating.

● A reputable cattery will take emergency contact details, ask for details of your vet and will ask you to sign a consent form if a vet needs to administer treatment.

● A knowledgeable cattery will inquire about your cat's regular food. If you feed a special prescription diet, you will need to bring this in too.


Special requirements
If you have an infirm, disabled or higher maintenance cat, it’s extra important to source a cattery that is capable of providing the necessary care and treatment. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, make sure your cat is in good hands.

 

For more information on what to look for when choosing a boarding cattery for your cat, please read the full article at the following link.

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