Putting Cat into Kennels

[smurfchops]

The kennels are fine but I am thinking of putting my 5 year old cat in for around 12 days. Is this a good idea, will he not want to know me when he comes out ?? He's not a woosse but a big strong moggie by the way. Not a lap cat.

[Maisie1234]

I put my cat in the cattery ( a moggie) when I went to Australia in 2003, she was in for a month, and loved it!!, she was fine and ate all the things she won't eat at home (they provide all the food) I took her favourite toys and stratch pole, I cried when I left her. The only requirement is that all injections are up to date and that they have been vaccinated properly. When I returned from holiday, she was fine when we returned home ( rely on word of mouth when choosing the cattery/ kennels.)
I would not hesitate to use a catttery again, hope this helps.

[smurfchops]

Thanks maisie

[drchasuble]

I had tp put my 10 year old cat in a cattery for the first time when I was away 3 weeks ago.
When I took her I felt like an utter heel (especially as the dogs were coming on holiday and cat wasn't) and she did look at me as if to say "I hate you and hope you die on your hols" but according to the people she was fine. They said she was affectionate, ate all her food, adapted to the litter tray and wasn't a problem.
Don't worry about him not knowing you, when I went to pick her up she was fine and had nice cuddles in the car on the way home.
As Maisie1234 says all jabs need to be up to date.

[smurfchops]

That's another thing, she hasn't used a litter tray for almost five years !!

[drchasuble]

Mine had never used one either but she was fine. I think it's instinctive for them to bury it so they'll automatically go in the tray.

[puddycat]

I'm lucky in that I don't need to put mine in kennels when I go away but I know some people try to get their cats used to it by putting them in for a couple of days before booking them in for a longer stint. It just makes them aware that you're coming back and I think it's easier for you and them.

Good luck, I'm sure he'll be fine.

[luckyeight]

Just thought I'd mention that you can get 'cat sitters' who will come out regularly to feed your cat etc and stay for a while to give it some company... I suppose it's a question of the lesser of two evils - strange place or strange person!

[ganesh]

I think cats prefer to be in their own house and have a stranger come in than be trapped in a cattery. You know what they're like with closed doors.
But I always left mine in a cattery if it was more than 2 days(I used a feeder if less ) just because I knew they were safe and looked after. I knew they disliked it and they were always so pleased to see me on my return. They used to follow me around for a couple of days afterwards,so they must have felt a bit insecure.
I'm sure your cat will be fine but I think puddycat is right,check him in for 1 night just to let him know the place and that you will come back for him.

[lankeela]

Having had a kennels/cattery (shouldn't really say this!) I don't really think putting them in for one or two nights makes any difference! After all, they are not going to say 'I didn't like that, don't take me there again mum' are they?

If anything you are adding to the trauma if they really don't like it, although I can't ever remember any (particularly cats) who really didn't like it. Regular meals, warm sleeping place, fuss from the owners or staff, toys to play with - visit a few catteries and see how the cats want to come up for a fuss. I'd rather they were safe and sound than risk someone leaving a door open and them getting out, or not knowing what to do if the cat didn't come home.