Putting a cat into a cattery.

[emx384]

I have never used a cattery before and was wondering if anyone can give me information about how good they are to use? What do the cats do all day? I have two cats - a 15 year old who is fine to be left on her own for a week with people coming to feed her a couple of times a day, I now also have a four month old kitten though and she needs too much attention (and is very active!) to be left by herself for too long. If I put her into a cattery would she be given attention throughout the day? or just left in a cage by herself for ages???

[Nummy]

if you ask the cattery they may be able to be put in together.

At the local animal centre here, you can pay for extra cuddles. But if you ask the cattery i'm sure hey'll let you have a good look round first, and should be happy to address any concerns you might have.

[Dee Sa]

which area do you live ? my cat goes to an excellent cattery in a woman's back garden, where they have a large run and a tree branch to climb and cat toys, she takes them in the house in turn and really looks after them properly.
My advice is to go beforehend and personally check it out, good catterys get booked up quickly so dont leave until last minute.
I can recommend Kosy Kats [ above] in Harold Park, Essex and Third Bridge Farm near Ely, Cambs.

[jules77]

It is a case of going and checking out the catteries beforehand, I wouldnt like to use one where they are in a small cage all day - we used to use one that would put our cats in together (dont know where you live, but it is Bridgnorth area), and they had indoor, and outdoor runs - they did pretty much what they did at home - sleep! If you can get someone to keep in and look after them, and spend a bit of time with your kitten you may feel happier leaving them at home though, on the proviso they are not let out?

[chinnynz]

Hi I have a cattery, older cats are easier to be left at home because they sleep lots. The younger kitten though if it gets bored may try to play with the older one a bit more than the older one wants to be, also the younger one, if he/ she escapes out the door may go out for a run and be hard to get back inside, may go looking for you or may get chased by a dog etc.. When you go look at the catteries, ask what they feed the cats in their care, we supply the food that people feed at home so that there is less change for the cat. also make sure that they make sure all cats are vaccinated. If you do decide to put your cats in a cattery, make sure they are deflead and wormed before you put them in a cattery. Also go over them with a fine toothed comb like a flea comb to make sure their are no wounds from being in a fight before you put them in and when you bring them home. Take a blanket or one of ur jerseys that your cat has been sleeping on . Some catteries play music which can be good because that can stop them from focusing on other cats that may be swearing at them. ask to see a cattery before you book. Also make sure your cat has a secure cage for transporting to and from cattery in. There is so much more i could tell you but you will get bored. Cats are generally happy in catteries as long as they feel safe so lots of places they can sit and hide in is essential.

[emx384]

Thankyou for your replies. I am going to check my local catteries out and see what they offer.

I live in Oxfordshire, which is a shame as I would definitely pay for my kitten to have extra cuddles!!
(or for someone to play 'fetch' with her! - Is it normal for cats to retrieve??? - another question to ask on here!!)

[chinnynz]

you shouldnt have to pay extra for cuddles!! golly gosh that should be part of their care and attention. They should be groomed and cuddled and played with daily, by the cattery people. Talk to the cattery people and find out by talking to them if they have a passion for the cats and see how they interact with the cats in the cattery and how the cats interact with them. Good luck.