Old cat

[Auntiemoll]

Two catteries in my neighbourhood have said they will not accept my 20 year old cat into their care for a week as he has never been in a cattery before and he would not be at all happy there in fact one said he may not survive. I left him in the care of a very good nieghbour who he knows well in the summer but she only came in once a day and left a days food for him in one go, of course he gorged himself and was sick (we feed him in little bits throughout the day) I felt badly that the neighbour had to deal with this as it is not pleasant,so hence we thought a cattery would be the answer over New Year. Anyone had experience of old cats in catteries?

[LoftyLottie]

Can you get a pet sitter Auntiemoll? I think that would be a better option.

[lankeela]

Older cats tend to sleep most of the time, so provided you are aware that at his age he might not be there when you get back(!) I don't see a problem leaving him in a cattery. He will have heating and a cosy bed, and food on demand so probably won't want to come home. Get your vet to recommend one that he visits.

[woofgang]

another vote for a petsitter here, either in their house or yours

[Auntiemoll]

Thanks for your input,didn't know such people existed,will investigate further with pet sitters in our region
.,

[lankeela]

http://www.dogsit.com/listofsitters.html

Some will do visits, some will live in but thats obviously more expensive.

[boxtops]

Our local petsitter will come in daily, moving in can be a lot more expensive. Definitely worth it. The other option is to explain to your kindly neighbour that puss really needs two meals, not one feast, and offer her a few quid for inconvenience. Your cat would far rather be in his own home, even if the food is less frequent - he's a very old man. He might fret in a cattery with no familiar smells and sleeping places, and be confused. I'm always happier leaving my cats at home and arranging for people to come in.

[CatGirl4]

Some petsitters will even water your plants+open the curtains etc.

[LoftyLottie]

I definitely would not leave a 20 year old cat in a cattery, no matter how warm or comfortable. The shock would be too great.

[Barmaid]

I would recommend a pet sitter too. I used to get mine through an agency and they were CRB checked, but more importantly, loved my cats. My last pet sitter used to send me text updates when I was away letting me know my babies were OK. She also used to look after the garden, open the curtains etc and came in twice a day. Consequently, my cats have never been to a cattery!!!

[bednobs]

have to agree with the majority here. The catteries do this for a living, and you should heed their advice - they see cats everyday and have experience. I don't think pet sitters are that expensive - my friend is one and she charges 15 a day to stay