Cattery

[joannewatson]

I am going on holiday in May and do not have anyone to come and feed my cat, but I am really concerned about putting her in a cattery.

What are your opinions?

[keithlambert]

I think that you are selfish putting your own well being before your cat - I think that you should send your cat on holiday and you be put in a cage for a week

[keithlambert]

before anyone goes off on one - I am a friend of joannes and i was just winding her up!!!!!

[pugwash52]

joanne, I used to have this problem with my dog, until I realised that I was looking at it through "human eyes". Of course, we wouldn't fancy staying in kennels for a week, but our dog couldn't care less. He gets out of the car with his tail wagging, does a quick wee up the side of the run, and that's that!

When we get back, he settles in to the home routine just as if he's never been away. I'm sure you will find it's the same with your cat. Why don't you try it for a couple of days soon, just to put your mind at rest.Good luck.

[Litchick]

I think dogs and cats are different and a cat is much better off in his/her own environment since they are such solitary creatures. How long will you be gone? If it is only a few days you could leave enough dry food out for her. I'm not saying a cattery is not a good idea but I would exhaust all other options first.

[lankeela]

As pugwash says, they soon get used to a cattery environment, and they are at least safe in there. It is a big responsibility for someone to look after a cat in their own home, What if it gets lost, or got out and got run over, I know these things could happen while you are there, but I would feel awful if something happened to a cat I was looking after.

Cattery staff are usually the people who own it or family, and they only do it because they like cats.

They also have the knowledge required to know when a vet should be called if necessary and what to do if the cat doesn't eat etc. They are also covered by insurance should anything go wrong.

I would visit a couple to set your mind at rest.

[joannewatson]

Thanks for the replies. They have helped, I am still concerned, but not concerned enough to cancel my holiday!!

[lizwizz]

Best way to find a good cattery is by personal recommendation. If you can't get this, turn up on spec and ask to see where the cars are kept. If they won't let you there and then, go elsewhere! Also they should each have a pen to themselves, unless they are at home with the cats they're with
As far as the cattery v home goes, cats like company. The cattery where my cat used to go used to give them all a bit of love and affection whilst they were having their cages cleaned out.