Embarking on a getaway often involves a bittersweet farewell to our feline companions. While we dream of whisking them away on our adventures, reality often dictates finding capable care for them in our absence. Whether it’s a sun-drenched holiday, a necessary family visit, or a demanding business trip, the question arises: where can our cherished cats find a temporary haven? Traditionally, the image of a “cattery” springs to mind, akin to a kennel for our canine friends – a dedicated space for lodging while we’re away.
But is a stay in a cattery the purr-fect solution for every cat? Join us as we explore the world of cat care during your travels, from the specifics of catteries to the comforting embrace of in-home pet sitters, helping you make the most informed decision for your beloved feline.
Decoding the Cattery: A Temporary Feline Abode
At its core, a cattery, or cat boarding facility, is a licensed establishment meticulously designed to provide temporary care for cats. Primarily utilised during travel when bringing a cat along isn’t feasible, catteries offer a dedicated environment where cats are fed, engaged in playtime, and generally kept company.
For felines that adapt readily to new surroundings and when no trusted human is available for in-home care, a cattery can be a practical choice.
The Cost of Comfort: Understanding Cattery Fees
Typically operating independently, often from converted homes or dedicated land, each cattery establishes its own pricing structure. These fees can fluctuate based on several factors:
- The range and quality of facilities and services offered.
- The duration of your cat’s stay.
- The time of year, with peak holiday seasons often incurring higher rates.
- The number of cats you need to board.
- Any specific care requests you might have.
While generally more economical than dog boarding, most UK catteries typically charge between £10 and £30 per day per cat in the UK, though regional variations may exist. This daily rate usually encompasses essentials such as:
- Food provision
- Litter supply
- Opportunities for exercise, play, and comfort
- Heating during colder months
- Insurance coverage and VAT However, additional costs may arise if your cat requires: Administration of medication
- Specialised grooming services
- Emergency veterinary visits
It’s crucial to remember that pricing is at the discretion of each individual cattery. While some may willingly administer routine medication at no extra charge, others may levy a fee. For extended trips or travel during peak holiday periods (like Christmas or summer), boarding costs can accumulate significantly. Thorough research and comparison of local catteries are essential to find a facility that aligns with your budget and comprehensively meets your cat’s individual needs.
Home Sweet Home or Temporary Haven?
Gauging Your Cat’s Preference
The question of whether a cat fares better at home or in a cattery doesn’t have a universal answer – it’s deeply personal to each feline. Some cats seamlessly transition into cattery life, adapting quickly to the altered routine with remarkable ease. For these adaptable souls, a cattery stay can be a stress-free solution.
Conversely, other cats find the unfamiliar environment unsettling, exhibiting signs of stress and anxiety as they grapple with the change and the absence of their familiar humans. This can be particularly challenging for cats with pre-existing health conditions, where the stress of boarding might exacerbate their symptoms. In such instances, striving to maintain as much normalcy as possible through alternative care arrangements is often the most compassionate approach.
To discern whether a cattery is a suitable option for your cat, consider their typical reactions in the
following scenarios:
- What are they like being left alone at home.
- How are they when experiencing changes within their familiar home environment.
- Can you readily confine them indoors (if they usually have outdoor access).
- How do they act on visits to the veterinarian.
- How do they cope with the arrival of unfamiliar visitors.
If your cat displays significant distress in any of these situations, a cattery might not be the ideal choice. However, if no alternatives exist, utilizing calming aids such as anxiety-relieving sprays and diffusers can help ease their worry. Introduce these at home at least a week before their stay and ensure they are also used in their cattery enclosure to maximize the beneficial effect.
Selecting the Purr-fect Cattery: Key Considerations
Once you’ve determined that a cattery is a viable option for your cat, the next step is choosing the right one. As previously mentioned, catteries differ not only in price but also in the quality and scope of their services and facilities. To ensure your cat enjoys a comfortable and safe stay, prioritise catteries that meet all their health and well-being requirements. Key aspects to investigate include:
- Licensing: Confirm they possess a valid and up-to-date cattery license under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (or equivalent in your region). Ensure the license is displayed and covers their offered services.
- Insurance: Inquire about their insurance coverage and its scope.
- Facility Visit: Ask if you can tour the premises before making a booking.
- Current Residents: Observe the cats currently staying there – do they appear healthy and content?
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: Assess the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the accommodations.
- Provision of Essentials: Verify if they provide all necessary items like beds, scratching posts, food and water bowls, and litter trays.
- Ventilation and Climate Control: Ensure the enclosures are well-ventilated and maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Accommodation Suitability and Security: Confirm the enclosures are appropriately sized and secure for housing cats.
- Interaction with Other Cats: Understand the layout – will your cat be able to see or interact directly with other cats from their enclosure? Would the view from a typical enclosure cause any stress or anxiety?
Crucially, engage in conversation with the cattery proprietor to gain a thorough understanding of the level of care your cat will receive, what is included (and excluded) in the cost, and any requirements they have for you prior to boarding.
Preparing for the Stay: What to Pack for the Cattery
Once you’ve selected your cat’s temporary residence, it’s time to prepare them for their stay. While many catteries provide essential amenities, providing the following items can enhance your cat’s comfort and ease their transition:
- Sufficient Food: Pack enough of your cat’s regular food for the entire duration of their stay. Changes in diet can lead to digestive upset.
- Familiar Comforts: Include a bed or blanket that carries the scent of home. This familiar aroma can provide reassurance.
- Beloved Toys: Pack a few of your cat’s favourite toys to help them feel more at ease and provide entertainment.
- Vaccination Records: Reputable catteries will require proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Be wary of any that don’t.
- Medication and Instructions: If your cat requires medication, provide an ample supply along with clear, written instructions for administration. Different catteries may have additional specific requirements. However, essential pre-boarding steps include ensuring your cat is up-to-date on flea and worm treatments and informing the cattery owner of any health, dietary, or behavioural quirks your cat may have. Finally, ensure you have all the necessary contact information for the cattery, and that they have your correct contact details should they need to reach you. Beyond the Cattery Walls: Exploring Alternative Care Options
If the idea of a cattery stay doesn’t feel right for your feline friend, rest assured that alternative options exist. It’s vital not to force your cat into a situation that could cause them unnecessary distress. If you’re planning a trip and wish to avoid boarding, consider these comforting alternatives:
The Kindness of Kin: Relying on Friends and Family
Enlisting the help of trusted friends or family members who live locally can be a wonderful alternative to boarding. This allows your cat to remain in the familiar comfort of their own home, maintain their regular feeding schedule, and avoid the stress of unfamiliar surroundings. Plus, you can easily check in for updates on their well-being!
If you choose this option, ensure your chosen caregiver:
- Is fully aware of your cat’s daily routine.
- Will not leave your cat alone for excessively long periods.
- Has the contact information for your veterinarian in case of emergency. This option is best suited when you have complete trust in the individual’s ability to care for your cat and your home in your absence.
The Professional Touch: Engaging Trusted Pet Sitters
The concept of pet sitters has evolved significantly. Today, reputable online platforms like Rover.com and Petpals.com connect pet owners with a network of vetted and insured individuals offering various pet-sitting services tailored to your needs. Most pet sitters on these platforms undergo DBS checks and are insured through the company, with some even possessing pet first aid training. This provides peace of mind knowing your cat is in capable and caring hands.
Pet sitters typically offer two main types of services:
House Sitting: The sitter stays in your home for the duration of your trip, providing constant
care and companionship, including overnight stays. This is particularly beneficial for cats
with medical needs or those prone to separation anxiety.
Being a responsible pet owner extends to ensuring your cat’s needs are met even when you’re away. While catteries can be a valuable solution for many, understanding your cat's individual
temperament and exploring all available options, including the comforting presence of in-home care, will allow you to make the best choice for their well-being during your travels.
Drop-in Visits: The sitter visits your home once or twice a day to provide food, water, litter
box maintenance, and companionship. This is ideal for more independent cats who primarily
need feeding and a check-in.