The Criteria that Make for a Top Cat Boarding Cattery
If you’re a cat owner (or should we say, if you’re owned by a cat!) and need to go away from home for business or pleasure you’re faced with the problem of cat care during your absence.
If you’re lucky enough to have close family or friends who are willing to call in to feed and pet your feline friend every day, that’s obviously the best solution. You could also find a local reputable pet sitter or house sitter willing to do the honours for appropriate remuneration.
Many of us, though, opt for a boarding cattery – a good, safe and secure choice as long as you think your cat will be comfortable in a cattery pen or cabin, and not find the environment stressful.
If you are going to need the services of a suitable boarding cattery you’ll need to act quickly – the best ones get booked up far in advance and usually run waiting lists.
Looking for a Cat Boarding Cattery
Start your search by getting recommendations from other cat owners and/or your vet, and using internet searches or directories to find local catteries in your area.
Make a list of likely candidates – don’t even consider a cattery that is not licensed by the local authority’s animal welfare department. In order to operate commercially a cattery is inspected by the local authority at least once a year, and receive a star rating ranging from one (minimum standards) to 5.
Find out more about the Government’s statutory guidance for cat boarding licensing.
The next step is to ascertain when the cattery’s opening hours are and pay a visit to check out the facilities – an unannounced visit is preferable. A well run cattery will always be happy to receive visitors and show you around.
You will probably get a “feel” for whether the cattery you are visiting is a good fit for your cat, but there are certain basic criteria you can check out when you’re assessing the establishment:
Boxes for a Well Run Cattery to Tick
- Is the accommodation warm, secure, clean and dry, with clean litter trays and feeding bowls? Preferably there should be toys, a raised area and a scratching post.
- Are there comfortable areas for sleeping and resting, indoors and out?
- Is there enough ventilation to ensure no air-borne diseases can spread?
- Are cats who don’t know each other shielded from others? Cats can find seeing or being in contact with other cats stressful.
- Do the cats in residence look healthy, happy and content?
- Do the proprietors and their staff seem welcoming and genuinely interested in your cat?
- Is an up-to-date vaccination certificate a requirement for boarding? If not, go elsewhere – you don’t want your cat catching cat flu or enteritis.
- If your cat needs a special diet, medication, or grooming (for long-haired cats) is this provided, and is there an extra fee?
- What happens if your cat becomes ill while in boarding?
- Ask if you can bring toys, favourite food bowls, bedding or anything else from home to make your cat more comfortable during his/her stay.
- Check that the cattery accommodation block has a working smoke alarm, and is not prone to flooding.
Most catteries in the UK are extremely responsible and reliable establishments where your furry friend can enjoy a holiday in a home from home while you’re away. The best thing about leaving your cat at a competent, capable cattery is that you won’t have to worry about your cat at all during your absence.