Are you anxious about sending your cat to a cattery for the first time? Many cat owners feel guilty about leaving their pets, wondering if their cats will feel abandoned or stressed.
The truth is, with the right preparation and a well-chosen cattery, your cat can have a comfortable and even enjoyable experience.
So, how do you ensure a smooth transition for your cat?
Why Preparation Matters
Taking the time to prepare your cat is essential for making their first stay at a cattery as stress-free as possible. Cats thrive on routine, and when that routine is disrupted, they can become anxious.
But don’t worry! With a few steps, you can make sure your furry friend feels right at home—or rather, enjoys their own little holiday while you’re away.
1. Choosing the Right Cattery
Before booking a cattery stay, choosing the right facility is crucial. Every cattery offers different services, and finding one that matches your cat’s needs can ease both your anxiety and your cat’s stress.
- Stress-free, no-dog boarding: Look for a cattery that doesn’t board dogs. The absence of barking or noisy dogs means a quieter, calmer environment, which can help your cat relax.
- A home away from home: Catteries, like Cat Castle, offer a ‘holiday’ for your cat while you’re on holiday. It’s about creating a space where they feel secure and pampered, not abandoned.
- Spacious and private areas: Cats love their privacy, and having a space that’s all their own will help them settle in quickly. Spacious areas are essential to prevent territorial behaviour and allow them to relax.
- Qualified staff and daily routines: Check for experienced staff who understand feline behaviour. Having a routine similar to their home life helps cats adjust more easily.
2. Prepping Your Cat Before the Stay
Bring Familiar Items from Home
Cats are creatures of habit, and bringing items from home will help them feel more secure.
- Blankets and toys: Pack their favourite blanket or toys that carry their scent. This gives them a comforting reminder of home.
- Scented bedding: If your cat loves a particular spot, bring a piece of that bedding for them to curl up on at the cattery.
Maintain Their Routine
Cats feel calmer when their routine remains consistent, even in new environments. Talk to the cattery staff about:
- Feeding schedules: Request the same meal times your cat is used to, so they don’t feel out of sync.
- Exercise and playtime: If your cat enjoys playtime or regular exercise, let the staff know so they can incorporate this into their day.
Practise Short Absences
If your cat isn’t used to being alone, begin practising by leaving them at home for short periods and gradually increasing the time. This can help ease their transition into staying at the cattery without you.
3. What to Expect During the Stay
Once your cat is settled into the cattery, here’s what to expect:
- Routine care: The cattery staff will stick to your cat’s feeding and care routine as much as possible to provide familiarity.
- Socialisation in a non-territorial space: Unlike a home environment, where your cat may feel territorial, catteries are neutral spaces. This means your cat won’t feel the need to defend their space, making it easier for them to relax and potentially even socialise with other cats.
- Stress-free living: Cats in the cattery live in the now. Whether you’re gone for three days or three weeks, they don’t have a real sense of time. So, no need to feel guilty—your cat won’t! They will just go about their day, enjoying their temporary home.
No Sense of Abandonment—Unlike Pet Sitting
Unlike at-home pet sitters, where cats may feel alone in their territory, a well-designed cattery ensures your pet feels safe and cared for. The environment is created with their comfort in mind, preventing that feeling of abandonment.
4. Bringing Your Cat Home
When it’s time to bring your cat home, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the transition back smooth.
Allow Time to Settle
- Create a quiet space: Let your cat have some alone time when they first return. It can take a few hours, or even a day, for them to settle back into their routine.
- Stick to their normal routine: Resuming their usual feeding and play schedules will help them feel at home again quickly.
Monitor for Any Behavioural Changes
It’s common for cats to be a little tired or quiet when they first get home from the cattery. However, if you notice any unusual behaviour, such as excessive hiding or refusing to eat, give them some time. Cats are resilient and will likely bounce back within a day or two.
Final Thoughts: Your Cat’s Holiday Away from Home
Preparing your cat for their first cattery stay doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing the right cattery—where cats enjoy a quiet, stress-free environment, you can rest assured they’ll be well-cared for.
Remember, your cat is living in the now, so no need to feel guilty about being away. With the right preparation, they’ll be enjoying their own little holiday while you’re off on yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not at all! Cats at a cattery, especially one without dogs, enjoy a quieter, more stress-free environment. In fact, many cats settle in well and don’t have the territorial concerns they would at home.
Every cat is different, but most adjust within a day or two, especially if they have familiar items like blankets or toys from home.
Cats live in the present, so whether you’re away for a few days or weeks, they won’t be counting the days. Instead, they’ll enjoy their surroundings, making it a guilt-free stay for both of you.
A cattery can be a better option for social cats or those who prefer routine. The neutral, non-territorial space of a cattery can help prevent feelings of abandonment that may arise with a pet sitter visiting your home.
Bring familiar items, ensure their vaccinations are up to date, and try leaving them alone for short periods before the stay. This helps reduce stress and makes the transition smoother.
