Preparing To Use A Cattery

Leaving your cat in a cattery can be a stressful time for both you and your cat. Cats are very territorial animals and do not like moving away from their home. Good preparation is the best way to reduce this stress.

• Firstly, be happy with your choice of catteries. If you haven't chosen one yet, first read about choosing a cattery.
• The best catteries usually book out a long way ahead, so book in early.
• Ensure your cats vaccinations are fully up to date. Good Catterys will always require cats to be fully vaccinated.
• Try to reduce your cats' stress levels by leaving them with something familiar. Familiar smells are particularly important, so perhaps a well worn item of your clothing or a blanket he or she usually sleeps with. Don't wash it just before you leave or it will smell of washing powder instead!
• For a few days or more prior to taking your cat to the cattery, leave his/her carry cage in a prominent position around his/her favourite place. If your cat has some favourite bedding, place it inside the carry cage to encourage the cat to start sleeping in there. You should then be able to leave the cage, including the bedding, at the cattery so your cat has somewhere to retreat, surrounded by familiar smells.
• There are plug-in artificial pheromone sprays available which claim to reduce stress by mimicking the scent of the cat's facial glands. Talk to your vet about the availability and effectiveness of these.
• If your cat has a favourite toy or scratching post, you should be able to leave this with them too.
• Talk to the cattery operator about your cat's personal likes and dislikes, such as how much stroking and cuddling they like. All cats have differing needs.
• If you have more than one cat, chat to the cattery operator about whether they can share a cage.
• If your cat has special diet requirements, make sure you are well stocked with cat food and that the Cattery operators are happy to give him or her the food you request.
• If your cat is used to being outdoors, choose a cattery which can provide an outdoor run. Likewise if your cat is always kept indoors, he/she will probably feel safer without an outdoor run.
• Does your cat require medication? Discuss this with the Cattery operators to ensure they are happy and capable enough to administer the medication. Get stocked up beforehand so they don't run out in your absence.
• Leave your cat's medical history with the Cattery operator, including your usual vet's contact details.