7 questions to ask when considering using a cattery

When planning a holiday it’s easy to forget about your cat.  But who will look after them whilst your away?  There are many questions and concerns you might have and rightly so.  You’ve got to find someone and trust them to look after your cat.   Here are 10 questions you need to ask yourself when considering a cattery.

1. Do I know anyone who has used a cattery?

Recommendations and reviews are a great place to start if you’re considering using any cattery.  Hearing other people’s experiences will give you a better idea of what to expect.  If you don’t know anybody personally who has used them then ask on your local Facebook groups, read the reviews on Google, or Find Pet Boarding.  

Having said that, be cautious.  People like to have an opinion when they love or hate something, there’s no middle ground.  But most of the time the reviews will give you an idea about how happy the cats were, how helpful the staff were, and if they’d leave their cat again.

If there’s one bad review it may be that either that person did have a particularly bad experience on that day.  Or it could be someone out to try and ruin the reputation of the cattery, like a jealous ex-worker, or the ‘competition’.  If there’s only one negative in a sea of positive reviews then it’s clearly not the norm.  If you’re worried about a negative review ask the cattery about it.  Find out more information about what happened and how they dealt with it.

2. What do I want for my cat whilst I’m away?

Cat owners all have different views on what makes their cats happy.  And catteries are all different too.  Some catteries have an ‘exercise run’ or space that’s outdoors and open to the elements.  For cats that like to roam this is seen as an advantage as they’re used to spending all day outside.  Other catteries are classed as indoor.  The cats don’t have free access to an outdoor space.  But for house cats, who aren’t allowed outside at home then this is ideal.

Think about your non-negotiables when it comes to your cats.  What would you like the cattery to be like?  Feel like? And even smell like?  Think about how much time you’d want someone to spend with them.  What will your cat eat – will the cattery have its own menu or do you need to bring your own food?  

By knowing exactly what you want from a cattery it will help you narrow down your search.

3. What is my budget?

Like most things in life, there is a cost associated with someone looking after your cat.  Even if you decide to have a family member or friend pop by there is the cost of supplying the food, litter, heating, and electricity.  And also any cleaning or repairs once you come back.  Unfortunately, an empty house isn’t home to a cat.  They often decide to find a new toilet – like a bed or a corner of the carpet as a protest to you not being there.  There may also be unexpected vet bills as a family or friend may not always recognise the subtle signs that a cat is feeling unwell. Or worse still you’re cat goes missing.

Your budget may determine which catteries to consider. Prices for catteries vary.  Some are as little as £5 per night.  At the Great Catsby, it’s £20 per day for one cat.  The outgoings and standard of care for each cattery will vary.  By having a quick look around you’ll be able to see what’s available for your budget.

As with any business, catteries have costs that they have to cover.  Firstly they are/should be licensed with their local authority.  Their license number should be on their website or even the council website.  If you can’t see it ask them for their license number and check with the council. The cost of a license varies depending on each local authority but they are anywhere between £200-£500. The license includes an inspection where the cattery has to show it meets a set of criteria (outlined in the 2018 Animal Welfare Regulations).

All catteries, as part of their license, are insured.  Not just for their building but for your cat too.  They are usually covered in case anything happens to your cats whilst you’re away, including vet fees or even rewards if they went missing.  

Along with the license and insurance, there’s also the heating, electricity, food, litter, and also staff wages and training.  A pet sitter may charge £10 per visit to feed and check up on your cat.  A cattery will usually check on your cat at least 2-3 times a day.  At The Great Catsby, it’s much more, I can visit cats up to 10 times or more a day.  Throughout the day I record down my observations every morning, lunch, afternoon and evening so that I can quickly spot any slight changes or concerns. 

4. Do they have any availability?

Good catteries tend to get booked up quickly.  And after the pandemic, many have sadly closed.  This means that if you have your heart set on using a cattery you’ll need to book early.  When looking for a cattery narrow it down to a couple of places and see which has availability.  If they all have, then you’re in luck.  You can choose the one you prefer.  But it may be that only one, or none has availability for your dates.  If that’s the case you’ll need to go back and widen your search, adjust your criteria or budget accordingly.

With only having 7 rooms at The Great Catsby, they are usually booked up around 6-12 months before.  Many of my regular customers now book their cat in before booking their holiday

5. Can I visit the cattery before I book?

When considering any catteries you should always try to visit.  Most catteries, despite the pandemic and COVID will have things in place for safe visits.  And if they don’t they may offer a video tour.  

I believe a visit will give you a true sense of a cattery, not only will you be able to meet with the staff or owner but you’ll also be able to see how the cats are.  There’s nothing worse than turning up somewhere to leave your cat, only to realise you actually hate it.

During a visit, you can ask questions in person and see how they respond.  Are they interested in your cat?  Do the cats seem happy? They might be tucked up snoozing or they may be feeling social and want to get some attention.  If they are hiding or looking scared can the staff tell you why?  Don’t be scared to question them, you might possibly be trusting them with your babies so it’s only right that you want to know how they do their job.

6. How will I know if my cat is ok at the cattery?

Each cattery is different in how they operate.  Some might post the occasional photo on Facebook during your stay.  Others might send a quick text every few days to let you know that everything is ok.  Some have no contact at all, you might need to phone them to see how your cat is coping.  And others might have a webcam you can log into so you can watch them.

Consider how much or little contact you want whilst you’re away. Some people can relax knowing that their cattery would only be in touch f there was a problem. Others need more reassurance that everything is ok. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to feelings. You have to go with what’s best for you.

For me, at The Great Catsby, I send updates every day with photos.  There was lots of talk about webcams but for us the daily updates give me a chance to tell you how your cat is.  My customers all know to expect an email in the evening where they can see their own private updates.  They don’t spend their holiday logging into a webcam to see if their cat has moved.  

Through the daily updates, you’ll see what your cat has been doing.  You’ll know if I have any concerns or worries about their behaviour.  And you’ll see their personality shine through over the stay as they grow in confidence.

7. Is there anything I need to do or know before I use a cattery?

All catteries need to see your cat’s up-to-date vaccination certificate before or on arrival.  All cats have to be vaccinated against feline parvovirus or feline infectious enteritis (FIE), feline panleukopenia, and feline respiratory viruses within the last 12 months.  If your cat isn’t up to date with their vaccinations consider getting them booked in with the vet to make sure everything is in order.

Depending on how a cattery is built or set up they may only allow cats to stay 2 weeks after their vaccination, due to the risk of cross-infection.  As all the rooms are fully isolated at The Great Catsby, cats are able to stay as soon as they have been vaccinated, as agreed by my licensing officer and inspecting vet.  

Every cattery, as part of their license, has to record the details of their last vaccination and when it was given.  We also have to record when and what their last flea and worm treatments were given.  

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a suitable and safe carrier to transport your cats.  This will also ensure they are safe when traveling in the car to the cattery.  Although some cats are used to being on a lead it’s not a good idea to take them to a cattery on their lead.  Leads can easily cause damage if your cat is startled or anxious about a new environment.  Cat’s also feel much safer in small environments, being on a lead increases their vulnerability and makes them feel exposed to possible dangers.

Once you find a good cattery it can be a great benefit to you and your cat.  Not only will your cat gain the trust of someone else but they will begin to build a bond.  They’ll feel just as secure and happy with the cattery as they would with you.  Plus a cattery isn’t just there for holidays.  Catteries are often used when you’re having building work done at home and don’t want to worry about the cats getting in the way.  A cattery may also be used during times of ill health when you don’t or can’t fully care for your cat.  You might need to move home.  By having the cats in a cattery for a few days you can move house safely.  Without the additional worry of them getting out or going missing.   

Although many cattery staff aren’t veterinary trained, they do have a wealth of knowledge about cats.  They have probably dealt with hundred’s if not thousands of cats over the years. They are also usually in close contact with a vet. And through ongoing training, they know and understand cats better than most people.  Whichever cattery you decide to book with you should feel confident in their ability to safely look after your cat.

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