How to Find the Best Cattery Near You

Planning a holiday but worried about leaving your furry friend behind? I get it—our cats are family, and it’s not easy to trust someone else with them, especially if you don't know the person. But don’t worry! I’m here to help you find the best cattery near you so your cat can enjoy their own little holiday while you’re away.

As a cat owner myself, as well as owning a boarding cattery, I know just how important it is to find the right cattery for you and your cat. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend break or a long adventure, choosing a cattery where your cat will feel comfortable, safe, and loved is a priority.

I've put together my top tips based on my experience and from talking with hundreds of new cat owners over the years. I will take you through everything you need to know—from checking out your local catteries, assessing facilities, and asking the right questions. By the end, you should be able to make a decision and find the right cattery for you that gives you peace of mind and ensures your cat has a fantastic stay.

Benefits of Sending Your Cat to a Cattery

Ok so not everyone believes in sending a cat to a cattery and my guess is if you've asked around then someone will have said, "No way! Leave them at home instead". Sometimes it is not as simple as leaving them at home and if you ever have building work done or move house then putting them in a cattery can be a game-changer. Thankfully nowadays standards of catteries are improving all the time, all licensed catteries are inspected by their local council against a set of standards, The Animal Welfare Regulations 2018. Apart from being licensed, there are lots of benefits to using a cattery, and not just when you are away.

The biggest advantage is professional care. Catteries like mine are designed specifically for cats, meaning every detail is focused on their comfort and well-being. Along with years of experience caring for a variety of cat needs I also take part in regular training to understand and update my knowledge of feline behaviour and feline first aid. That means I can spot the slightest change that would usually go unnoticed, so I can ensure your cat is happy and stress-free or take quick action if needed.

Catteries usually have full-time staff to care for your cats, at The Great Catsby it's just me but I'm with your cat several times throughout the day from 7 am to 9 pm, I'm not just popping in twice a day when I have time, this is my full-time job! During this time, staff can monitor how much food a cat has eaten, if they're toileting throughout the day, how much they're drinking and check on their general health.

Although cats love routine, they also need stimulation. At a cattery, your cat can enjoy activities throughout the day like playtime, toys, and secure outdoor spaces (if available), keeping them engaged and entertained. And let’s not forget the cuddles and attention they’ll receive—because every cat deserves a little extra love when their humans are away.

Another major benefit of a good cattery is that it will provide a secure environment for your cat. They will have measures in place to handle emergencies and you can always ask them about these procedures. With your cats safely in a cattery, you won’t have to worry about them getting into mischief at home, facing hazards while you’re away, or going missing.

Location and Accessibility of Catteries

Choosing a cattery that’s close to home or your travel route makes life much easier. A short, straightforward journey is less stressful for your cat (and for you!).

Think about practicalities, too. Is the cattery easy to find? Does it have convenient parking for drop-offs and pick-ups? And if you need flexible hours, check whether they can accommodate early morning or late evening times.

Convenience aside, always make sure the location feels secure. You’ll want to know your cat is in a safe area, with good facilities and no risks.

Facilities and Amenities at the Cattery

This is where the fun part comes in—what does the cattery offer to make your cat’s stay enjoyable? Each cattery will be different depending on their age, set up and license grade but as standard each cat should have their own space to eat, sleep, and play.

The space where your cat will stay should feel calm and inviting. If your cat isn't keen on other cats then try to pick one where it won't see any other cats, some catteries use glass panels to separate rooms. At The Great Catsby, each room is fully enclosed, just like a room in your house. If your cat doesn't appreciate neighbours noseying in whilst they're trying to eat then you might want to consider a cattery that can cater to your cat's needs.

Look for extras like scratching posts, toys, climbing areas, or even secure outdoor spaces. Are they big enough for a cat to use, are they in good condition or would your cat be able to access them? These enrichments can make a huge difference in keeping your cat happy and engaged.

I'd also recommend asking about the little details—like whether they play soothing music or offer cosy beds or additional time with staff. It’s these touches that show a cattery truly cares about its furry guests.

Staff and Their Qualifications

In my experience, the people looking after your cat are just as important as the facilities. You’ll want to feel confident that the staff are knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely love what they do.

When you visit a cattery, take the time to chat with the owner or staff. Ask about their experience and training. At The Great Catsby, I’m always happy to explain how I care for the cats and answer any questions you have.

A good staff-to-cat ratio is also key. Every cat deserves individual attention, so check that the cattery isn’t overstretched and the staff have time to dedicate to every cat.

Depending on your cat's needs you might want to ask about how many staff your cat will have contact with, for those not keen on strangers a larger, busy cattery with multiple staff might be overwhelming.

Health and Safety Measures at the Cattery

Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to choosing a cattery. Start by asking about vaccination requirements—most catteries, including mine, will need proof of up-to-date vaccinations to protect all their guests.

Finally, ask about emergency plans. What would happen if your cat was ill during a stay? Does the cattery have a vet on call? Are the staff trained to spot health issues? A well-prepared cattery will have a plan in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all cats in their care, showcasing their commitment to the health of your pet.

These measures can make all the difference if something unexpected happens and should put your mind at ease, knowing that they are in the best place.

Pricing and Booking Options

Cattery prices can vary, depending on location, amenities, number of staff, and the level of care provided so it’s worth shopping around to find a place that fits your budget. But remember that the cheapest option may not always provide the best care, same as the most expensive isn't necessarily the best; it’s important to consider the value you’re getting for your money.

Ask about what’s included in the daily rate and whether there are extra fees for things like medication or additional playtime. It’s always better to know the full cost upfront so there are no surprises.

Peak travel times can get busy, so it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially if you like the look of the cattery to save any disappointment. If your plans change, check whether the cattery has a cancellation policy and what that means for you. It's also worth noting your travel insurance policy may cover boarding fees if you're insured and your holiday is cancelled.

Reviews and Recommendations

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a great cattery. Ask your friends, family, or vet for their recommendations. Personal recommendations usually give you more information than an online review and it could help your decision-making process.

Having said that, online reviews can be really helpful. Just be aware that not everyone leaves a review, it's usually only when it went very wrong or very well. Look for patterns—if lots of people mention how friendly and clean the cattery is, that’s a great sign. And if there are negative reviews, see if others have mentioned the same points. It's also good to check how the cattery responds. A thoughtful, professional reply shows they’re committed to improving or bringing it up during a visit, you noticed a negative review and wondered how they felt about it. Allow them to respond.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Cattery Near You

Finding the right cattery may take a little time and effort, but it’s so worth it to know your cat is safe, happy, and well cared for while you’re away. Remember, your cat's health, safety and well-being is the priority. You might need to take your time and check out a few different catteries to make an informed decision that meets the needs of your cat.

I always tell everyone who visits, to go with their gut when visiting and choosing the right cattery. Trust your instincts when visiting a cattery, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your cat’s comfort and happiness should always come first.

Finally, for a successful cattery stay give the staff as much information as possible about your cat, whether it's the fact that they sometimes eat too fast and bring it up or they're used to curling up on a knee in the evening. The more the cattery knows about your cat the better placed they are to give them the best care possible. By having a positive relationship with the cattery, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your furry companion while you are away.

If you’re looking for the perfect cattery and you're in the North West of England, I’d love to welcome you to The Great Catsby. I'm on the border of Lancashire and Greater Manchester in Standish, Wigan just off Junction 27 of the M6. Feel free to get in touch—I’d be happy to chat about how I can make your cat’s stay as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Happy travels, and here’s to your cat enjoying their little holiday while you’re away!