Why There Is A Four-Day Minimum Stay At The Great Catsby Cat Hotel

As a dedicated cat parent, I know that you want the very best for your feline friend, even when you’re away. At The Great Catsby Cat Hotel, I understand that leaving your cat in someone else’s care can be a big decision, especially if it’s the first time you’ve ever left them. For most people thinking about leaving their cat, they want to know if they can book their cats in for 1 or 2 nights just to see how they cope.

I know you want the best for your cat, but in my experience, a one—or two-night stay will not benefit your cat or help if you ever need to leave them longer. At The Great Catsby Cat Hotel my priority is to provide a stress-free, five-star experience for every cat in my care.  When I first opened The Great Catsby, I often took cats in for one or two nights because I thought that being busy was best.  But it didn’t take me long to realise, after witnessing these cats that were whisked in and out for short stays, that it wasn’t actually in the cat’s best interest.  So, using that experience, I changed the way I operated and found that a minimum four-day stay is best for the cats.  Let me explain why and how it benefits your cat.

Why The Great Catsby Cat Hotel Doesn’t Offer Overnight Stays

Unlike dogs, who often adapt quickly to short stays, cats need time to settle into a new environment. If you’ve ever brought a new cat or kitten home for the first time, then you’ll have probably witnessed them assessing their surroundings, being on high alert when there’s a new sound, and you will have watched them discover the best hiding spots - even the ones you didn’t think were possible.  Well, it’s the same as bringing any cat into a new cattery.  They need time to adjust, find their feet and feel secure enough to let their guard down.

An overnight stay doesn’t give cats time to adjust. Not only are they more likely to feel anxious and unsettled, but they’ll remember the experience next time you try to take them to a cattery.  Have you ever noticed that one bad vet trip is all it takes for your cat to hate the carrier?  They’re keen to go in the carrier until they realise it often leads to them being prodded and poked in a strange room with strange noises before going back home.  I don’t want your cat to associate being away from you with a negative experience where they’re unsettled or lonely.  My goal is to provide a safe place for your cat where they feel relaxed, happy and loved, just as they would at home.

Understanding Cat Behaviour: Why Cats Need Time to Settle

Cats are creatures of habit, and if you ask any cat ‘expert’, they’ll tell you that cats don’t like change in routine or environment as it can cause stress. However, with a proper understanding of stress factors and the subtle changes in behaviour, changes can be well managed to reduce the impact on their stress levels.  

When a cat arrives at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel, especially for the first time, it often experiences difficulties getting into a carrier or a car journey, which it is not used to, all before arriving in a new environment.  It needs time to explore its surroundings, get used to the sights and smells, and feel secure before it starts to relax. A single night is simply not enough time for this adjustment.

From experience, I’ve found most cats follow the same patterns:

• Day 1: After cats arrive, they tend to observe their surroundings cautiously. They often stay in their carrier or find a suitable hiding spot.  They may either hiss to ward off dangers or be so quiet that they hope they are invisible. I’ll bring them food and calmly talk to them but from a distance so they don't feel threatened. Most cats wouldn't eat anything on this day as they’re unsure of their surroundings and don’t feel safe to eat. I tend to give the cats space and time to adjust without too much fuss or attention. 

• Day 2: They may have ventured out overnight, had a nibble of their food and even found one of the beds in their room.  But they would usually go back to their safe hiding spot when they heard me.   During the day, I like to try and get them used to me, I will visit them several times throughout the day, with food or just to talk to them.  They may swap beds or even venture over to me by the end of the day.  They usually eat little during the day, saving it overnight when they feel more comfortable and begin exploring.

• Day 3: Today is the day when most cats would usually feel comfortable enough to come over to me and even let me stroke them.  They’ll eat each meal as they would at home and move around their room confidently, showing off their skills and personalities.

• Day 4: When you arrive to collect your cat today, they’re normally not in any rush to leave. They may take a moment or two to recognise you just because they’ve not been used to seeing you in their room, not because they’ve forgotten you. Within minutes, they’ll be enjoying head rubs and purring away.

By allowing cats the time and space to adjust and settle in, I can ensure that every cat leaves happy and stress-free rather than feeling unsettled and rushed.

The 4-Day Minimum Stay: Designed with Your Cat’s Well-Being in Mind

I’ve set a four-day minimum stay because it gives your cat enough time to adjust, settle in, and start enjoying their holiday. 

This approach:

✅ Reduces stress by giving your cat time to acclimate.

✅ Ensures a positive experience so they feel safe and comfortable.

✅ Allows me to tailor care to your cat’s needs, from nervous newcomers to confident explorers.

How a Short Break Transformed Mitsy And Her Owner's Life

Mitsy came to stay last year, and like most cat parents, hers were worried about how she'd cope. Misty was a timid cat who would hide if anyone came to the house.

When Mitsy arrived, she was clearly nervous about being in a new situation.  She stayed in her carrier, just observing her surroundings.  Each time I went in to see her, she wouldn't move from her carrier or react to me.  

By the end of the first day, Mitsy had Found one of the beds in her room, a teepee bed. This offered the same security as her carrier, but she'd been out exploring at least. She hadn't eaten, but I know cats will eat when they feel safe. Toileting is a different matter. Luckily, Mitsy had visited the litter tray, so although she was still wary, I knew she'd get used to me in time.

On the second day, Mitsy retreated to her carrier. She'd eaten, and the carrier was the closest spot to the food, so it meant she could hide from me when needed.  As I could tell that Mitsy was slowly starting to let her guard down, I tried a few of my usual tricks to tempt her to trust me.  These worked, and Mitsy was encouraging me to stroke her.

By the end of her third day, Mitsy was coming out of her safe space to greet me, and she was clearly enjoying the attention now that I'd gained her trust.  

Mitsy's owners were overwhelmed by the difference in her behaviour. They'd expected to come back and find her still hiding in her carrier having not eaten, sulking at them for leaving her. Instead, Mitsy was affectionate, content, and enjoying the attention she got from all of us.

Seeing this transformation, her owners were able to enjoy their own break without worry as they'd been kept informed and seen Mitsy through the digital postcards I'd sent. They were also able to have more breaks, knowing that Mitsy was in safe hands and content.  They even managed to have building work done on their house while Mitsy had a holiday so that she wouldn’t be upset by the disruption at home. 

Mitsy has spent three holidays at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel so far, and now she confidently greets me with a head rub upon arrival. She rolls around as soon as she's here and loves the attention and fuss she gets. Mitsy has two holidays booked for 2025, and I can't wait to welcome her back.

Settling in for a Stress-Free Stay

I know every cat is different. Some settle in quickly, especially young kittens who have recent experience of being in new environments, while others take more time. That’s why I provide: 

✔ A quiet, calm environment designed specifically for cats.

✔ Soothing routines and familiar comforts to ease the transition.

✔ Optional extra playtime or bedtime cuddles for those who love or need some extra attention!

The more I know about your cat before you arrive, the better prepared I am. If your cat is wary of strangers and hides at home, let me know that it can be timid or anxious so that I can help. The same goes for aggressive behaviour in new situations or when visiting the vet. I'll be able to tailor my care to suit their needs and personalities.

To help your cat settle in when they arrive, follow my 3 top tips:

1. Let Your Cat Decide When to Explore

If they want to stay in their carrier, let them.  Try not to force them out of their carrier or place them around the room.  They will explore in their own time when they feel comfortable.

2. Keep Doors & Windows Closed

Even if your cat loves to be outside, I keep the window shut for all new arrivals. Being in a strange room is overwhelming enough without adding the extra outdoor sounds and smells. As soon as your cat is confident, I will open the window and let them enjoy the balcony access. 

3. Quiet & Calm Is Key

A quiet, calm environment helps cats settle faster.  When you arrive with them, try to stay calm. They’ll pick up on your emotions, so reassure them that you’ll be back soon, and they’ll soon be out exploring.

Planning Your Cat’s Stay: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering booking a stay for your cat at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel, here’s what you need to know:

• Minimum stay: 4 days.

• Vaccination requirement: All cats must be up to date on vaccinations.

• Booking in advance: I recommend booking early, especially during busy periods.

  
  

Although there is a 4-day minimum stay, I will make an exception for cats who have stayed plenty of times. If I know that they'll jump out of their carrier as soon as they arrive and make themselves at home.  For those cats that I know well, I'm happy to do one or two-night stays as I know that it won't have a negative impact on their experience.  However, I wouldn't accept any less than 4 days for most cats, especially those who have never stayed.

Book Your Cat’s Stay at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel

If you’re looking for a stress-free, luxurious stay for your cat while you’re away, The Great Catsby Cat Hotel is the purrfect choice. My priority is your cat, and I want them to leave feeling happy, confident, and well cared for.

Ready to book? Get in touch today to arrange your cat’s stay!