Choosing a Cattery

Choosing a Cattery before you go on holiday and leaving your cat behind can be a stressful time. However, they can make the decision less distressing by boarding their pet in a cattery or kennel. This way, your pet will be cared for and comfortable in a temporary environment.

Because all catteries are not the same, it is imperative that you take some time to consider your options. In this article, we have compiled the best tips to follow to help you choose the right cattery for your pet.

What Is a Cattery?

A cattery is a small place or facility specifically designed for temporary living where cats can be comfortably fed, cleaned, entertained, and taken care of. Catteries are often referrred to as cat hotels or kennels.

Catteries are popular choices for pet owners who leave their cat behind for a couple of days but want to ensure that their pet is attended to. Knowing that their cat is happy, safe, warm, and healthy gives them peace of mind.

How to Choose the Best Cattery

You need a cattery that meets your cat’s needs and will keep them comfortable. Therefore, take a look at the following tips to help you pick the most suitable one:

Check for Licenses

If you are planning to keep your cat in a facility, you must ensure that it is licensed and insured by the relevant organizations. They should have a license to care for dogs and cats. When facilities are accountable to authorities and organizations, chances are that the care provided by them is of high level and standard also.

Moreover, to get their license, these facilities may have had to go through inspections relating to the size of the sleeping areas, quality of food provided, sanitation measures, exercises provided, and more. This will, at the very least, give you peace of mind that your cat is receiving the minimum level of care.

However, this should not be the only thing you check since these measures are the minimum requirements for every cattery. You should also follow other tips mentioned in this guide.

Look for Recommendations

If you personally know any pet owners, you should ask them for recommendations on the best cattery and about their experiences if they have ever sent their pet to one. This will help you narrow down your choices and make the decision slightly easier for you.

Additionally, you can also ask your vet for their recommendations. The cattery’s social media may also have reviews from other people’s experiences. However, what works for one cat may not necessarily work for yours, which is why you should not use this tip as your only guide for choosing the best cattery.

Visit the Facility when Choosing a Cattery

If you have the time and means, you should visit the facility to check out all of its services for yourself. Narrow down the best catteries and visit them. A well-reputed cattery will have no problem letting you visit their facility and would be happy to tour you.

During your visit, you can ask them any questions you might have and share your concerns with them. Moreover, you can also assess the temperature of the living spaces, the exercise and sleeping areas, their feeding services, and how your pet will be fed.

Find a Cattery That Is Clean and Has Ample Space

The two most important things to look out for when looking for a cattery are cleanliness and space. You don’t want your cats getting sick or acquiring any injection from the cattery, which is why you should ask the facility about their cleanliness measures.

For example, you should ask them if they use cleaners, odour killers, and bed washers in the living spaces for cats. Furthermore, it is necessary that the cattery provides ample living space because cats like to move around and explore. Their sleeping area should be comfortable and warm and provide them with enough space to stretch.

Check Their Security Measures

Needless to say, the cattery should provide ample security because cats are fond of exploring new places. When you entrust these facilities with your pets, they should do everything to ensure they are secure.

You should check the cattery’s security measures. For example, if every cat is kept in a separate room and doors are shut. You should also check for alarms, CCTV footage, and a lack of escape routes there.

Additional Services Offered

If you contact a cattery or visit them, you should also see if they offer services beyond the basic ones. For example, if they have a secure outdoor space where the cats can enjoy fresh air and sunlight. This could prove to be an excellent bonus.

Finding out about their additional services will help determine whether your cat will remain happy in the facility. Some additional services they may offer are grooming services, check-ups at the vet, special exercises, and playtime opportunities.

Special Care and Services when Choosing a Cattery

If your cat has a health condition? Maybe a special diet, or taking a prescription medication, you should let the cattery know beforehand. This way, you will be able to figure out if the staff at the facility have the right knowledge and resources to provide your feline pet with specialized care.

Final Words on Choosing a Cattery

Not all pets or catteries are the same. So pet owners must conduct due diligence and research to find the most suitable cattery for their feline pet. Once you do find one, you can even give it a trial run. Sending your cat there for a day or two.

If you are a cattery owner or want to build a cattery at home, consider using state-of-the-art materials, cleaning supplies, and heating pads from Petnap. We have a wide range of supplies that will help your cat feel comfortable and at home in its cattery. Visit our website to learn more!