A cattery or cat sitter? Which is best?
When you’re away for more than one night, is your cat better off in the care of a cattery or cat sitter? In this article, we’ll consider the merits of both options.
Most cat owners want to ensure the well-being and happiness of their furry friends. Naturally, this includes ensuring they get the best possible care when their owner is away.
Catteries and sitters have their merits and drawbacks. This article considers the essential factors that help you determine what best suits your cat’s needs.
Catteries: A home away from home
A cattery offers a structured and controlled environment for your cat. Your local cattery will usually offer individual or shared enclosures, with ample space to move around, play, and relax.
Most catteries have experienced staff members trained in feline care and can monitor the well-being of the cats in their care. Furthermore, catteries usually have strict health and safety protocols, minimizing the risk of infectious diseases spreading among the resident cats.
One advantage of a cattery is the opportunity for feline socialization. Cats residing in a cattery can interact with other cats, which may benefit their emotional well-being. Additionally, catteries offer a structured routine, including feeding times, playtime, and regular human interaction.
Having said that, a cattery won’t suit every cat. If your feline is reserved and prefers a quieter environment, the unfamiliar surroundings and the presence of other cats may cause anxiety. A previous cat of mine developed diabetes during a five-week stay in a cattery. The condition cleared up after a month back at home.
Cats requiring specialized care or the administration of complex medical treatments may not get the attention they need in a cattery, and a cat sitter may be the better option.
Personalized care in familiar surroundings
Cats are territorial creatures and take comfort from familiar surroundings and consistent routines. A cat sitter provides personalized care for cats in the comfort of their own home. A sitter minimizes the stress that comes with new territory, and other cats. It also allows the continuation of their usual daily routine.
Cat sitters can visit the home regularly to feed, groom, play with, and provide companionship. They can also closely monitor your cat’s health and behavior, detecting potential issues early.
Fussy?
If your cat is especially fussy, or overly fastidious in some way, a cattery may not be the best option.
Social?
If your cat is especially social, it may enjoy the extra contact it gets in a cattery with a common area.
Fees
A sitter is likely to cost more than a cattery. If money is tight, don’t let guilt exclude cost as a consideration.
One of the significant advantages of hiring a cat sitter is the ability to customize the care provided. Each cat has unique preferences and needs, and a cat sitter can tailor their approach accordingly. This personalized attention can be particularly beneficial for shy or anxious cats who thrive in familiar environments.
One drawback of a cat sitter is the limited socialization opportunities compared to a cattery. While cat sitters can provide companionship, they often cannot offer the same level of interactive play with other cats.
Additionally, the cost of hiring a cat sitter may be higher than the fees associated with a cattery, particularly over a longer period of time.
What do I do?
Which option do I choose when I’m going to be away? I take a hybrid approach guided by how long I’ll be away. My cats do best when they remain at home and receive a visit from a sitter. However, if I’m going to be away for ten or more days, I book them into a cattery.
My decision to go with a hybrid approach isn’t to do with any specific need in my cats, but to satisfy a psychological need of my own. Your emotional needs are also a valid consideration when deciding between a cattery or a cat sitter.
You need to be comfortable with the option you choose. In my case, when I’m away for an extended period of time, I find it easier to relax and enjoy my vacation if I know my cats are in a facility that is staffed 24/7.
Which is best for you? A cattery or cat sitter?
As is always the case, whether a cat is better off with a cattery or cat sitter comes down to the personality of the cat. When making this decision, it’s vital to consider your cat’s personality, preferences, and needs.
Is socialization likely to compensate for the loss it will feel while you’re away? Or will it add to the cat’s separation anxiety?
As the cat’s owner, you are the person best placed to make this decision on behalf of your cat. We hope this article helps you settle on the best solution for every creature involved.
