How to Find a Good Cattery

Leaving a beloved cat in the care of others can be a stressful experience, can’t it? And yet, it’s necessary to do so from time to time. In this article, we’ll explain how to find a good cattery and discuss the key factors to consider.

The staff at CatInfo.net don’t like to leave our cats in a Cattery. We prefer to hire a cat sitter who visits once or twice daily to feed and interact with our felines. We think there are good reasons to prefer this approach, but sometimes it isn’t practical or possible.

That’s why this article was written. For those times when you must use one, it’s essential that you know how to find a good cattery. There are six factors to consider…

1. Reputation and Recommendation
2. Facilities and Amenities
3. Staff and Expertise
4. Health and Safety
5. Interaction and Enrichment
6. Communication and Updates

In the rest of this article, we’ll look at each of these factors in turn. And hope this explanation helps explain how to find a good cattery.

Reputation and Recommendation

Start by asking your friends, family, and veterinarian for recommendations. Scan the noticeboards of your local supermarket, community center, and high street shops.

Use Google and social media to look for independent reviews. Visit the cattery’s website and hunt for testimonials. Attempt to build a picture of a cattery’s reputation. Remember, this isn’t just about positive feedback. You’re also looking for negative reviews, especially if many of them exist.

Be sure to read negative reviews and see if there’s a trend. There may be a particular way in which a cattery disappoints its customers that doesn’t matter to you. Or you may find evidence of improvement over time as the owner responds to constructive criticism.

How to Find a Good Cattery with Facilities and Amenities

It’s essential that you visit the cattery in person and assess its cleanliness, security measures, and overall atmosphere.

Look for spacious, well-ventilated enclosures that include separate areas for eating, sleeping, and litter boxes. Consider whether the cattery provides toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to keep your cat entertained.

Invest a little time observing the cats currently in their care. Do they look bored, listless, or unhappy? Are there signs of neglect or even abuse?

Staff and Expertise

Ensure that a cattery you’re considering has a qualified and compassionate staff who genuinely care for the cats in their care. Inquire about the staff-to-cat ratio and ask questions about their experience, training, and knowledge of cat behavior.

Ask what they do if a cat in their care becomes ill, and check if they have access to emergency veterinary care irrespective of the time of day, or day of the week.

Don’t be afraid to dig. Satisfy yourself that a skilled and attentive team is able to handle any situation that might arise during your cat’s stay.

Health and Safety

Be sure to ask about the cattery’s vaccination requirements, worming and flea treatment policy, and cleanliness protocols.

You need to understand the cattery’s attitude toward vaccination and ensure it reflects your own. And be satisfied your cat’s litter tray is cleaned daily.

Many jurisdictions place legislative requirements on catteries. That may mean vaccination is compulsory. In such jurisdictions, a cattery will ask for evidence that your cats are vaccinated. And there is often a time period that must pass before a vaccination is deemed to be active. Vaccinating your cats the day before the stay won’t be sufficient.

As stated previously, you must also ask about the cattery’s emergency procedures. Satisfy yourself the staff are equipped and knowledgeable enough to deal with an emergency irrespective of when it happens.

If your cat requires regular pills or injections, ensure the staff are competent to apply the treatment, and rigorous enough to check a pill has been consumed. If you have any doubts, watch the cattery staff administer your cat’s medication.

Interaction and Enrichment

If you’re anything like us, you’ll use catteries only for longer stays. But that also means your cat is locked in a cage for several weeks. Cats, like us, require stimulation and don’t enjoy confinement.

Find out how a cattery encourages socialization and provides individual attention to each cat. Some catteries offer playtime, grooming services, or even personalized cuddle sessions. And these interactions help reduce stress and ensure your cat feels loved and comfortable.

Despite their reputation for being aloof longer, there is research that shows cats miss their owners during periods of separation. The right cattery will make a big difference to your cat’s quality of life while you’re away.

Communication and Updates

Choose a cattery that offers regular updates on your cat’s well-being during their stay. Whether it’s through email, text messages, or a dedicated app, staying informed about your cat’s activities and behavior can give you peace of mind while you’re away.

Conclusion to How to Find a Good Cattery

Selecting the best cattery for your feline requires careful consideration and research. The six factors in this article are designed to help you focus on what matters most. This will help you find a good cattery for your cat while you’re away.

By focusing on reputation, facilities, staff expertise, health and safety measures, interaction opportunities, and communication protocols, you can ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for your cat. Remember, a well-chosen cattery will provide a home away from home where your feline can thrive in a safe and comfortable environment.