No-one likes to leave their cat, but sometimes this can't be helped.
Print off & use our checklist
to help you find the ideal cattery & you can rest, knowing that your cat will
be safe & in good hands.
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
A good cattery owner/staff will perfectly understand your concerns & should
be happy to answer all your questions to your satisfaction.
Ask friends, colleagues & neighbours for their recommendations
Ask your veterinary surgeon
Yellow pages - but don't
just choose the nearest, look around!
Local newspapers & cat magazines
How to choose a good cattery
You have to visit catteries to really get a feel for the right
one for you & your cat.
Make an appointment, don't just turn up and disrupt meal & cleaning times!
Ask to look around. If they say 'no' - don't board your cat there.
Health & Safety Checklist:
1.
Is the garden & cattery clean & tidy?
2.
Are the surfaces smooth & safe, with no protruding edges?
3.
There should be no smell
4.
Do the buildings look maintained & cared for?
5.
Is there a security (anti-escape) corridor in front of the runs?
6.
There shouldn't be a communal area (to avoid disease)
7.
Is there a covered exercise run, light, insulation, heat & a sneeze barrier
& ventilation (solid partition to avoid spread of disease) available individually
for each unit?
8.
You shouldn't be allowed to touch the cats or enter an occupied run
9.
Are litter trays clean & water bowls full & is there a separate kitchen?
10.
Did they make you feel welcome & at ease? Could you see the local authority
license on display?
Environment & Stress Checklist:
1.
Do the cats look content?
2.
Is there a shelf or shelves for them to sleep/play/look out from?
3.
Is there a scratching post taller than the cats? (so they won't have to stoop)
4.
There shouldn't be much noise
5.
Are there toys to play with?
6.
Is there a view to keep them occupied?
7.
Is there a record kept of each cats diet & needs? How is this checked upon?
8.
Does every cat have access to daylight & fresh air?
9.
Do they ask lots of questions about your cat?
(e.g.: name, age, sex, breed, neutered, vaccinated, markings, diet, how many feeds
per day, likes & dislikes, coat length, grooming, medical history, medication,
your vet's details, contact whilst you are away)
10.
Do they allow your cat's own bedding & favourite toys? A jumper you have
worn recently? Familiar smells help the cat to settle more easily & is far
less stressful
Remember :-
book well in advance as good catteries get booked up quickly.
you must take your cats vaccination records with you or you will not be able
to board your cat
