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.
Click the link below to print off our checklist or “right-click” and the hit “Save target as…” to download
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.
How to find a good cattery
- View boarding catteries with Pedigree Pens facilities
- 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:
| Is the garden & cattery clean & tidy? | |
| Are the surfaces smooth & safe, with no protruding edges? | |
| There should be no smell | |
| Do the buildings look maintained & cared for? | |
| Is there a security (anti-escape) corridor in front of the runs? | |
| There shouldn’t be a communal area (to avoid disease) | |
| 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? | |
| You shouldn’t be allowed to touch the cats or enter an occupied run | |
| Are litter trays clean & water bowls full & is there a separate kitchen? | |
| Did they make you feel welcome & at ease? Could you see the local authority license on display? |
Environment & Stress Checklist:
| Do the cats look content? | |
| Is there a shelf or shelves for them to sleep/play/look out from? | |
| Is there a scratching post taller than the cats? (so they won’t have to stoop) | |
| There shouldn’t be much noise | |
| Are there toys to play with? | |
| Is there a view to keep them occupied? | |
| Is there a record kept of each cats diet & needs? How is this checked upon? | |
| Does every cat have access to daylight & fresh air? | |
| 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) |
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| 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
