Cats first time in cattery... not sure who is handling it worse me or the cats

lisajane8482

Today is our cats first time in a cattery, they went in this morning at 11 and will be back home around 6pm tomorrow night.

Our eldest Salem is a complete softy at home, you can roll him over, hug him tightly, wrap him up in the duvet with you and he just lies there but he gets stressed easily when out of the house which leads to aggressive behaviour (he’s only ever left the house to go to the vets and I usually end up with a couple of wounds where he’s lashed out, not that I mind). Our youngest Gizmo has the kitty version of ADHD, he can’t sit still long and if he isn’t asleep or eating he is usually tearing round the house, harassing Salem, looking for mischief or wanting to play catch, he seems to cope better when we take him to the vets and is a model patient.

OH took them this morning and dropped them off in separate carriers but they are staying together. They both hissed and hid, Salem stuck his head out then went back in and continued hissing. They left them alone to settle, he paid the bill and left them to it.

I’ve spoken to the lady that runs the cattery and she said they were a little nervous and quiet but not to worry as this is normal and that usually after the first day or so they will become more settled. I can’t help but worry! I just want them home and keep tearing up thinking are they confused and wonder why they are there, if we still love them even though I have no idea if they have that range of emotions. I hate the fact that I really have no idea what they are feeling/thinking and that when they do come home tomorrow I won’t be there to welcome them/see how they are. I’m starting to think that we should have just left them at home for the 31-32 hours but it just seemed too long to leave them alone. We were thinking of going away for a couple of days later in the year which would mean they would be in for about 3 days but I’m not sure if it would be a good idea now.

I don’t even want to tell OH how I’m feeling as even I’m sat thinking I sound like a complete nutcase. When I get home Wednesday night I’m going to spoil them with treats, fresh chicken and loads of attention.

Celli

I have to admit to never going on holiday as Id miss my dog and cats too much :rotfl:
Personally, I would have left my cats at home for such a short time, I'd have just put out more food and a couple extra litter trays to see them through, and gotten a friend to check in on them.

lisajane8482

That’s the thing though we couldn’t think of anyone to check in on them. We can’t ask our neighbours as we don’t really know them. Most of my family don’t like cats, we can’t trust most of OH family and the couple of people we can trust aren’t able to do it. We were told we could leave them alone but Gizmo won’t eat dry food (although I keep getting told he would if he was hungry enough) and whilst 30 hours without food wouldn’t kill him I do think it would be quite cruel. They are eating their treats we took along for them so I guess that’s a good sign.

gingin_2

lisajane8482 wrote: »

That’s the thing though we couldn’t think of anyone to check in on them. We can’t ask our neighbours as we don’t really know them. Most of my family don’t like cats, we can’t trust most of OH family and the couple of people we can trust aren’t able to do it. We were told we could leave them alone but Gizmo won’t eat dry food (although I keep getting told he would if he was hungry enough) and whilst 30 hours without food wouldn’t kill him I do think it would be quite cruel. They are eating their treats we took along for them so I guess that’s a good sign.

Can you find a cat sitter? It's cheaper for me to use one (£9 per day for 2 cats, she can visit twice if I want) than a cattery and the cats get to stay in their own environment. Mine also does fantastic things like watering plants and putting bins out, so an added bonus. I found mine online, she runs it as a sideline and works with animals all day, as well.