Cattery for short trip?

BambiOnIce

Hi everyone,

My fiance and I have been thinking of adopting a cat for a while, and are going to the local RSPCA next Saturday. I've just been thinking about a couple of short trips away we have booked for later in the year - both mean neither of us being home for 2-3 nights. I think we'll use a cattery for any longer holidays in the future, but am not so sure it would be fair on the cat for him/her to be put in one for just a few days? I looked into pet sitters, who can come to our flat once or twice a day to feed, water and play with kitty but my fiance feels a cattery would be better as he doesn't think it fair to leave him/her indoors while we are away. It is going to be an indoor-only cat anyway as unfortunately we live in a first floor flat.

The other option we may have is OH's dad who lives half an hour away; either we take the cat to his or he comes to visit each evening or so. We've not yet asked him, but it could be another option. Can anyone of you experienced cat owners suggest the best/most fair option?

I understand a lot might depend on the temperament of the cat/whether he or she is used to catteries etc, but a 'general' idea of opinions would be really helpful if possible?

Thank you!

jackieblack

We used to take our cat to the cattery if we were going to be away for two nights or more. He was used to going there and was quite happy. We also took him there for two nights when we moved house once.
I was happier knowing where he was and that he was safe.

BambiOnIce

Oh OK, that's good to hear. So long as it works for someone else then it's worth considering (depending on the cat we fall in love with's temperament!), thank you! Just out of curiosity, what would you do for one night, or has that not happened?

JournalGirl

For me, one night, I would consider just leaving enough food down (including dried) or getting one of those 'auto feeder' units which opens the next tray of food at a set time.

For longer trips, we get a lady from the local vets who does cat feeding/litter clearing visits, or now we use a teenage neighbour (very sensible young chap, and mum and dad are around in case of any problems)

duchy

I've used catteries they vary considerably. Some shove them in a pen - feed, water and clean them ........others will pet the cats, play with them.

For me the ideal is always for someone to pop in twice a day - feed water and pet them in their own environment. Do you not have any friends or neighbours who could do this for you ?

jackieblack

BambiOnIce wrote: »

Oh OK, that's good to hear. So long as it works for someone else then it's worth considering (depending on the cat we fall in love with's temperament!), thank you! Just out of curiosity, what would you do for one night, or has that not happened?

For one night we used to just leave enough food down and/or my neighbour would pop in and check he was ok.
As Duchy says, catteries vary enormously, I checked out several which were recommended by various friends. We settled on one which had units with an indoor area on two levels and a outdoor area and he got lots of fuss and play from the girls who worked there Whenever we picked him up his coat was beautifully soft and silky so we knew he was happy there (his coat got dull and raggedy when he was upset or stressed)
The only times we never had a stuggle getting him in his catbox was when he saw the suitcases were out

BambiOnIce

We don't have any friends close by, and our neighbour who we would have asked has just sold her flat!

I think OH's dad might be the best option, even though it is a bit of a trek. We can only ask! Or a cattery - will go and visit a couple nearby to see what we think. Might ask the RSPCA's advice too, but I don't want them to think we are being irresponsible/might not be the best home for a cat... Am I worrying too much?!

BambiOnIce

jackieblack wrote: »

As Duchy says, catteries vary enormously, I checked out several which were recommended by various friends. We settled on one which had units with an indoor area on two levels and a outdoor area and he got lots of fuss and play from the girls who worked there

That type sounds ideal - wouldn't want the poor thing stuck in a pen the whole time (would an outdoor area be best even if it'll be an indoor cat while it's at home?)

Lots of cattery research needed, thank you so much!

rising_from_the_ashes

A lot will also depend on the cat you get - neither of mine can go to catteries (Archie won't eat away from home / Mia is petrified of other cats) so I always have someone come in and feed / check on them etc


Most cats do best in their own surroundings so for very short trips of say 2 or 3 nights I'd recommend someone popping in rather than all the upheaval of a cattery


1 night I'd def leave them with lots of food / water & the auto-feeders

mrsscattercushion

We also use pet sitters for our cats...our previous one was elderly and much preferred the creature comforts. Our current old boy doesn't like other cats and not great at travelling so think this is the best option. Our pet sitter is great and the cats always look well and happy on our return.

meritaten

it depends on the cat, but generally they prefer to stay home. local vets will probably know of reliable people who could pop in and feed it. otherwise the cat may prefer to have a sleepover at Grandpas. (seems to be quite common for cats to have sleepovers, I have found since starting my thread on here).