by Sarah Cleaves

Created on: July 13, 2008

We all like to go on holiday, but leaving our cat can feel like leaving a member of the family behind. You may have a trusted neighbour who will be able to take care of the cat while you are away, but if you decide to leave them in a cattery you should choose it carefully. After all, it's important that your cat is just as happy on their holiday as you are on yours. There are some simple points that you should keep in mind when choosing a cattery.

First of all it is extremely important that you view the cattery before using it so that you know exactly what conditions you are leaving your cat in. If the cattery does not welcome viewings, don't use them. You need to see first hand where you are leaving your cat as well as meet the people who will be caring for them.

Catteries that accept cats without the proper vaccinations should also be avoided. All cats should have had their initial injections for flue and enteritis as well as being up to date on their annual boosters. You should of course make sure that your own cat is up to date on all their injections or you may not be taking that holiday after all.

In case there are any cats that are in fact taken ill while they are in the cattery, there should be a quarantine area so that they can be separated from the healthy cats. Ask what facilities the cattery has for doing this. You don't want your cat picking anything up while they are there.

Security will no doubt be an issue of great concern to you. You want to know that your cat is safe while you are away. Find out what security systems they have in place to prevent escapes. Cats can move a lot faster than we can and it is important that precautions are taken to keep them in.

You should also ask whether or not you will be able to take the cat into their room yourself on arrival, or whether they will be taken off you at reception. It is nicer for both you and your cat if you are allowed to get them settled in. If it's your cat's first time in the cattery it will be a very strange environment for them, full of strange smells, and it will help the transition if you yourself place them in their new surroundings. You may also find it reassuring to see exactly where they are staying.

It is also very important that you are able to ensure the room where you cat will be staying is suitable. There should be adequate space for your cat to move around in. After all, it will be the only space they have for the duration of your entire holiday.

It is equally important that your cat

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>