Checking In – Your Cat's First Stay At A Cattery

I think that owners like the idea of a cat hotel, or cattery, because someone is keeping an eye on the cats at all times. Yet, you surely know that cats are strongly bonded to their territory and a move to a new location, with many different cats may come as major stress.

I have used catteries a number of times, and have had mixed results.

It is my opinnion that having somebody you trust check in on your cat in her own home/territory is ideal. What we like to do now is have a friend stay with them, or check up on them a couple times a day, either of these options are most likely be best. And even if you give your friend a small thank you, it will be cheaper than the cattery.

Addressing Owner Concerns

This is a lit of some of the things that you should consider when you are looking for a cattery to care for the cats. Some things on this list may or may not pertain toyou depending on your situation, it also depends on the cat's personality.

• Does the cattery staff play with the cats they are boarding during the cat's time there?
• Is there an attempt at enrichment made to make the cat's time go faster?
  • Play time is just one form of enrichment. But not all cats enjoy playing. Do they spend time with them?

When you have a shy cat, there is a good chance she would probably be very stressed out by boarding. If your only options is a kennel situation, will the cats be kept awa from the dogs? Or are they kept in the same area?

All of these things need to be kept in mind, and you really need to decide what is best for your compaion based on the information you have at hand.