Boarding Catteries

[babycakes]

Denis stays in a cattery whilst we go on holiday. I spent a long time finding a suitable one and one that I feel comfortable leaving my cat with. the following things were very important to me

Cleanliness, (smell of the place, hygiene, litter trays emptied)
Diet, (varied and adhered to)
Space, (bed away from litter tray room to walk about)
Ownership, (friendly, inquisitive, reassuring)
Safety, (locked pens etc)
Health, (vaccines updated, vet on standby)

We are looking to go away for a last minute break and my usual one is fully booked (also a good sign), and I have scoured for another!!!! I cannot believe some of them! It's money for old rope in some cases. Some of the above is not done re: cleanliness and interest in my cat and me (yes I may sound like a neurotic wierdo, but I don't want to worry about him when I'm not there) and some are just minging to say the least

Am I sounding OCD wanting my cat to have a comfortable stay in a clean, well cared for place,with loving people who understand my cat??

[Mags]

You have every right to expect a certain standard from a Cattery who will look after Denis while you are away. The owners of the Cattery must be genuine cat lovers and not in the business just for gain.

I have used the same cattery for over 20 years, and I am very happy to entrust my cat with them. When I have gone there to collect Cassie or Sam (my previous cat), I have often noticed the owner, or one of the girls who works there, in with one of cats on her lap and she has been grooming it with a rubber glove.

Oh.... and it is most important that the Cattery checks that every cats' vaccinations are up to date...

[dinahsmum]

Totally agree.
When OH went to pick up the boys last time he found the owner and Chester wrapped in each others arms, having a love -in! First time they went she said she wasn't going to give Bentley back (he was about 6 months and very loveable at the time) - but she did!

[babycakes]

My usual cattery is like that, the lady knows who I am as soon as I ring, even though he has only been there twice, and she has hundreds of cats staying there.
He isn't very sociable with her, probably doesn't want to be disloyal (ha), and she said she had tried everything even 'blinking at him' which I though was excellent as me and Denis do that with each other all the time.
Then she told me that Denis had spent time chatting up the female in the next pen, chirping to her all night and she was very pleased he had shown that side of himself.
She also watches the bond between cat and owner and likes seeing that he is loving with me and not just taking my word for it.

[dandysmom]

You're not unreasonable at all, the conditions you require are what every cattery should offer, and sadly, some don't.....

[mable1718]

I hope you find a good catery

[borderdawn]

If you are unhappy with conditions report it to the lisencing environmental health officer, he is the ONLY one that can make them pull their socks up, and if reported, he MUST visit them, usually on spec and address the situation.
Dawn.

[babycakes]

Originally Posted by borderdawn

If you are unhappy with conditions report it to the lisencing environmental health officer, he is the ONLY one that can make them pull their socks up, and if reported, he MUST visit them, usually on spec and address the situation.
Dawn.

I was wondering if there was somewhere that I could do that Thanks Dawn

[babycakes]

I got one today very pleased with even the little things such as how I was greeted and interest in my boy!!

[Kazz]

How do you find a good cattery then???? my two never stayed in a cattery but the next ones will from kittens......so how do you find a good one....