Cat Boarding & Cat Sitting or Pet Sitting Options

Going on holidays, not sure of which option is best for your cat?

Traditionally both catteries and cat sitters or pet sitters have claimed they are better suited to care for your fur baby, But the truth is they both have their place. Some cats are better suited to one or the other.. So lets start with the basic differences.

A cattery is an establishment that has a physical location, an animal boarding license to operate, insurance, is council audited on an annual basis and must comply with the Code of Practice for Boarding Facilities.

Cat sitters or pet sitters, visit your cat daily or as requested and tend to your cats needs within your home. They may also take care of other animals in the home such as dogs and smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Although most cats do settle into cattery life easily and without issues, there are those that struggle to adjust no matter how calm, clean and safe the environment is or caring and loving the carers are, they just don’t cope well and for this reason a cat sitter or pet sitter is a very good option.

Cats that are boarding in our cattery do get a lot of attention and stimulation on a daily basis as we live on the property and are there morning til night every day tending to their individual needs . Some are more needy than others and require more attention and cuddles throughout the day which we are happy to accommodate.

For those cats that are scared and nervous of any sort of activity such as being near other cats, noises, people etc. then a cat sitter or pet sitter maybe the best option as they can be in your home for only a short period of time to feed, check on them, clean litter etc. then leave and the cat has it’s home back with no strangers around.

Engaging a cat sitter or pet sitter that you can trust to go into your home and care for your cat, for some is a really big issue. If someone you know has had a good experience in the past with a sitter and can recommend them, this will help to reassure you that this is the better option.

A cat sitter or pet sitter that has qualifications in pet handling, first aid. insurance, proven track record with reviews to back them up will be more attractive than someone just starting up with no history or real experience and the same is true of catteries.

As far as costs go, sitters can be a little more expensive depending how many times they visit your home and what is required. For catteries, many offer different levels of boarding and care, from budget or basic to luxury or high end that may offer other services such as transport, play and pampering sessions, and upgrades just to name a few.

It’s not always about who is the cheapest but about the level of care and sometimes you can get a greater service for just a little bit extra!

It pays ‘to do your Googles’ as there is a big difference in the level of care between a reputable business and one that is not doing so well and reviews tell it all.

Research different catteries and cat sitters, ask friends, family as word of mouth is gold. Good luck!

Tips - check reviews

make a list of questions that are important to you

make appointments to visit different catteries

make a time to meet face to face with cat sitter or pet sitter

go with your gut feeling

Why choose a Cat Hotel or Boarding Cattery?

Today the standard of pet care is improving at a fast pace as people want more for their family pet and this is also true for cat boarding. A cattery must pass very strict council regulations to get its license and it must also pass the standards set out by the State Government - The Code Of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments.

Any cattery should have a highly secure entrance  with multiple doors between guests suites and the outside world so that your furry feline can’t make a quick escape out of an open door. A good cattery will also have used quality materials specified for cats such as cat netting or mesh to secure outside areas, these can be run down below ground level to ensure guests cannot dig and get underneath.

Besides the security, a cattery has many other advantages including more one on one time as this is what makes a guests stay much more pleasurable for them as they are not left alone throughout the day and evening with no human interaction. Also having the cattery owners live on site is especially comforting to cat owners knowing that there is always someone around. So ask the question of the Cattery or Cat Hotel you are visiting if there is someone that lives on-site.

With constant interaction in a cattery, any medical issues are more likely to be noticed and dealt with quickly. Every cattery that is in the cat boarding business has procedures in place for such instances that may occur.

A Cat Hotel or Cattery providing more of a home away from home environment is becoming more popular these days and cat lovers want something more than just keeping their furry feline safe while away. A luxury Cattery generally will have good insulation, heating, cooling, private areas in each room, quality bedding with multiple choices for napping, competent, caring and loving staff that will listen to what the guest requires whilst in their care.

If you are looking at a luxury Cattery make sure they can actually deliver a luxury experience for your furry feline and peace of mind for you.

Cat Boarding

Long Term Cat Boarding

Ok, so you need to place your furry feline into long term cat boarding and it’s YOU that has the separation anxiety! What can you do?

Well the first thing to remember is that cats are very adaptable and more often than not, you are the one who will feel the separation more than your fur baby, but don’t despair. As boarding guests settle into life at the cattery, most will relax and enjoy the attention they receive on a daily basis..

What will help you to feel more comfortable about boarding your fur baby so that you can really enjoy your time away?

Ask your local cattery if CCTV is available so you can login at any time of the day or night to see what your little fur baby is up to on their holiday.

Ask for regular photos and updates as this may help you to see that they really are enjoying their stay and you don’t need to worry after all. Some catteries may charge extra for this service, so check first.. 

It is important to be selective when looking for the right cattery or cat hotel for you and your furry feline. Visit the cattery, ask questions, ask yourself if the cattery provides all the things you are looking for such as space, security, privacy, comfort and above all first class care. If the answer is yes and you think you have chosen the best possible cat boarding environment for your fur baby, then I am sure you will be comfortable in your decision of where to board.  You will have peace of mind knowing you can trust your chosen cattery for the long stay and that your fur baby will be well cared for. Now you can sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday.

Cat Boarding Tips

Boarding your cat in a cattery while you go on holidays can be made easier if you plan ahead. There are a few simple things to keep in mind that can make the whole experience much easier for you and your beloved furry feline.

Cat Carrier

Most cats only see their carrier when they need to take a trip to the Vet for annual check-ups, vaccinations or if they are unwell and may associate the trip as an unpleasant experience. It is a good idea to bring the carrier out about 1 week before boarding and place it in an area where the cat spends a lot of time. with the door open. Placing cat treats or even feeding your cat in the carrier will help them to associate a pleasant experience inside the carrier. Some cats may feel so comfortable they are happy to sleep in the carrier which makes it easier on both of you.

Familiar Items

Although a good cattery will have bedding and scratching posts etc. familiar smells is very important to help the guest feel more comfortable and relaxed. Favourite toys or bedding are always the best items to take along to the cattery when boarding, but please be mindful that the bedding has been vacuumed and as hair free as possible but not washed, as it is the familiar smells that will comfort the cat.

Feliway /Catnip

Feliway (synthetic pheromone) spray is great for cats that may suffer anxiety or stress. Spray the inside of the carrier before you place your cat inside and also a few sprays on a towel popped over the top of the carrier may also help. Some cats also respond well to catnip so a sprig of that inside the carrier can help too.

Plan ahead and take your time

Preparing your cat for boarding is often done in a last minute rush and your cat will sense this from your body language, so give yourself plenty of time and don’t leave til the last minute! Consider taking your cat to the cattery the day or night before you leave if you think you will be pushed for time on the day you leave for your trip.

Cat boarding doesn’t have to be stressful especially if you have a good relationship with the cattery and staff. More often than not you will find that your cat will be comfortable with familiar faces and smells at the cattery and will enjoy the experience of feeling safe and secure within the surroundings.

You know your cat better than anyone so give the cattery staff as much information about your cat as possible eg. likes, dislikes, temperament, personality traits. this all helps for a more relaxed stay.

Dietary requirements

Food is most important as cats can be very sensitive to dietary changes. Most catteries will carry a variety of wet and dry foods but it is always best to check what they do or don’t supply eg. Vet Prescription foods.

So now you have your furry feline all sorted for their next trip to the cattery, but what do you want from cat boarding establishments to help make your time away more relaxed? That’s a question for another blog…..

Adopting A Rescue Animal

Have you ever thought about adopting a rescue or surrendered cat or dog?

In the past we have adopted cats and dogs from Animal Shelters and it has been an amazing experience for us.  Our current rescues are a Staffy/Boxer who was surrendered after giving birth to puppies at the age of about 2 years old.  Her puppies were wanted but not her.  She had been mistreated but it didn't take her long to trust us and become a part of our family.  She is now nearly 14 years old and is a very loyal and lovable girl.  We have also adopted many cats over the years and currently have four, it is such a wonderful feeling being able to give a much needed home to an animal that has had a hard or difficult life through no fault of their own.

There are so many cats and dogs that need love and affection, and would love to be part of a forever family.

If you feel you can give a second chance to a cat or dog, or maybe you would like to become a foster family.  Please contact Geelong Animal Rescue or click here to be taken directly to their website for more information and rescue profiles.