Cattery or at home in this situation?

[FloatingObject]

Hello all, I'm moving house in the first week of June and cannot wait. We're finally moving to the countryside, which means my two cats are going to be able to roam freely in the fields!
Here's my dilemma: in the first week of August I'm supposed to be going away on holiday. I wanted to keep the cats on house arrest from early June to early August because I've read all the guidelines about getting your cat used to their new home before letting them outside.
So for this first week of August holiday, I have two options:

• Woman coming around to feed and pet once a day
  
• Put them in a "cat hotel" cattery
  

With the second option, I'm just worried that sending them away for a week will undo the two months of acclimatising them to the new house. On the other hand with just having the woman pop in from time to time, I'd be worried.

What would you do?

[wheresmymojo]

I'd do 'at home'.

To be honest I've had cats my whole life and have never needed to keep them in for more than 2 weeks when moving home. Ditto for my parents cats.

The only exception I would make to 2 weeks is if I had a cat who was a known wanderer or particularly stupid.

I do tend to let them have a few supervised trips out before I let them come and go of their own accord.

I would always favour 'at home' care as cats are very attached to their surroundings and the smells, etc....more so even than their attachment to their people.

I also think it will be extra stress for them when they've been moved, are just getting used to the new home/it starts to smell of them and so 'home' and then they are unsettled again for a week.

Just my opinion though...

[wheresmymojo]

I have someone come in twice a day when I'm away and still works out cheaper than a cattery for me.

You could also set up a camera in the main room they use that you can view via your smartphone. I think you can get ones that give a really good picture for £40 or so now.

[Dippypippy1980]

I think I read your thread on his on another forum. Stil,a tree with everyone there that cat hotel is th best way to go.

[FloatingObject]

@Dippypippy1980 Yes on the Pets forum, my situation changed yesterday because we found out we'd be moving much sooner than planned (I'll need to update my post on those forums).
I'm really torn.

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

I would opt for at home, as I think this is less stressful for the cats. Our cat sitter would update us daily if that's what we wanted, if it would put your mind at rest?

[Fluffycloudland77]

I like cat hotels. I like to know precisely where he is while I’m away.

[GiantKitten]

I always preferred cattery, but 2 of my cats can’t stand going in the car - they panic & start panting, drooling & pooing . So someone comes in twice a day now to feed & talk to them.

They do get a bit sad, but probably would in cattery too, & at least this way they can still do the things they’re used to.

[Dippypippy1980]

Floating object totally understand!! It’s a really tough one.

They will be well cared for in the hotel, and should remember the house well enough when thy gat back.

My cat goes to stay with my parents every few months and she makes herself at home immediately upon arrival.

[viccat]

I always prefer having a catsitter visit at home - with cat flap locked and strict instructions to keep cats indoors.

Most cats much prefer staying in their own home. Years ago I took a cat I then had to a cattery and she absolutely hated it. It was also quite clear the staff checked up on the cats a few times a day but mostly the cats spent all their time along in the pens.

I also volunteer at a cat charity and see the cats that come in for rehoming and go into pens. Only the very sociable ones adjust quickly, any that are shy, nervous or not used to lots of people take at least a week, often much longer, to adjust to a new environment. It would be the same going to a cattery.