Cattery - are these warning signs?

[Jennyfi]

We put our 10-month kitten in a cattery for three days a little while ago. It seems a nice place, they obey strict hygiene rules (no visitors around the chalets), have sneeze guards, send pics of him to us during his stay etc.

We're considering putting him back in there over Christmas, when we're away for 3 weeks. However, I'm bothered about two things:

1. the chalets are really small - like, the size of a toilet cubicle, and have no outdoor area. He's a super active cat; will he mind being cooped up in such a tiny place?
   
2. when we brought him back last time he peed in his carrier. He's never done that before or since (even coming back from the vet), and I don't know if it was just because he needed to go, or because he was stressed from the cattery.
   
   What do you think? Am I just being a helicopter cat-owner, or should we look into other catteries for Christmas?

[Catalicious]

Sounds really, really small for 3 weeks.

Would a cat sitter be an option?

[Jennyfi]

A cat sitter might be a better idea, but I'm super paranoid about somebody being in our house while we're away.

Is there such a thing as a cat sitter who'd look after him in her own home? He's stayed with friends of ours over a weekend and loved it - he isn't territorial at all and doesn't mind new places.

I was surprised how tiny the chalets were when I saw them. There's no room for him to run or jump, but everything else looked like it was done completely by the book.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Are there any cat hotels near by? One near me has lovely big pens with a corridor they can open up to get some fresh air in.

[TixieLix]

The chalets are generally quite small, usually with an upper and lower section. Have a look about because some places do have connected outdoor (caged) areas to their pens.

We've put our cat in a cattery several times and the last time she also peed herself in her carrier on the way home. I think she was just busting to go (not used to a litter tray as she goes in the garden).

[Pipandmum]

I’d keep looking.

[dementedpixie]

I use a cat sitter that comes in twice a day. I know her through my sister so she isn't a stranger. I also like the idea that someone is checking on the house each day too

[Bebe03]

Hi op download the app pawshake. We use it to pay somebody to come in and feed the cats.
She is excellent & the cats are so happy to remain in their home when we are away! Feeders are reviewed so you can go off their reputation it's so much better than moving them xx

[Vinorosso74]

Personally I wouldn't worry about the outside space but for 3 weeks I'd look for somewhere with more space for him if he's an active young cat.
I felt guilty leaving ours in the cattery at our vets as there isn't loads of space but they are very caring. Was perfect with old cat as I liked the fact the vets were there if needed (actually our vet liked to see her). We have had our neighbour pop in on him and cat sitter who works at the cattery visit him too as we're trying a few things out.

[FogCutter]

I'd definitely choose somewhere with more space for the cat. Those pens sound v small.

[sweetkitty]

A professional cat sitter is great, your also getting the peace of mind of someone popping in everyday whilst your away. We’ve used them in the past with no problems. I’ve now got a friend and we book our holidays around each other so we can look after each other’s pets.

[Toddlerteaplease]

The cattery I use has really large pens. I don't think any have outside space. But some have views of the ducks, chickens and horses. My two gave an indoor chalet as the wildlife freaked them out!

[Toddlerteaplease]

I use a cat sitter but prefer them to be in the cattery for more than one night away.

[usernameuser]

Ok for 3 days but not 3 weeks

[BlueSkiesLies]

I would 100% keep the cat at home and get a live-in cat sitter.

[HuggedTheRedwoods]

It sounds too small a space if they dont have an additional outdoor area and it doesn't read like there are higher up climbing ledges either.

I assume the cubicle space also has to house his food bowls and litter tray? That would mean them being pretty close together which most cats wouldn't like. Is there even enough space for his toys/scratch post/stuff from home?

Also, the rule about visitors not being allowed near the chalets would be a question mark for me, every cattery I've ever checked out has been more than happy for visitors/potential customers to turn up and have a look around.

From what you've said it doesnt sound very nice really, I'd be looking elsewhere for him especially with a longer trip in the offing.

[IJumpedAboardAPirateShip]

We usually have a friend come and stay when we’re away for more than 2 nights, is that an option rather than a stranger to cat sit?

[ExsandOhOhOhs]

Keep looking.

[ExsandOhOhOhs]

Are you going abroad?

If not, why not look at some on your route. It doesnt have to be near home. You can find one in the area you are staying in.