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Original poster

Do you use a cattery?

16 replies

greyriver · 08/11/2005 14:40

me dh and DD are going away for 2 weeks over xmas (horraaay to find some snow!) but my 2 cats are going to have to go in catterys this year for the 1st time ever i have only decided this today as its not fair asking neighbours to mess about feeding them etc over xmas and they need cuddles etc, not someone who will just put food in the garage and then go off again.....why am i so petrified of leaving them in a cattery..... do they generally adapt to being confined OK? i feel so guilty about the whole thing

OP posts:
MissChief · 08/11/2005 14:50

mine hated it but only tried the once. cd u pay a local vet nurse to pop by instead? works better for us.

noddyholder · 08/11/2005 14:52

I have always avoided it and got someone in to feed them as it were until there was no one available and I must say I liked the cattery a lot and would use it again as I came home to a clean house not one full of muddy footprints and leaves./

gingernut · 08/11/2005 14:57

Catteries are not ideal but IMO they are better than leaving the cat at home for a long time even if someone is coming in to feed him/her. Our neighbours used to feed our cat when we were away and they reported that after the first few days he would almost give up on coming to the house so I guess he thought we'd abandoned him . After we moved there was no-one nearby we could ask so we started putting him in a cattery and he was much better off in there (although he would go wild when we got him back...I think he felt a bit cooped up). And we felt more relaxed about leaving him because we knew he'd be safe.

We did find we had to book quite early to get him into a decent one at busy times though.

MoggyMummy · 08/11/2005 15:13

Hello - we used one once for our two cats. Never again! The poor things came back with cat flu (maybe we were just unlucky). I went to the local vet and asked if they knew of cat sitters. I now have a lovely girl who looks after them for me while we are away.

motheroftwoboys · 08/11/2005 15:15

Our two cats always go into a cattery when we go away. It's a lovely place and they have a big run each plus are let out to "play" with the other cats. Apparently our two are fine when they are there and have a lot of fun but they don't speak to us for a few days when they come home. That reminds me, we are also going away for 2 weeks (over New Year to find some sun!!) so must book said felines in for their "holiday".

Original poster
greyriver · 08/11/2005 15:16

its the security of knowing they wil be safe for 2 wks......DC1 (lol) was hit by a car 2 weeks ago and v lucky to be alive.....i worry what would happen if this was all left to a neighbour - and i don't think its fair to burden people over the festive season....all the same i am v upset about the prospect of taking them to a cattery....arrrgghhh bloody cats i am way to soft hearted

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 08/11/2005 15:16

We've used a cattery. But I'd love to find a good cat sitter instead - or become a pet sitter.

Original poster
greyriver · 08/11/2005 15:19

do cat sitters cost a lot?

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 08/11/2005 15:20

Pet sitting is a huge biz in N. America. Prices vary depending on the level of care required - for ex., if it's a dog or dogs who need lots of walks, a pet w/a health condition who needs medication administered, etc.

But a good pet sitter could definitely make a living from it.

MissChief · 08/11/2005 15:20

we pay £10 a day so much cheaper than x2 cats in cattery. we keep them shut in, bit cruel maybe but have large house and don't want them run over at night

PiccadillyCircus · 08/11/2005 15:22

We use a cattery and are happy with it. I prefer ines with just cats (some also have dogs) but have found you need to book quite early with thoses over Christmas.

MoggyMummy · 08/11/2005 15:23

Our catsitter charges £5 per day! and that is in SW London.

MissChief · 08/11/2005 15:24

wow - you're doing well - london rates here I think as home counties..

Pinewood · 10/11/2005 22:48

Hi Greyriver. Might cost a bit over Christmas but here's a link to Petpals website. They offer pet visits and all their staff are Police Checked - I know because I worked for them for a while.

I used to give the animals I cared for loads of fuss while I was there as I love 'em and miss having any pets of my own at the mo mind you that's if they stuck around, as most cats tend to see a stranger and bolt for the nearest catflap IME!

I know there are many individuals that are doing animal visits it might be worth doing an internet search for a local one? Hope that helps.

WickedWestCountryLass · 10/11/2005 23:02

My cat went into one for the first time this year. We had only moved two weeks before and we did not know our neighbours well enough to ask.

My cat was fine, she was a bit traumatised moving house and then two weeks later landing in a cattery but the bloke who ran the cattery really loved animals and only had two cats so she got loads of attention.

swopfortoday · 27/11/2005 18:18

Dear greyriver

Try not to worry too much about your cats- or feel guilty. We have moved quite a lot since we got ours 12 years ago so they have stayed in catteries quite a bit. When we get them back they spend a good hour going all over the house and garden sniffing and rescenting everything by rubbing against it, then they settle down as if they have never been away. Other friends report theirs sulking briefly on their return. But if you are away, it is better for your cats to be somewhere safe and cared for even if it is a bit small. Ask your vet if he/she can recommend one- and get in touch asap as they can get booked up quickly over Xmas. Have a great hol- think of it as the cats having one too!

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