Need advice please on finding a cattery

[LifeInTheSlowLane]

We adopted our lovely rescue cats in February and need to find a cattery for our summer hols. This is the first time we will have left them so I'd be very grateful if anyone can give me any advice. Do any of the big charities give recommendations - is there a kind of regulation/inspection certificate I should ask cattery for (sort of Ofsted for kitties ??!!) I will obviously want to have a look around at the place first but not sure what questions to ask. All advice gratefully received.

You could ask at your vets for any recommendations. Our vet knows the cattery we use very well.

When you visit some catteries for a look around, find out how they deal with a suddenly ill cat while you are away, and if they will give any medications? You will probably need to sign a permission form to agree to any emergency vet treatment.

Will they groom the cats if long haired?

Will they give the diet your cats like, or do they all get the same?

Do they check that your cats are vaccinated, and ask to see the record card every year to make sure their boosters are up to date?

Will your cats share an enclosure, and is there a discount for this? It can be expensive to house two cats separately.

Do you like the owner, do they have a real passion for cats?
Do you like the facilities on offer?

From my own experience, don't leave it too late to book the cattery, the popular ones are very busy and often full in the summer. Take the cats own beds and toys to make them feel at home.

Thanks for the advice, will ask the vet. There were lots of leaflets in the surgery last time I went but don't know if he has any specific recommendations. Yes, I'm worried the best places will get booked up so want to do it asap! As soon as all these bank holidays are over I will try and visit a few.