Cattery advice

[RightsaidFreud]

Hi,

I have a beautiful 5 year old black cat, who adpoted us a few years ago. He moved with us since we've house and he's such a little character who loves his independence and adventuring, but still loves a cuddle on the sofa (totally on his terms though).
We're considering going away for at least a month, and whilst its going to pain us to leave him for that long, its an opportunity we can't really miss out on. We've left him before for 1 or 2 nights before and had people come in to feed him, and he's always been fine,though a little grumpy when we get back.
We don't think that this approach is going to feasible for a month, so i was wondering if any one here has experience of putting their cat in a cattery? This is for a few reasons really; we'll know where he is, that he is safe, being well fed, and we don't have rely on family memebers. Was your cat ok? Were they moody with you on your return? I know it sounds silly but i'm really worried he'll think we have abandoned him and won't be coming back!

Ours go to the cattery when we are away, they love it! They always come back looking fat and contented. I went to look round a few and just didn't get the right feeling with some but the place they go to now is great. The lady who runs it is definitely a bit of a mad cat woman (she talks to the cats in a baby voice and refers to herself as "auntie" to them ). She doesn't do computers/email etc and we have to pay by cheque but I just liked her straight away and could tell that she genuinely loved cats rather than just seeing it as a business IYSWIM.

We have a highly strung bengal who is scared of anyone who isnt me or dh but he goes to a cattery.

He doesnt make friends with the people who run it and he flings his poo around the pen just to show his displeasure and show me up but he doesnt show any signs of stress such as a bad tummy (you cant fling runny poo) or not eating or spraying or pulling fur out.

All the other cats look very chilled out, sitting on little posts and looking friendly, mines at the back of the pen with his back to the door being antisocial. I have to let him sleep with us the first night back.

If you google FAB cattery, they have a list of approved catteries. Feline Advisory Board.

Thanks for the advice! Will check out FAB cattery, we're in the west mids. Thinking of maybe doing a trial run for maybe a week if we go away for a short break, introduce him to the idea of it.

Ours goes to a cattery. She screams when we leave her but when we go back for her she doesn't look that fussed and is all over the cattery owners. (fickle) She comes home and it's like nothing ever happened.

I like it because I know she is safe.

My cats go to the cattery posh arrogant boy cat behaves like an angel and they are unaware of his evil behaviour. They seem to not be bothered when we return.
I always go for somewhere that is just a cattery. IMO as a vet who used to work in quarantine if it is a kennels and cattery they are dog people who take in cats. Cat people never take dogs. Even though it is really inconveinent for me cats and dogs go to different locations when we are away.

We use Brankley Cattery, near Barton under needwood.

You'll need to take his vaccination card with him wherever you go.

I like the idea of lizcats cat being a little angel. Perhaps he tells them my owner doesn't understand me, we only stay together for the children.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Are there any questions i should be asking the cattery? I think we would defo go for just a cattery, not a cattery that is part of a kennel.

You should be able to drop in and have a look round. This sounds daft, but you get a feel for the place and the owners and you will know if it feels right IYKWIM. Try and get some recommendations if you can.

DH went to some catteries but he didnt like them, they were a bit grubby and the cats looked sad. So PFC wasnt going to any of them.

All the cats at our cattery look contented and calm. Apart from my antisocial bundle of fur.

If you go away over winter I'd ask how the cattery is heated and if they have smoke alarms. Also do they mind giving him a hot water bottle filled two thirds full, to be tucked under the first fold of his folded up duvet.

I liken it to choosing a school in Reception Year.

I agree with people who said go and look round, you'll know when you meet the owners whether you're happy for them to look after your cat. Our cattery has an open door from 8am to 10pm which makes me feel they aren't hiding anything. Oscar sulks when he comes back but then he sulks if you sit on his chair so I don't think he hates it too much!