Help-cattery or pet sitter?

[Hismumhermum]

I can't decide at all. We are going away next week, the cat is 10 months old and hasn't been left yet. She has only been going outside for a couple of weeks but LOVES it. We don't have a cat flap-yet.

So-we could get a cat flap fitted on Friday supposedly. Then if we could get her used to using it I assume she would feel left stressed if left at home with someone popping in to top up food? Or is a cattery better as someone can keep an eye on her full time (but she won't have much space/outside to wander around in)??

We are using a cattery for our 10 month old kitten in July. I weighed up the pros and cons and decided this was best for us. I will really miss her though and am dreading dropping her off.

I am dreading it too, feel like such a softie!

It's really difficult, isn't it? I took mine to a cattery a couple of times last year but he really hates it. I don't think he knows we are coming back for him and he doesn't eat when he's there. The last couple of times I have paid an older teenager to come in and feed him. He doesn't have a cat flap, though, so there's no danger of him running away, which would be my fear.

She just loves to go outside though. Although I guess she can't do that at a cattery either.

My cat hates the cattery. We now use a sitter. Only downside is the that we don't have a flap so the car has to stay in the whole week we are away (most sitters won't let cats out unless there is a flap). However, on balance, the cat seems less stressed when we return plus we don't have to travel to the cattery to collect him.

We use a cattery, I like to know he's locked up and can't wander off.

Our cattery is really good.

Thanks all, am leaning towards a sitter but wish we hadn't given her a taste for the great outdoors!

Cattery here. I have a very social cat and I think if I left him with only someone popping in twice a day he'd feel abandoned. Possibly move in next door where they make a big fuss of him :)

Cattery he gets lots of attention as there's always someone around to chat to. It used to do my ancient cat the world of good, proper food, rest, and cuddles.

My cats Care not who feeds them, so long as someone does. But they are very serious about their territory.

I couldn't take ours to a cattery, we always get someone in.

How long are you going away for?
We've used a cattery twice for our two (they're 9 months old). It helps if you start them young - they get used to it. We found a lovely cattery run by a lady who takes very good care of them. Like a PP we prefer this way as they're less likely to get lonely. Plus I wouldn't want to ask a friend to come over twice a day for a week or more, and wouldn't want a stranger doing it either.

If you do leave the cat at home you shouldn't let him out in case he gets lost or has an accident and you're not around to find him or take him to the vets. In a good cattery they should have access to fresh air even if they can't actually run around outside. (Our cattery has an indoor bit with access via cat flap to an enclosed outside space... This is a concrete floor not grass but they at least have fresh air and can look out into the garden.)

I was thinking about taking the cat to my sister's house while we're away. Is that a totally ridiculous idea?

Next week is half term isn't it? You might find the catteries near you are already booked up. Ours would be I think.

I've always preferred Cattery for my cat, he may be a bit bored but at least he's safe and being checked every day.

have you checked what's available? Our cattery was always booked up months in advance during school holidays (it's half-term here next week). Luckily we live near PIL now, so MIL comes in to see to the cat.

Yes they could well be booked up and I won't have a choice! We only decided recently to go away and I have been dithering over this ever since. I wish I had someone who could just move in while we were away. Ok, might try ringing a cattery!

What we really need is a Litter Tray network so we could all take care of each other's cats.

sounds good tome

OP if you're happy to tell us where you are, we might be able to recommend catteries near you. Or PM us!

Mine hated the cattery when I took her there, now I would always get a sitter instead. In most catteries they don't actually get all that much attention from the staff + it's a new stressful environment.

Thanks, I actually have some cattery recommendations but have been putting off contacting them. My mind keep switches back and forth like the responses above! Right, I might contact a sitter....

I use a cattery for mine, but there are 3 of them & they're all in together. They can go outside there. It's a lovely place, not cheap & a long drive, but it's easily the nicest I visited.

Mine don't care who feeds them but are quite attached to me (prefer to be in the room I'm in, follow me around when I'm busy) & I think they'd be a bit bereft being here without me. I prefer to know they're safely enclosed, & the cattery people do go in for chats & scritches.