Hand me a grip - cattery angst

[Waxlyrically]

Looking for some reassurance as have to put my boy in a cattery for a few days over Christmas and am dreading it. Unfortunately as an ex feral kitten he runs away from anyone he doesn't know so attempts to leave him with a pet sitter in the summer didn't go well. He vanished for the whole week and even the sitter was worried. This also means friends I feed cats for and would normally ask are out of the question as it would be too much responsibility and worry for them. I know the cattery is safe and really my only option, other than spending Christmas at home alone, (yes I have even considered this!), but I hate the idea he will be so scared for all that time. I've read the other thread where most people say it is kinder to leave at home, and I agree, but as I can't please cheer me up with some positives!

I have used a cattery on occasion when cat sitter / neighbour wasn't an option. I do know how you feel, but it was OK. My cats didn't like it much, but it's just a few days and then they are happy to be home. Also, he will get used to it and adjust while he's there – he won't be able to run away so he'll have to chill out at some point. Talk to the cattery people about it - ours were lovely and did seem to care about each cat's needs. Also, if there's a blanket from your bed or something like that that he likes to sleep on, you can leave that with him.

Thanks for the replies I will take in the fleecy thing he sleeps on but might have to draw the line at my dressing gown his favourite thing ever! Will also send some of his toys. I worried it might put him off his favourite things if they came back smelling of cattery but it sounds like it is ok.

The cattery we are using is a good one that we used for a cat we had previously (although she was much braver). Pens are all good sized and the owners are people who seem to understand animals. The only downside is they also have a kennels area so there are dogs nearby which won't help with stress levels for him.