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Original poster

2 week holiday. cattery or NDN

33 replies

MissAdaSmith · 01/04/2017 20:14

we had the Smith cat for 2 years and haven't been away in that time.

We are going away over Wit for 2 weeks and was planning to put the tiger into the cattery. mentioned it to the next door neighbour (who had a cat that sadly died last year) and she offered to look after our cat. Our tiger knows and likes them and he could stay in his usual surroundings. The cattery would just be a tiny cage.

Having never been in this situation, wwyd?

OP posts:
metalmum15 · 08/04/2017 08:20

Mine go to a cattery, although we're lucky, we've been using the same one for years. Owners love cats and have several of their own. I have 2 cats and we ask for a triple cage so plenty of space. The cats are happy and safe. It can be expensive but having pets, it's just something you already factor into the holiday cost.

I wouldn't like the idea of asking someone else to feed them, especially for 2 weeks. It's a lot of responsibility. What if they forget or one of the cats gets out? And personally I wouldn't want to feed someone else's animals for 2 weeks!

metalmum15 · 08/04/2017 08:20

Mine go to a cattery, although we're lucky, we've been using the same one for years. Owners love cats and have several of their own. I have 2 cats and we ask for a triple cage so plenty of space. The cats are happy and safe. It can be expensive but having pets, it's just something you already factor into the holiday cost.

I wouldn't like the idea of asking someone else to feed them, especially for 2 weeks. It's a lot of responsibility. What if they forget or one of the cats gets out? And personally I wouldn't want to feed someone else's animals for 2 weeks!

MaudesMum · 08/04/2017 08:33

I've always used catsitting services, as I've never wanted to rely on neighbours. The one I'm using at the moment pops in once a day (could be twice) to feed, water and change litter tray. They're insured and I'm entirely happy with them having a key.They are supposed to play with the cat, but I think they've rather given up on that after a few "incidents". The only time I've used a cattery with my current cat (when I was moving house) she refused to eat for the few days she was there, so I won't be doing that again! Tbh, it does depend on your cat, but mine is much happier at home with a slave popping in to look after her!

TimeIhadaNameChange · 08/04/2017 09:30

Have always used friends or neighbours. HRH would not be happy being alone in a cage, whereas if she's home alone she can still go out and have fun, plus see whoever comes in twice a day. (Though she also hates all humans except DP and I so seeing people isn't an advantage.) And anyway, we have too many other animals and need someone to feed them, so there's no point HRH going away.

The friends who currently pop in get paid a ridiculous amount of money, but they do live miles away and I'm aware it takes time out of their day to come and feed everything. Our neighbours used to do it but became to elderly to come with the steps in the garden.

I've fed many friends' cats happily over the years, I'm sure up to two weeks. So long as you leave vet details and carry cases in an obvious place so that it's easy for them to deal with any emergencies, and assure them that they are in loco parentis, as it were, so if they think a vet trip is needed that's fine with you, and you'll cover it when you return. (Found one elderly cat in a really bad way, could not get hold of any of the family so took her to the vet anyway, and had a slight panic and the rise of the bill whilst I was there.) Oh, and if SmithCat is off colour in the days before you go, warn NDN (another bad experience!)

But honestly, as NDN has offered and is used to cats I'd go with her. It's not as though she has far to go each day and it means SmithCat can stay at home.

MrsTeller · 13/04/2017 23:03

Cattery, my MIL has volunteered to come in to feed her, but I think it's too much to ask for more than a long weekend, plus she'll get more company and attention at the cattery.

The one we use has good sized pens with raised heated sleeping areas and access to an outside space during the day, she takes her own bed and toys and is absolutely fine. You just need to find one you're happy with.

pilates · 14/04/2017 09:33

My girl goes to a cattery and has done since she was a kitten. She gets looked after fantastically by them and at least I know she is safe. I couldn't relax on holiday otherwise.

Imissmy0ldusername · 14/04/2017 09:41

We are very lucky - we have a supply of house sitters (local students in student accomodation who would like a bit of space to themselves) for longer hols, or a friend that lives up the road for shorter hols. I've dreaded having to use the cattery option with Joan Collins cat because she's such an aherm character. Good luck with whatever you decide on, OP, it's never easy leaving a 4 leg behind, no matter what format, or for how long.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 14/04/2017 17:50

We use a cat sitter as I don't want to put Harry in a cattery. I thought about it recently but didn't even get as far as looking as the thought of it made me cry! He seems happy with the cat sitter and she loves him so, unless she packs up, I'd rather he was at home in his own environment.

Good luck whatever you decide OP.

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