Cattery for first time away?

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We're away for the bank holiday for the first time since we got our 10 month old kitten. My mum was coming to stay and look after him but now can't so I'm stressing whether he'll be better off in a cattery or with a neighbour popping in to feed him twice a day over the weekend. He's quite independent and spends most of the day outside but we keep him in at night so I'm worried he might be lonely! What do you experienced cat owners do?

With a young kitten I would do a cattery. Mine is 14 now, but he stayed in a cattery until he was 3/4.

I think your cat would be happier staying at home in his own environment. You can get cat sitters from catinaflat.com that will come twice a day for up to an hour each visit. He'll get fed and played with.

I personally don't really like catteries, they don't usually spend much time with the cats and cats can get stressed in a strange environment and most cats don't like other cats.

I'm a cat mum of 3 and vet nurse x

I've just booked my three cats into a cattery for a week in the summer. I've never used a cattery before, my previous cats were very independent and I had no worries about leaving them at home, but our new cats (1 year old) are much more used to our company and hang around at home more. We've also had an occurrence when one of them disappeared for a couple of days - I suspect she got shut in someone's garage - so I would worry when we're away.

I found a lovely cattery which has a 'suite' so the three cats can be housed together which hopefully will make them feel more comfortable, and I'm going to take their own beds and toys.

Mine have a cat sitter but If I'm away for more than one night they go to a lovely cattery. I'm much happier knowing there is someone keeping an eye on them.

I’ve always use a cattery.

Another vote for a cattery (do your research and find one you are comfortable with, dont feel shy about 'interviewing' them and going for a look around in advance!). If you do opt for leaving him at home, I'd at least try and ensure he is kept inside as with him being very young he might wander off looking for you.

Now I'm really confused - most of you suggest a cattery but I genuinely think he'd miss his freedom more than he'd miss us (not helped by my husband calling them cat prison!).

I'd endorse the catsitter suggestion - cat stays in their own home so much less stressful for them, and also often cheaper than a cattery. Our catsitter also gives medications, which most catteries won't. Your vet should be able to recommend someone.

I vote cattery. He will be warm, dry and fed and exactly where you left him when you go to collect him so no worrying about him being alone/not monitored when the cat sitter isn't there or say fretting about the neighbours not getting home early enough to feed him when he expects food. Peace of mind.

I'd use a live-in catsitter or a cattery for a little devil under a year old, unless he's incredibly calm he's too young to be left alone all day without anyone to play with.

If it was for a week or more I’d say cattery, but for a weekend I think a neighbour dropping in would be fine given how independent he is

I use a live-in catsitter. I like knowing that someone is here with her night and day. Also, the house isn’t left empty.

A live-in catsitter (ie my mum!) would definitely have been my preferred option. Probably too late now for this weekend but where would I find one of these? All the ones I've seen so far just visit

@mixedmessage catinaflat.com have live in cat sitters too. I've not had a live in person but I've seen them advertised and they're pretty reasonable.