Cats going into cattery over Xmas

[violetbunny]

DP and I are going abroad for 2 weeks over Xmas. We debated for months what to do with our two 10 month old kittens as we've never left them since we got them aged 15 weeks. We decided not to get a catsitter it's a long time for them to be on their own in the house, we also didn't like the idea of having a random house sitter to stay. So we opted to book them into a cattery, but now the time to drop them off is nearly here I'm such a wreck.

The cats have both slept on our bed every single night since they were tiny, one of them even has to fall asleep on me most evenings or else she won't settle down for the night Her brother is just as attached and follows me around constantly. I can't bear the thought of leaving them for 2 weeks, I will miss them terribly and hate the thought of them thinking I've abandoned them. To top it all off, there's a 40 min drive to the cattery and I know they'll cry all the way there.

I guess I just wondered if anyone else felt just as bad about leaving their cats when they go away. Please reassure me it will be OK. The cattery looks great so rationally I know they'll be looked after, I just feel so sad that they won't have me around and vice versa

Oh and these are the "babies" in question... very ordinary looking on the outside but they have such lovely characters

My cat was much older when he first went to a battery but I was really upset and he was incredibly attached to us. He leapt into my arms and demanded kisses on collection so he survived!
They have each other which is good. Send a worn t shirt or two so they can snuggle into your smell. Maybe a few if she won't sleep without you... they'll settle eventually though.

@LongLiveThePenis will they let them share a bed / crate I think that would help you and them?

*cattery
Very cute!

I would presume they would let them share as it'll make the staff's lives easier if the cats are happy. I can't see them being separated but ring and ask to check.

Oh love, as long as you've chosen a cattery you're happy with, they'll be just fine. Mine have been going to one since they were six months old as I live on my own and don't like leaving them for more than a couple of nights at home with people feeding them.

I cry buckets every time I leave them, and they huddle in heartbreaking fashion in a corner of the pen, and then within a couple of hours the staff have texted me photos of them sunbathing belly up, not a care in the world. They always come back fat and happy and purring too.

It's not the same as home but it's much better than being left at home without you, they'll get cuddles and fuss, and most importantly they'll be safe. See if they can email or whatsapp you the occasional photo to reassure you? And enjoy your trip!

Lovely markings op! I was worried about putting my pair of previously mistreated rescue Persians in a cattery. However medical issues meant I had too. They love it there They get spoiled rotten, and loads of fuss. One of the staff genuinely adores them. And I had a lovely card when one died. They'll get a Christmas stocking and special Christmas dinner. Il
Would happily book myself in!
Honestly op. They'll be fine. I really didn't write two pages of instructions on how to tell the original pair apart!

Mine will watsapp And the post on Facebook. Ps No cat can ever be described as ordinary!!

Yes, they have adjoining rooms which are connected by a door that will be left open for them, so they will still have each other at least This will be especially good for Boycat, he is the more anxious one and when we first got him he used to squeak pitifully if he couldn't see his sister.

I'm planning to take their blankets/beds, Feliway diffuser, toys, food (food is provided but we can supply our own if we want them to have what they're used to). Some of our clothing is a good idea. Thanks for the suggestions.

@undercoveraessedai It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one who would cry buckets! DP keeps joking that I won't get on the plane when the time comes. I think he's only half joking

@Toddlerteaplease That's good to know that at least some cats enjoy the experience!

No cat looks ordinary! Wash your mouth out! 😁

Seriously though, you are probably far more traumatised than they will be. Do they have a cardboard box? Apparently (yeah - one of them) research on shelter cats has shown that a cardboard box reduces stress.

They are never pleased to see me when I pick them up! Usually magic will hop straight into her basket if she's at the vets. She has to be forcibly evicted from her castle in the cattery! And they only have eyes for the staff!

Mine also write daily reports of what they've been up too. But I believe this isn't common practice!

Also check what litter they use - my cattery has different types but I always take a bag of what mine are used to because they're picky little fluffs when it comes to pooing 😂

Hmmm they don't have a cardboard box, but they have a cat igloo, perhaps I should pack that? And good shout about litter, I hadn't thought of that.

At this rate they'll have more luggage than I will 😂😂😂

As I write this, Boycat is snuggled up under the covers with me (it's night time here, not in the UK) and GirlCat is in a ball at the end of the bed. Awww I will miss them so much...!

They’ll be ok, we left our departed boy twice at Christmas and he was fine. I rang every day to make sure he was ok & always looked forward to getting him back.

Take everything they might like to use.

They are both beautiful! I think it’s a great idea to take their blankets and cat baskets. Scent is so important to cats, so clothes that smell of you is also a good plan. If you have checked out the cattery and you are happy with it, hopefully everything will be okay. Will they send you updates? Pictures? The cattery I use does that and it might be reassuring for you. Very good that they will be together, that will be comforting for them.

Well I just dropped them off 😭😭😭

They cried all the way there as predicted. Lots of sniffing and exploring when we got there. BoyCat spent the whole night snuggled up against me last night, it was like he knew what was going to happen!

Rationally I know they'll be safe and cared for, didn't stop me from crying buckets though. Thanks for all the suggestions, I left some of my slightly sweaty gym gear old clothes with them so hopefully that reassures them. We will apparently get photo updates as well.

Off on a very adventurous trip abroad tomorrow so feeling slightly better. I will still miss them though!!

Have a lovely time. They will be fine. I got a message from one of the staff at my cattery to tell me how excited she is that my two are going. And that the presents are already in their stocking. I suspect I may have to hire a van to take them home in!

@Toddlerteaplease That's amazing that they get a stocking!!! 😂

Their pile of presents wouldn't fit their stocking!

Spoiled kitties.

Ahhh such cute and tiny stockings!! Still haven't seen any photos of ours yet but hoping they're OK. At least it will give us something to look forward to when we go home