Hey @Cleanmean I had to go away for work recently, and had to put my 10 month old rescue cat in a Cattery too for 4 nights. He was adopted at approx 6 months, so approx 4 months home with me before he went in. Like you, I considered other choices, but was worried about him being home alone and feeling abandoned, so I chose a very good Cattery. They told me he did well there, very affectionate and ate all his food.
When I went to pick him up, I called out to him as I approached, and he jumped up in surprise at recognising my voice. I honestly think he thought he was back at the Shelter or being moved on again.
As you can imagine, I felt terrible.
He’s a very independent fellow and not at all nervous etc. he’s also not terrible affectionate or cuddly, but does follow me from room to room.
In the first few days at home he was very cuddly and well behaved! Like he appreciated being home! He was also very tired. I don’t think he slept well there (lots of new strange noises?)
However it’s been 2 weeks and he is back to normal. A vet family member has suggested it might have been a good thing, as he may have to go there again, so it is familiar next time. He has learnt that I will come back again, and by returning to this house, that this is his home. It’s not like before in the Shelter where he gets moved on.
Hopefully your Dcat realises the same thing after a few days. I agree with other posters that getting into the same routine is exactly
What DCat will want. All the pats yesterday probably scared him a bit with too much attention!