Holiday

[Catworries]

I hope someone can help me, I have a 9 month old indoor cat. She’s never been face to face with another cat and she’s shy and nervous around strange people. I’m going on holiday this year and I’m worried about leaving her. She’s such a gentle cat, she doesn’t hiss or scratch so I’m worried about leaving her at a cattery. It sounds silly but I imagine her coming back like a different cat and imagine all the cats hissing at each other all day. I would feel better paying a company to come and feed her but she’ll be on her own for two weeks. Sadly we don’t have a family member or friend who can look after her. Please give me some advice

I'm sure she'd be happier in her own environment with a feeder. Cats generally are. She might be a bit lonely, but it's not that long. In a cattery she would still be lonely but also stressed.

There's websites where you can pay someone to "holiday" in your home and look after your cat, they get free accommodation and you get company for your cat.

I'm in a similar position with one of my cats. I've got 3 but she's kept separate from the other 2 and has never been in a cattery. Fortunately, I've got a lovely new neighbour who's offered to feed her for me and I think I'm going to take her up on her offer. The other 2 can go into a cattery, if neighbour can't manage the 3 of them. I think keeping yours at home where she feels safest is the best option. Ask your vet if they know someone who does house visits. Enjoy your hols

I have a neighbour who pops in and feeds the cats, although she's only ever seen girl cat as boy cat is far too busy (sleeping) to check on strangers - mine are outdoor, but I also can't imagine them doing well in a cattery (although I understand they are in separate areas normally, not together, and the advice I had was to make sure it was one that didn't also host dogs, so they weren't alarmed by the smells/barking)

Do you have any friends with trustworthy teenagers who'd like some time away from the parents? If not, I think you can pay someone to come and just hang out for a couple of hours as well as feed the cat.

Look online for a professional pet-sitter. Get one who has good ratings.

I've always had cats (42 years) and never used a cattery. I've always had either family or pet-sitters.

Can you pay for a pet-sitter to come and stay in your home? Most dog walkers will offer this service, but it will be pricey compared to the cost of a cattery.

I do it and my minimum charge per night is £35. That would include everything - litter trays, food, play, treats, grooming, any medication etc.