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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

7 month old kitten follows- cattery or home visits

16 replies

Oaktree1952 · 27/05/2026 19:43

Just that really. I’m going away for a week and I have paid a deposit for a cattery but now I’m not sure which would be best. My previous cat just had the neighbour coming over twice a day to feed him. But he was much older. I didn’t leave him until he was over a year. Is 7 months too young to have home visits.

She follows me around quite a bit, likes to know where I am. I have offered her the chance to go out into the world, cat flap, open door/window but she is not interested at all. She does do into the garden a lot.

OP posts:
Puppylucky · 27/05/2026 19:46

I think at 7 months I'd have a cattery as she would be kept safe all day / night. It's too young to be home alone.

Favouritefruits · 28/05/2026 09:22

At 7months old, definitely a cattery!

Original poster
Oaktree1952 · 28/05/2026 16:56

Thank you. She just seems such a home bird that I was doubting myself.

OP posts:
ShetlandishMum · 28/05/2026 16:58

Cattery or a live in petsitter.

User1367349 · 29/05/2026 17:50

Having used both I would never use a cattery if I could keep my cat at home! Twice a day visits with a bit of fuss is probably more input than they will get at most catteries, without the stress of a new environment and hearing all the other cats.

Unforgettablefire · 29/05/2026 19:10

If you can get someone to call in and feed your cat and give her some attention she’ll be much happier at home.

Original poster
Oaktree1952 · 29/05/2026 20:09

This is what I was starting to think. I was thinking she would be much happier at home but I am concerned about her age.

OP posts:
Renataz · 29/05/2026 20:30

she is going to be devastated. you appear to be her whole world.

if you must go on holiday (i haven’t much for this same reason) i’d put her in the cattery overnight and come get her the next day a couple of times first. so she knows you will come back and she’s not been abandoned.

maybe you need kitten number two to keep her company….

TemporaryCatSlave · 30/05/2026 17:46

Live in pet/house sitter. As well as paid ones (not cheap) you can find unpaid ones, usually people needing free accommodation in order to travel or remote work.

I've joined a Facebook group call House and Pet Sitters UK. Lots of nice people who seem pretty safe and normal.

My cat is indoors and quite clingy plus I work from home 3-4 days a week so he's really used to my company. I only leave him a max of one night/day with someone popping in to feed and play with him twice a day. Anything more and he'd be too lonely so I have someone stay in the flat whilst I am away. A cattery is second choice as at least there are people around but you are right, most cats tend to feel safer and prefer being at home.

redboxerclub · 30/05/2026 17:51

Cattery for peace of mind. I would always use one now unless for 1-2 nights a neighbour could do.

Original poster
Oaktree1952 · 31/05/2026 09:54

😂 this is not helping with my decision. These are all the things going through my head!🤪 I was hoping for more of a consensus.

I have never used a cattery before and had my last cat for 18 years. My neighbours came in to feed him. My concern is leaving a kitten of 7 months with neighbours coming in. Do you think there is any difference between leaving a 7 month cat and an older cat with someone coming in twice a day?

OP posts:
Favouritefruits · 31/05/2026 11:27

Oaktree1952 · 31/05/2026 09:54

😂 this is not helping with my decision. These are all the things going through my head!🤪 I was hoping for more of a consensus.

I have never used a cattery before and had my last cat for 18 years. My neighbours came in to feed him. My concern is leaving a kitten of 7 months with neighbours coming in. Do you think there is any difference between leaving a 7 month cat and an older cat with someone coming in twice a day?

Look at a cat hotel instead of a traditional cattery, the one we use is beautiful a real home from home with a personal catio for each room.

I really think at just 7months old when your cat is used to you around a lot of the day it isnt really a good idea to leave them suddenly! Getting your cat used to boarding from a young age is a great idea and you’ll never worry about holidays and finding someone to pop in. The cat hotel mine two stay in is on the way to the Manchester airport.

SomersetBrie · 31/05/2026 11:43

Where did you get your kitten?

We got our kitten from an animal shelter so I would not have sent him away anywhere in case he thought we'd sent him back. We get a cat sitter or cat friendly neighbour and ask them to stay and play for a while. Also, we keep the cat indoors for our own peace of mind.

We left him for three nights when he was about 8 months and he really didn't like it. Since then though, he's been fine.

JaceLancs · 31/05/2026 22:01

I had a friend house sit when Finlay was that age - after he turned one we just managed with neighbours twice a day - he is a very outdoorsy cat though

tiramisugelato · Yesterday 06:41

I’m a professional cat sitter as part of my business and I’ve looked after plenty of young cats and kittens in their own homes - they’ve all been absolutely fine.

cupfinalchaos · Yesterday 06:54

Renataz · 29/05/2026 20:30

she is going to be devastated. you appear to be her whole world.

if you must go on holiday (i haven’t much for this same reason) i’d put her in the cattery overnight and come get her the next day a couple of times first. so she knows you will come back and she’s not been abandoned.

maybe you need kitten number two to keep her company….

I was going to say this.. she will be scared and alone. So much easier with another kitten.

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