August 5, 2024
Taking your cat to a cattery can be stressful for both you and your feline friend. Ensuring that your cat is comfortable and well-cared for during its stay is crucial. Preparing the right items for cat boarding makes a significant difference in easing the transition and ensuring a pleasant experience. If a pet resort offers both dog and cat boarding, your feline friend will usually be kept well away from any dogs in a secured cat-specific location. This comprehensive guide will cover all the essentials you need to pack for your pet’s stay at a cattery or pet resort.
Preparing Your Cat For Their Stay
Preparing your cat for a stay at a cat hotel involves thoughtful planning and attention to detail, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition. Start by making their carrier a familiar and inviting space. Leave the carrier open in your home with a soft blanket or one of your cat’s favourite toys inside, encouraging them to explore and relax in it. This can help reduce anxiety when it’s time to travel. Gradually acclimate your cat to the carrier by taking short trips around the house or to a nearby park, rewarding them with treats and praise to create positive associations.
In the days leading up to the stay, maintain a calm and consistent routine. Cats are creatures of habit, and sticking to their usual feeding, play, and sleep schedules can minimise stress. Introduce any new items, such as a special blanket or toy that you plan to pack, so they carry the comforting scent of home.
Physically prepare your cat by ensuring they are up-to-date with vaccinations and have had a recent health check. By taking these steps, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and reduce the stress of being away from their familiar environment.
Cattery Essentials – What to Pack
When preparing for your cat’s stay at a cattery, there are several essential items you should pack to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. This section will provide detailed guidance on the critical elements you need to consider.
Important Documentation:
Proper documentation is crucial for the cattery staff to provide the best care for your cat. Here are the essential documents and information you should include:
Photo and Description
A recent photo and a detailed description of your cat can be helpful for the cattery staff. This can assist them in identifying your cat and ensuring they are properly cared for.
Identification
Consider microchipping for added security. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that veterinarians and shelters can scan if your cat ever gets lost.
Health Records
Include vaccination records and any relevant medical history. Most catteries require up-to-date vaccinations to ensure the health and safety of all animals. Providing a detailed medical history, including past illnesses or surgeries, helps the staff be aware of potential issues and provide appropriate care.
Medication
If your cat requires medication, ensure you provide enough for the entire stay and detailed instructions for administration. Ensure the medication is labelled by the prescribing veterinarian with the cat’s name and dose instructions. It’s also a good idea to provide information on what the medication is for and any possible side effects so the staff can monitor your cat’s health effectively.
Emergency Contact Information
Provide the cattery with your contact details and an emergency contact person. This is crucial in case the cattery needs to reach someone quickly. Ensure that the emergency contact is someone familiar with your cat and capable of making decisions about their care if you’re unavailable. It’s also important to pick someone close to the resort, in case emergency retrieval is needed.
Special Instructions
Any specific care instructions, such as feeding times or preferences, should be communicated to the cattery staff. This helps ensure your cat’s routine is maintained as much as possible. For example, if your cat prefers a particular type of litter or has a specific playtime routine, providing these details can help the staff create a more familiar and comfortable environment for your cat.
Comfort Items:
Bringing familiar items from home can significantly reduce your cat’s anxiety and help them feel more secure in a new environment.
Familiar Bedding
Bring your cat’s favourite blanket or bed to provide a sense of security and comfort. The familiar scent will help them feel at home. Cats are creatures of habit, and having their own bedding can make a strange place feel more like home. Ensure the bedding is clean but retains their scent, as this is what provides comfort.
Favourite Toys
Pack a few of your cat’s favourite toys to keep them entertained and stress-free. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are great for keeping their mind engaged. Familiar toys can provide a sense of continuity and help alleviate boredom, which can be a common issue in a new environment. Be sure to check with the cattery beforehand on which items your cat is allowed to bring with them.
Other Personal Items:
Packing personal items that your cat is used to can help maintain their routine and comfort levels during their stay.
Food and Feeding Supplies
Your preferred brand and type of cat food should be packed, as sudden changes in diet can upset your cat’s stomach. Include their favourite treats to reward them and help them feel at home. While catteries usually provide bowls, using your cat’s own bowls can help them feel more comfortable. Consistency in diet is important to avoid digestive issues, and using familiar bowls can provide an added layer of comfort.
Litter and Litter Box
Some catteries prefer you to bring your cat’s usual litter and box to help maintain their routine. This familiarity can reduce stress and make your cat’s stay more comfortable. The scent and texture of their usual litter can make a significant difference in how quickly your cat adjusts to their temporary home.
Grooming Supplies
If your cat requires regular grooming, bring their brush or comb. This helps maintain their grooming routine and keeps them looking and feeling their best. Grooming can also be a bonding activity, and having their familiar grooming tools can help the cattery staff provide a more personal touch.
Carrier
A sturdy, comfortable carrier for transportation to and from the cattery is essential. Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated and secure to keep your cat safe during transit. A carrier that your cat is accustomed to can also serve as a safe space for them within the cattery, providing a retreat where they can feel secure.
By ensuring you have all these essentials packed and ready, you can help make your cat’s stay at the cattery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Communication with the Cattery During the Stay
Effective communication with the cattery staff is crucial to ensure your cat’s needs are met during their stay. Arrange with the staff to receive regular updates on your cat’s well-being to keep you informed and reassured. Before leaving your cat, ask the cattery staff about their procedures, routines, and specific policies. Inquire about their experience with cats that have similar needs to yours and their emergency protocols to ensure your cat will be well cared for in any situation. Additionally, make sure the cattery has your primary contact information and an alternative emergency contact. Provide clear, written instructions for any special needs or preferences your cat has, ensuring the staff can easily refer to them. This includes feeding times, dietary restrictions, medication administration, and any behavioural quirks your cat may have. By maintaining open and effective communication with the cattery staff, you can help ensure that your cat receives the best possible care and that any concerns or issues are promptly addressed. This proactive approach can provide peace of mind and contribute to a positive experience for both you and your cat during their stay at the cattery.
Post-Stay Considerations
After your cat’s stay at the cattery, it’s crucial to monitor their behaviour and well-being to ensure they had a positive experience. When you first bring your cat home, allow them time to readjust to their familiar surroundings and gradually resume their usual routine. Positive signs that your cat had a good stay include eating well, playing, and showing affection. If your cat seems relaxed and content, it’s a strong indication that their time at the cattery was pleasant.
Finding the Right Cattery
When it comes to finding the perfect cattery for your feline friend, look no further than Pet Resorts Australia. Our award-winning, state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide your cat with a luxurious and comfortable home away from home. With spacious suites, engaging play areas at selected locations, and personalised care from our experienced staff, we ensure that every cat receives the attention and love they deserve.
At Pet Resorts Australia, we understand the importance of your cat’s well-being and strive to create an environment where they can thrive. Our dedicated team is trained to cater to your cat’s unique needs, offering tailored routines to give you peace of mind. We can also provide regular updates, so you can have peace of mind knowing your cat is happy and well-cared for.
Choose us for a cattery experience that prioritises your cat’s health, happiness, and comfort. Contact us today to learn more about our exceptional services and to book a tour of our facility. Your cat deserves the best, and at Pet Resorts Australia, we deliver just that.
