So! You’ve
booked your annual vacation and now you need to ensure your cat is purrfectly
happy in his favorite feline hotel.Here’s how
to ensure your pet is as comfortable and healthy in the cattery as you are in
your five star resort.
Passing the
test
A good
cattery should check several boxes. First, ask the proprietor if you can look
around. Go elsewhere if they refuse or seem unfriendly. Once inside, check your
cat will have heated and individual sleeping accommodation. (Only cats from the
same household should be boarded together). Ask whether canines board there too.
If your cat gets stressed at the sight, smell or sound of dogs you may want to
consider another option.
Some
catteries have indoor accommodation only while others provide an outdoor run. Most
cats prefer access to fresh air. Adequate ventilation also means the spread of
bacteria and viruses is kept to a minimum.
Look for a
safety passage that encloses the entrances to each cat’s quarters – a handy
measure for those with Houdini-like tendencies.
Finally,
check the arrangements should your cat become sick. A good cattery will ask you
to sign an authorization for veterinary treatment, a form which gives the proprietor
permission to call a vet if your cat is ill.
Last-minute
preparations
Double-check
your cat has been vaccinated against upper respiratory tract disease (cat flu) and feline infectious enteritis, a must to limit any risk of
cross-infection within the cattery. Reputable catteries require proof of these
vaccinations and some want evidence of protection against leukemia too.
You will
also need to worm and apply a flea treatment to your
cat before
taking him to the cattery. If the staff spot any of the little critters in your
pet’s coat, you may be charged extra for administration of flea treatments. Make
sure you’ve cleaned and disinfected your cat’s carrying box beforehand as well.
List any necessary
medication or dietary requirements. Most catteries provide veterinary or
therapeutic diets but enquire about this when booking; otherwise take your
cat’s usual food. If your cat is long-haired, ask whether grooming is included
in the price or for an extra charge.
Many
catteries provide beds and bedding but you may wish to pack your pet’s favorite
blanket and toy/s to help him settle in more quickly. Ask whether a scratching
post is provided too.
Homeward
bound!
It’s a good
idea to de-flea your cat again once he is home. You may find your cat readjusts
to his usual routine straight away. If he’s an outdoor cat, this means he may be
chomping at the bit to scent his turf and see which other cats have been on his
patch in his absence. This could put him at risk of picking up infestations.
Wash any
bedding, blankets or toys you took to the cattery. The last thing you want is
for your pet to be bringing home another animal’s fleas!
This article is brought to you by VetVits. Developed by leading veterinary experts, VetVits provide you with a range of advanced products for your horse, dog and cat.
We at Petopia are grateful to VetVits for sending us this post and thank them for all their support.
are also big business. 
and features photos of dogs underwater. It is not only fun to own, it also makes a great gift.
