How to choose a cattery

You might be fortunate enough to have a friend or neighbour to look after your cat when you're away. But sometimes cat owners get stuck for a sitter—or go away for too long a period to ask one person to cover. Thats where catteries come in.

If ever you need to get thy cat to a cattery, you'll want their experience to be more holiday resort than boot camp. So to ensure that Socks or Humphrey comes home as sleek, contented and infection-free as when you dropped him off, follow these simple steps to choosing a decent cattery...

Find a reputable cattery

• Do you have friends or relatives with their own cats? Ask around for personal recommendations.
• Speak to your local vet, who's sure to have views on the best—and worst—catteries in your area.
• Check out the Feline Advisory Bureau's list of recommended boarding catteries.

Check out the cattery for yourself

Even if the cattery has been recommended, it's still worth taking a look for yourself. Some catteries only allow you to look round on certain days, so book your inspection well in advance. When you go, check that:

• the cattery has a licence from the local authority.
• each chalet or pen in the cattery is clean, with no sign of a dirty litter tray or dried-up food.
• any dog kennels are placed far enough away from the cats not to disturb them.
• the staff are knowledgeable, caring and friendly.

The cattery will be a hotel for your pet, so make sure that:

• the cats have individual sleeping accommodation as well as individual runs within the cattery.
• each cat has a shelf to sit or lie on.
• all the cats have a scratching post in their run.
• there's a gap or full-height solid barrier between pens to prevent the spread of infection within the cattery.
• the pens are heated.
• cats from different households are not placed in the same pen, as this will increase the risk of your cat picking up bacteria or viruses.
• the cats in the cattery look contented.

Understand the different types of cattery

• Catteries are generally classified as outdoor—i.e. having an outdoor run as well as an inside one for the cats—or indoor, i.e. having no outside run. Outdoor runs ensure good ventilation to help prevent the spread of disease.
• Some catteries describe themselves as luxury. This could mean they have a larger area for the cats or could indicate the extra services on offer, e.g. collection and delivery of your cat, daily grooming or more frequent attention from staff. Make sure you know exactly what extras you're paying for.

Prepare for your cat's stay

• Remember to book well in advance, as catteries can be very busy, particularly during school holidays.
• Make sure your cat's up to date with vaccinations, which should be administered at least seven days before you take your cat to the cattery.
• Remember to take your cat's vaccination card with you to the cattery.
• Always transport your cat in a proper cat carrier so that it doesn't take fright and run away.
• Take along your cat's food, details of what it likes to eat, and any medication it requires.
• Make your cat feel more at home by taking a favourite blanket and toy.