Are Cats Better At Home Or In A Cattery?

What is a cattery?

A cattery (or cat hotel, as some boarding establishments call themselves) is a facility where your feline friend can stay while you’re not around. Catteries typically consist of several rooms or cat enclosures and the occasional communal area.

For responsible cat owners, we strongly recommend thoroughly researching pet boarding facilities before making a decision. This precaution not only ensures your pet’s safety and enjoyment during their stay but also provides you with valuable peace of mind, knowing your cat is in good hands.

Like other cat care alternatives, leaving your cat at a cattery or boarding facility has its pros and cons. If you’re wondering if cats are better at home or in a cattery, this blog will help you decide between cat boarding or hiring a cat sitter.

How long can a cat stay in a cattery?

Catteries offer a range of flexible options to suit your unique requirements. Whether your cat needs a short overnight stay, a few days of nurturing, or an extended vacation of several weeks, a cattery can accommodate their needs.

Regardless of your cat’s length of stay, your cattery must offer your feline companion the proper care, attention, and environment. We recommend frequent communication with the staff members to ensure your cat is settled in comfortably and faring well on extended stays.

What are the benefits of staying at a cat boarding facility?

The benefits of staying at a cat boarding facility include the following:

Cat boarding facilities must adhere to local laws and regulations regarding space, security, hygiene and other important factors that ensure that your cat is safe and healthy during their stay.
Catteries employ experienced cat boarding professionals, so you can rest assured that your cat is in safe hands, and that they can handle any emergencies that may arise.
Catteries usually stick to structured routines, with food, play and cleaning at the same time every day. This can help soothe cats who may be anxious in a new environment, or settle those who are used to a regular routine at home.

What are the drawbacks of staying at a cat boarding facility?

Although catteries have upsides, they also have a few downsides. The drawbacks of staying at a cat boarding facility include the following:

Many customers book cattery reservations months in advance so slots are always competitive. This is especially true during busy holiday seasons. Plan your schedule carefully to reserve a slot for your cat ahead of time.
Catteries, especially ones that charge for additional services like playtime or medicine administration, can be expensive for long-term stays. If your finances are tight, you may want to consider leaving your cat with a trusted friend or relative instead.
Acclimating to unfamiliar surroundings may stress some cats out and make them feel homesick. This tends to be more common with anxious cats, or those who do not like being around other cats.

What is cat sitting?

Cat sitting is a paid service where a cat sitter takes care of your feline friend at your residence, allowing your cat to enjoy their consistent daily routine while you’re away. The cat sitter will feed, provide fresh water, nurture, and play with your cat while you’re away, as well as cleaning your cat’s litter box.

Cat sitters offer flexible services, whether you’re away for two days or two weeks. Depending on your preferences, your cat sitter can visit your house once or twice daily or stay overnight. Some cat sitters go the extra mile when staying at a client’s house. They may do some basic household jobs, including picking up the mail and watering plants.

A reliable and professional cat sitter can offer peace of mind for you and your cat, allowing you to focus on other priorities. If you’ve been asking yourself if catteries are stressful for cats, a cat sitter is a fantastic alternative for busy pet owners. However, ensure the cat sitter has a good reputation and track record.

What are the benefits of hiring a cat sitter?

The unique benefits of hiring a cat sitter include the following:

A cat sitter nurtures your cat in the friendly confines of your own home, so your cat can enjoy a consistent home routine even in your absence.
Cat sitting eliminates drop-off and pick-up routines, saving pet owners valuable time.
Cat sitting offers flexible services. You can ask your cat sitter to do house chores, such as collecting mail and watering plants.
If you are worried about your house sitting empty, or if your pet requires extra care and attention throughout the day, a cat sitter is an excellent alternative to a cattery.
Personalised cat sitting services offer their clients regular updates. They send photos and messages to reassure pet owners that their cats are in good hands.

What are the drawbacks of hiring a cat sitter?

The drawbacks of hiring a cat sitter include the following:

Cat sitting is not a regulated service, and as such there are no safety or quality checks, and no qualifications are required to offer the service.
Cat sitting is a professional service, and as such costs more than entrusting your pet to a close friend or family member.
Not everyone is comfortable with allowing a stranger into their home while they are not there, either overnight or just daily to check on the cat.
It may be challenging to book a cat sitter if you reside in a secluded area outside of a town or city.

Are cats better at home or in a cattery?

Whether a cat is better at home or in a cattery depends on several factors, including their personality, socialisation and medical needs.

If your cat is happy around other cats and enjoys the variety, a cattery can be a fantastic choice for them. Catteries can also be good choices if your cat has complex medical needs, as the staff on hand have been trained to administer medications and handle emergency situations.

If your cat doesn’t take to new environments well, or does not like being around other cats, a cat sitter may be a more suitable option as it allows your cat to stay in their familiar surroundings.

Whichever option you choose for your cat, it is recommended that you thoroughly research the options available to you, to ensure that you are leaving your cat in safe, capable hands. You should make sure that you are choosing someone reputable, with experience in handling all aspects of cat care.

Will my cat remember me after my two-week absence?

Don’t fret! Your pet will remember you after your two-week absence. Although cats’ memories vary, they have exemplary retention prowess. Amazingly, cats remember their owners even after years of separation. We’re confident your furry friend will remember you after your two-week absence.

We recommend leaving a memento with your cat, such as a toy or piece of clothing, reminding them of you while you’re away. Your scent will reassure your pet, especially if they are experiencing separation anxiety.

We’re the Gold Coast’s most trusted cattery

Midtown Pet Centre is a family-run business that has provided exceptional cattery services on the Gold Coast for the past four decades. Our dedicated staff take great pride in going the extra mile for your furry feline friend. We offer flexible accommodations ranging from overnight to a few weeks’ stay.

Please call us at (07) 5533 9452 during business hours to discuss your cattery requirements. One of our staff members will be able to assist you.

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