Preparing your cat for a cattery stay- Six Useful tips For most cat owners the problem starts as soon as the cat see the carrier. To avoid this its vital that positive association is done early in the cats life. However, its never too late. Whether the trip is short or long, most cats will be upset, especially if their carrier evokes unpleasant memories from the past. Journeys don’t have to be so daunting for owner and cat. Here are six helpful tips, to help you and your cat relax and enjoy. The important is, like we have said, start when the cat is young! 1 Positive experiences with carrier The common mistake is to hide the carrier until the last moment. This situation can be avoided by making the carrier a permanent fixture in your home. It could be another place for your cat to sleep! You could place tasty treats inside for your pet to find. As time goes on and things are going well, then you can start to close the door and carry them around the house or garden for a short while. Do this on a regular basis over a period of time so your cat will start to become more relaxed when in the carrier. Place a familiar smelling item in with them. 2 Pack their belonging, not just yours Take the cat’s favorite toys, bed or a few simple familiar things that smell of home. Please don’t wash them before their arrive, it’s vital the smell has really made a mark on the items. If your cat doesn’t have a bed at home but chooses to sleep on your bed or a chair then place a towel on it several weeks before you go and then take this with you to the cattery. Even better, make this two and the other one can be place in a sealed bag (freezer bag with a seal) just in case it may need to be washed while in the cattery. 3 Old favourites are the best A cardboard box is great for cats who need to hide, so get this organised ahead. Giving your cat plenty of time to establish ‘ownership’. Take along some of their favourite toys, including a puzzle feeder if that’s how you give them their treats or regular dry meal. 4 Scent can reassure A useful trick is to place an old sheet in your bed, so it picks up your scent. Tear it into small pieces then store these individually in small plastic bags. Hand them to the cattery so that your cat can have a fresh one each day - it could make a huge difference to their morale and their reaction when you return. 5 Good Communication Provide the cattery with as much information about the cat. If the cat has a favourite feeding and drinking bowl bring it along. If the cat is on medication, talk with the cattery and provide a sufficient amount of medication for the stay, plus a few extra days in case you are delayed. Ensure to provide the cattery with instruction on administration. 6 Please don’t say goodbye Tough as it may sound to leave your treasured cat for a period of time and not say goodbye, but tearful farewells are likely to make parting much harder. Pop the carrier into the run, install their belonging . Let them out then quietly leave without a fuss. Have a great holiday and relaxed. When you go to collect your cat don’t make the mistake of letting your excited attention overwhelm them. Careful, low-key journeys and a no fuss homecoming with a prompt return to normal are what the cat needs most. (Riccomini, F. Going away. Your cat magazine - May 2009) Home The Cattery Terms & Conditions Boarding Rates My Family Find Us Preparing for Stay Email Us