How to Choose a Cattery or Brief Your Cat Sitter

If you're planning a holiday in the New Year, our team at Kingston have some top tips to help you find the perfect cattery.

We know leaving your cat can be daunting, but with these questions, we'll help you find your cat the most perfect holiday home in Surrey.

Our team suggest working through the questions below to find out everything you need to know about prospective holiday care for your cat.

Cattery: healthcare requirements

Vaccinations and parasite treatment

Work out what the cattery will need from you when it comes to your pet being vaccinated and up-to-date with their flea, tick and worming treatment. If you're unsure as to when your cat had their most recent vaccinations, contact our team in Kingston-upon-Thames and we can check.

Your cat's healthcare

Enquire about the cattery's process for dealing with a veterinary emergency and who their local vet is.

Cattery: services, security and facilities available

It's always a good idea to visit prospective catteries before choosing one as you'll only get a sense of certain aspects in person - our team have listed some of these below.

Security measures

Ask about what security measures are in place to protect your cat. Check windows and doors to make sure they are escape-proof and ask about their fire safety measures.

Hygiene

Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the cattery. The sleeping areas, litter boxes and common spaces should be clean and odour-free.

Specialised feeding

Discuss your cat's dietary requirements before booking and make sure the cattery has the facilities to accommodate any particular needs your pet may have. If your cat has a specialised diet from Kingston and you are running low, give us a call on 020 8549 3567 or order your meds here.

Noise and stress levels

You need to be sure that the noise levels in the cattery will not be too distressing for your cat. Enquire about what measures the cattery has in place to minimise the noise and stress levels for your cat. You may also get a feel for this this during a visit.

Accommodation options

Your chosen cattery may have various different accommodation options available - check if they are suitable for your cat?

Individual care

Ask whether the cattery offers cats individual playtime, care and fuss. Concerned about getting your cat to the cattery? Take a look at our 21 tips for transporting your cat.

External research on your cattery

Reputation and reviews

Our team in Kingston-upon-Thames recommend paying attention to reviews and testimonials to understand what other cat owners have experienced with your chosen cattery before booking.

Booking policies and prices

Understand the cattery's booking policies, the deposit and payment terms available.

Licences and insurance

Check the cattery has the necessary licences to meet industry standards. It will also need appropriate insurance so it's worth asking about what cover they have in place.

How do you feel?

Ask the cattery how they will communicate with you and if you're happy with this. Lots of catteries can offer daily pictures and updates so work out what you're comfortable with.

Plan to visit the cattery ahead of your cat's booking to visibly assess the facilities, cleanliness, and mannerisms of the staff who will be caring for your pet. 

Using the points above will help you to develop your own feelings about the cattery. If you're unsure or have doubts about certain aspects listed above, keep searching. The last thing you want whilst on holiday is to feel worried that your cat isn't being cared for to the standards you expect.

Remember, thorough research and early planning is key to choosing the right temporary home for your cat in Surrey.

Our vets at Kingston will be able to suggest potential catteries in the local area. Contact us on 020 8549 3567 for more information.

Download our cat travel tips - a handy checklist to use when taking and picking your cat up from their stay at the cattery, and for any journey in the car your feline friend needs to take.