What to Pack for Your Cat’s Stay at a Cattery

It’s always a little daunting to put your cat into someone else’s care while you’re away on a trip. A lot of us cat owners can feel a sense of anxiety, wondering if we’ve done everything we can to ensure our precious pets are prepared to be separated from us for a while. This blog aims to soothe some of those anxieties by equipping you, the reader, with a handy list of what to pack to ensure your cat’s boarding experience is as comfortable as possible. 

Proper preparation and packing of the necessary supplies will greatly ease the transition and ensure a favourable outcome. Read on for a handy list of things to pack for your cat’s boarding stay. 

Preparing Your Cat For Their Stay

To ensure a smooth transition from home to cattery, ensure that your cat’s to-go bag is stocked with comforting items and practical gear they need. 

The best thing you can do to make the transition easier is to start getting your cat carrier or crate trained well before their visit. This can be done as close as a week before their booking, but it is recommended that this be made an ongoing effort. Leave the carrier open at home and fill it with a soft blanket or a beloved toy to encourage exploration and relaxation. This can help alleviate anxiety when it comes time to travel. Slowly acclimatise your cat to the carrier by taking brief trips around the house or to a local park, rewarding them with goodies and praise to foster pleasant associations.

Check that your cat is up to date on vaccines and has had a recent health check. These actions will put your cat at rest and decrease the stress of being away from their typical environment. Maintain a calm and steady schedule in the days leading up to your stay. Cats are creatures of habit, so adhering to their regular feeding, playing, and resting habits might help reduce stress. Introduce any new objects you intend to pack, such as a beloved blanket or toy, to ensure they retain the comfortable aroma of home.

Packing Essentials

When planning for your cat’s stay at a cattery, make sure to pack all of the required supplies to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. This section will provide extensive recommendations on the most important factors to consider.

Important Documentation

Proper documentation is required for the cattery staff to give the best possible care for your cat. Here are the important documents and information to include.

• Photograph and Description: To assist the cattery staff in identifying your pet and ensuring its well-being, please include a recent photo and a full description.
• Identification: Consider microchipping. Microchipping gives your cat a permanent form of identification that can be scanned.
• Health Records: Maintain current health records, including vaccinations and medical history. Most catteries require up-to-date immunisations to protect the health and safety of all animals. A complete medical history, including any previous illnesses or procedures, enables professionals to identify potential problems and give appropriate care.
• Medication: If your cat needs medication during their stay, please make sure you bring enough for their entire stay and provide detailed instructions. Ensure the medication is labelled by the prescribing veterinarian with the cat’s name and dose instructions. . It is also beneficial to include information regarding the medication’s purpose and any negative effects.
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the cattery with your contact information and a designated emergency contact. Make sure your emergency contact is familiar with your cat and can make decisions about its care if you are unavailable.

Comfort Items

Bringing familiar items from home can make your cat feel less apprehensive and more at ease in their new surroundings.

• Familiar Bedding: Bring your cat’s favourite blanket or bed to help them feel safe and comfortable. The familiar aroma will help them relax. To increase comfort, make sure the bedding is clean and still smells like home.
• Favourite Toys: Pack your cat’s favourite toys to keep them entertained and relaxed. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are fantastic ways to keep their minds engaged. Familiar toys can create a sense of continuity and reduce boredom.

Other Personal Items

Packing familiar objects for your cat can help them keep their routine and comfort level during their stay.

• Food and Feeding Supplies: Bring your cat’s regular brand and type of food to avoid dietary difficulties. Include their favourite foods to make them feel at home. While catteries typically supply bowls, utilising your cat’s bowls can improve their comfort.
• Litter and Litter Box: Some catteries prefer that you bring your cat’s regular litter and litter box to help them keep their habit. This familiarity can help alleviate stress and make your cat’s stay more enjoyable.
• Grooming Supplies: If your cat requires frequent grooming, bring a brush or comb. This will help them stay up with their grooming routine and look and feel their best.
• Carrier: A strong and comfy carrier is required for carrying your cat to and from the cattery. Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated and secure to keep your cat safe throughout transportation.

Packing and organising all of these necessities ahead of time helps make your cat’s stay at the cattery as easy and comfortable as possible.

Communication with the Cattery During the Stay

Effective communication with the cattery staff is essential for meeting your cat’s needs during their stay. Arrange with the staff to receive regular updates on your cat’s health. Before leaving your cat, talk about the cattery’s routines, policies, and emergency procedures. Make sure the cattery has your primary and alternative emergency contact information. Provide explicit, written instructions for your cat’s needs or preferences, such as feeding schedules, food restrictions, medication delivery, and behavioural characteristics. Open and effective contact with the cattery staff can help to ensure that your cat receives the best possible care and that any concerns are addressed swiftly.

Post-Stay Considerations

To guarantee a happy experience, observe your cat’s conduct and well-being after they have spent time at the cattery. When you bring your cat home, allow them time to adjust to their new surroundings before gradually resuming their usual routine. Eating properly, playing, and displaying affection are all signs of a positive stay. If your cat seems relaxed and content, it’s a strong indication that their time at the cattery was pleasant.

Finding the Right Cattery

When looking for the best cattery for your feline companion, try Tallowood Boarding Lodge. Our facilities are specifically intended to provide your cat with a comfortable home away from home. With large lodgings, and tailored care from our professional team, we ensure that every cat gets the attention and love they deserve.

Tallowood Boarding Lodge understands the importance of your cat’s health and strives to provide an environment in which they can thrive. Our staff are trained to satisfy your cat’s specific requirements, including tailored routines for your peace of mind. We can also provide regular updates to keep you informed of your cat’s happiness and health.

Choose Tallowood Boarding Lodge for an experience focused on your cat’s health, happiness, and comfort. Visit our website today to learn more about our exceptional services and schedule a tour of our facilities. Your cat deserves the best, and we deliver just that at Tallowood Boarding Lodge.