We've had a rescue cat for a few months (from an RSPCA shelter). Last week we went on holiday and left him in a decent cattery. I was heartbroken when we left him as he looked so distressed. I spent all the holiday worrying about him.
Is it kinder to leave him at home whilst we are away instead? We have neighbours and family nearby who will come in and feed him and let him out etc.
We tend to go on several short breaks throughout the year (just 3/4 days), rather than a couple of longer holidays, and I wondered if it was kinder to let him stay in his own home. His welfare is of utmost importance, but as my fiance pointed out - I need to be able to go on holiday and not constantly worry about him too!
Advice appreciated as I'm 'new' to cats - thank you.
2007-09-25 05:33:33 · 25 answers · asked by Clare 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Prettywoman - your comments are outrageous and extremely unhelpful! I care about my cat enormously and we have done everything we can during the last few months to make him feel special and pampered. However, we ARE entitled to take a holiday every now and again. There is nothing 'selfish' about that - if I stayed in for the next 20 years looking after my cat I would be a very sad person indeed! Your comments are judgemental and narrowminded. If I'm such a bad cat-owner I wouldn't be asking the question in the first place!
Thank you to EVERYONE else for your understanding and helpful comments - all very much appreciated!!
2007-09-25 20:46:23 · update #1
Hi Clare, it's great that you want to do what is best for your cat. As many people have pointed out cats are quite independant, and you are entitled to take holidays and breaks! Rescue cats often don't like catteries - i think it revives bad memories! We have 3 rescue cats. We have friends etc who can feed them if we go away for a day or two, but for longer we use a cat sitting service. They are very good and came round to meet the cats first. They also send a text message each day so you can enjoy your holiday without worrying! If using a service like this do the sensible things and get references - esecially from a vet! Also there is an online scheme where you can register and will get details of people near you willing to look after your pets. You obviously need to return the favour.
2007-09-25 10:45:55 · answer #1 · answered by Robo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean.
I've just booked a 2 week cruise for next year and know that I will have to put my 2 house cats in a Cattery.
I'm already looking at them and thinking 'aw you poor little things' but my little girl is really excited about the whole thing as she says 'Muffin & Cookie are going on holiday as well'
However I am also taking this time to really look around to find a good cattery, as only the best will do!
I can't help thinking that because they are house cats they are not used to seeing loads of other cats about that they will get really stressed ... saying that though at least they have each other and will be placed together in the Cattery.
My Husband said that we cannot not go on holiday just because of the cats and I do agree, but I know I will still think of them alot when we are away, but I will try to focus on how nice it will be when we bring them home again!
2007-09-25 06:17:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've had four cats in my life, never more than one at a time.
All were abandoned cats, from a shelter, and all lived wonderful lives. None liked being sent to a "cattery" or even to someone else's home except for my mother's apartment where one cat was fed all the sardines she could eat. Spoiled rotten and loved it.
I've left my cats at home for four nights max. Someone came every day to feed the cat, clean the litter box, and talk a bit.
Each of these cats seemed happier to me than being placed in a boarding situation.
I have also tried leaving a tv on, tuned to the cartoon channel, and one cat really liked that.
It seems to me, from my long experience, that cats would rather stay at home where they have the usual run of the place and know where everything is.
The most important thing, I think, is that the caretaker is not a complete stranger and that the person likes cats. I agree with your fiance. My husband says the same thing.
Longer than four nights would be too long. But you might be able to find someone who would stay at your place for a longer holiday. My husband found a graduate student once who had great references and was terrific. He was crazy about cats after the experience. So, luck plays a role too.
Cats are sensitive but they are also adaptable and resilient.
2007-09-25 05:46:42 · answer #3 · answered by kia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's fine to leave kitty at home when you go away for a few days. Cats are so independent and can basically take care of themselves. Just make sure you clean the litter box out real well, leave food and water too. It would be a good idea to have a neighbor, friend or relative come in daily to check on kitty and to scoop any poops from the box. It's not necessary to have kitty put a cattery if you are only going to be gone a few days. Besides, it will save you some money by keeping kitty at home. Kitty will be much more happy being around his familiar surroundings.
2007-09-25 05:41:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have 2 rescue cats and recently went on holiday for 2 weeks and left them in a cattery. The cattery was very nice and the lady very caring but the cats were thin and had pined.
My wife now says that we will no longer have 2 week holidays! We'll have 1 week and then the cats will only have to go away for a week. (We don't have anyone to look after them).
If you can leave them in their own home, I'd strongly recommend that you do. They'll be so much happier.
2007-09-25 05:39:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I own a cattery in Canada and we have had cats stay with us for 6 months - long term boarders are not uncommon. So i am not sure why the catteries in the UK are telling you this?. Maybe ask a few more or ask the ones you have asked why they will not consider this. Maybe they are worried that you'll abandon the cat, so offer a credit card so they can take payment monthly and they'll realise that you are coming back for your cat.
2016-05-18 01:54:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are only going to be gone for 3 or 4 days, it's perfectly fine to leave your kitty at home, as long as a neighbor or friend will look in on him at least once a day. They need to scoop the litter box, give him fresh water and refill the food dish if it's getting low. It would be nice if they would spend some time just being with him too, so he doesn't feel so all alone. But cats definitely do better at home--especially rescue cats. And, you've only had this one for a short time. So, every time you take him to a cattery, he's thinking that he'll never see you again---animals do NOT forget things like this. If at all possible, leave him at home.
2007-09-25 06:33:49 · answer #7 · answered by sharon w 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I started leaving my cat at the cattery since he was a kitten, because I would not always have someone all of the time to care for him if I were to go away. The cattery is a very safe way of getting her cat cared for and you know that they are getting fed and are in no danger, I felt guilty as well at the start, but my cat always comes back happy well cared for and fat, as he gets spoiled at the cattery. I would say cattery this is just my experience.
2007-09-25 21:23:52 · answer #8 · answered by Little miss naughty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a rescue cat and a young cat I have had from a kitten - I leave the young one in a cattery and the older at home with neighbours feeding her. They both seem happy at the end of their holiday!
Personally, just because of your cats previous 'kennel' experience, I would leave him at home - he will be much happier and less likely to get stressed with bad memories bless him!
2007-09-25 10:46:34 · answer #9 · answered by Em x 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hallo.
we have always had cats been on holidays but never used a cattery, cats love the surrounds they live in not there owners,if the go to a cattery even a good one they may go under stress so try to get a reliable person to feed them plus a stand in,just in case the first person goes sick or her great grandmother dies, and leave your vets telephone number with them both.
Then bring them both back a present from your holidays.
2007-09-25 08:00:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋