How to Prepare Your Cat for a Cattery Stay
Leaving your cat at a cattery for the first time can feel daunting for both of you. Cats are creatures of habit who find comfort in familiar surroundings, so being away from home is a significant change. The good news is that with thoughtful preparation, you can make the experience much smoother for your feline friend.
Weeks Before: Laying the Groundwork
The single most important thing you can do is get your cat comfortable with their carrier well before the trip. For many cats, the carrier only appears when something unpleasant is about to happen - a vet visit or a stressful journey. This association makes the carrier itself a source of anxiety.
Change this by leaving the carrier out as part of your home's normal furniture several weeks before boarding. Place it in a spot your cat already enjoys, with the door removed or secured open. Add a familiar blanket and occasionally drop treats inside. Let your cat explore at their own pace until they see the carrier as just another cosy spot rather than a trap.
This is also the time to ensure vaccinations are current. Most catteries require proof of vaccination, typically the F3 vaccine at minimum, administered at least two weeks before the stay. Schedule a vet visit to confirm everything is up to date and address any health concerns. Getting flea and worm treatments done before boarding protects both your cat and others at the facility.
If your cat hasn't stayed at this particular cattery before, consider arranging a visit. Some facilities welcome this, allowing your cat to sniff around and begin forming positive associations with the space. Even if a full visit isn't possible, dropping by to pick up information gives you a chance to assess the environment.
What to Pack
Thoughtful packing can significantly improve your cat's comfort during their stay. Start with the essentials: vaccination certificates, emergency contact numbers, and enough of your cat's regular food to last the entire stay plus a few extra days. If your cat takes any medications, include clear written instructions along with the medication itself.
Equally important are the comfort items that carry the scent of home. A blanket or bed that smells like your house provides enormous reassurance to an anxious cat. A t-shirt you've worn recently carries your scent and can be particularly soothing. Include a favourite toy or two - something familiar to play with helps maintain a sense of normality. If your cat enjoys treats, pack some for the staff to use as positive reinforcement.
Resist the temptation to wash everything before packing. Those familiar smells are exactly what your cat needs in an unfamiliar environment.
The Day Before
Try to keep the day before departure as normal as possible. Cats are remarkably perceptive and will pick up on your anxiety if you're rushing around in a panic. Stick to regular feeding times and routines. Avoid the temptation to give an unusually large meal - you don't want your cat travelling on an overly full stomach.
Make sure the carrier is ready to go with familiar bedding inside. If you're using a pheromone spray, apply it to the carrier bedding and let it dry completely. Have everything packed and by the door so the morning departure is calm rather than chaotic.
Drop-Off Day
On the morning of drop-off, maintain your usual routine as much as possible. Feed your cat at the normal time, though perhaps a slightly smaller portion if they're prone to car sickness. When it's time to leave, stay calm. Cats are incredibly attuned to our emotional states, and if you're anxious, they'll feel it too.
The actual goodbye should be brief. It might feel heartless to leave quickly, but prolonged farewells actually increase your cat's stress rather than providing comfort. Hand over your cat to the staff, share any last-minute instructions, and then go. Trust that the professionals will take good care of your cat - after all, that's why you chose this cattery.
Providing the Right Information
Take time to write down everything the cattery staff might need to know. This includes feeding amounts and schedules, any dietary restrictions or allergies, medications and their dosing instructions, and behavioural quirks worth knowing about. Does your cat hide when stressed? Do they have a favourite spot to be scratched? Are there any sounds or situations that frighten them?
The more information you provide, the better the staff can cater to your cat's individual needs. Don't assume anything is too minor to mention - small details can make a big difference to your cat's comfort.
When You Return
The homecoming can be just as important as the preparation. Your cat may need a quiet adjustment period after returning home. Some cats bound out of their carriers and immediately resume normal life, but others need time to re-establish their territory and settle back into routines.
Keep things calm for the first day or two. Offer their favourite foods, maintain normal schedules, and let them come to you for attention rather than overwhelming them with affection. Watch for any signs of stress or illness and contact your vet if anything concerns you.
Most cats settle back into home life within a day or two, especially if the cattery experience was positive. And with good preparation, there's every reason it should be.
