Help! I'm stressed!

We are going to be having some major works at home, in the region of 8-10 weeks work.

The biggest concern is that it probably won't be feasible for us to live here during that time as new kitchen, bathroom and decorating is happening.

We are looking at options for us(which is less important than our darling girls) and Effie and Ella! So we are faced with at least a couple of weeks away from home and putting our girls in a cattery - and the thought terrifies me!!

I know at some point it may happen, with holidays but I wonder how cats react, especially our two as they follow us every where when we are home. Both are on my lap watching me type this now!

How do good catteries trat cats, will they be stuck in a cage for hours. Will they remember us after! how will they change!!

help!! Any answers - good or bad would be appreciated.

We have used a local cattery for holidays off and on for over 15 years.

A good cattery will have roomy pens which can be cleaned out easily, will provide a litter tray, litter, food, water and a place the cat can sleep in comfort, and a place for the cat to hide. My cattery pens are also heated in cold weather.

The cattery should also listen to the owner and let the owner provide extras. I, for instance, will bring food and toys and blanket.

My cat was really spoilt while he was in the cattery! I have heard this also from others who left their cats at that particular cattery.

Also if you have more than 1 cat the cattery may well offer that they can be together.

Of course the cats must be up-to-date with all vaccinations and proof of that is required (vaccination card from vet).

Ok cool - they are fully upto date so that won't be a problem! I just don't want to leave them!! I am so sad. would they let me sleep with them, with a litter tray and comfy blanket. I would be happier.

Did they remember you or are they funny?

I moved house in 1992, we bought a fixer upper I had to move in with my mum for 6 months while the house was gutted, my cats could not go to my Mums so spent 6 months in a cattery, they were absolutely fine

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I only ever remember taking my other two cats to a cattery because it was a family holiday so there was no-one to look after them. They were outdoor cats too, poor little beggars.

It didn't seem to phase them at all and you should have seen them when we returned I never knew cats greeted you in the same way a dog does you could see they were so happy to see us.

I'm in the same dilemma this year but these kittens have been kept indoors with access to an outdoor pen so I'm hoping it wont be too stressful for them.

Sue

When I last moved house I had to move in with a friend for a month due to selling and buying not quite co-ordinating! He was allergic to cats so my five fur children had to go into a cattery. I went to see a few and ended up in tears as I hated the idea of them being caged (they were all moggies with access to the outdoors).

In the end I found a very small one run from the back of someone's garden. It was clean, homely and they had access to an outdoor run. The owner was happy to combine two pens for my cats and also for me to visit as often as I wanted (other catteries had said I wasn't to visit as it would unsettle the cats) I visited often - the cats were fine - it was me who got upset!

I put five cats in the cattery and brought six cats home - being the soft touch that I am where animals are concerned!!

My cats were fine afterwards. They didn't forget me - not that I gave them a chance to - and they seemed quite happy while they were there. I think being together and having the outdoor bit really helped as it had earth and a small tree for them to climb and so they didn't feel too confined.

really - Oh no it'd kill me! I'd be scared they wouldn't remember me! Were they ok when they saw you

i can see us doing that me and my partner want another one when the house is finished

Do they let them out of their pens?

hello, i work at a cattery, and i treat all the cats as i would my own. I firstly let them introduce themselves to me, so when they are ready for a cuddle its on their terms. I find it quite hard sometimes to tear myself away from them, hence it take me ages to finish!!
Most of the cats return again and again so i end up knowing them quite well and look forward to them coming back. When you find a cattery ask if you can come and visit first and see if you like the atmosphere and if you think your cats would be comfortable there. Also i find the happiest cats are the ones that have there own beds/bedding and toys from home. Dont be afraid to tell the people what your cats love and hate, we also leave a radio on for them during the day.

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