Cats are traditionally a little fussier than dogs when it comes to cat boarding, and can find it challenging to adjust to their new surroundings. But adaptation is possible and will result in your cat enjoying their holiday away from home. It just takes a little preparation and forethought. In this article, we share a few ways that you can prepare your cat for boarding to ensure that they remain comfortable and relaxed while you’re away.
MAKE SURE YOUR CAT IS UP TO DATE WITH VACCINATIONS
The first and most important thing to check before booking your cat in to stay at a pet resort or cattery is that they are up to date with all of their vaccinations. In particular, cats need to be vaccinated against feline enteritis and cat flu. Most pet boarding facilities will ask to see a vaccination certificate, dated within the last 12 months. If your cat needs to receive a vaccination before arriving at the cattery, you will need to wait at least two weeks after your beloved cat endures the needle to settle him or her into their boarding accommodation. This ensures that all vaccinations are fully active before exposing your cat to other pets.
DISCUSS YOUR CAT’S PERSONALITY AND NEEDS WITH THE PET RESORT STAFF
Take the time to chat with the staff of the pet boarding facility you have chosen about your cat’s personality and health requirements. If your cat loves a good playtime and becomes agitated without room to stretch, the boarding facility should be informed. Remember that the more staff know about your feline’s preferences, the more they can assist your cat to have a safe and comfortable stay. Often catteries and pet resorts will offer extra services that they can recommend to suit your cat’s disposition and emotional and physical requirements. These can range from extra playtimes to specific meal preparation, additional human contact and special geriatric care.
PLACE AN OLD, UNWASHED ITEM OF YOUR CLOTHING IN YOUR CAT’S CARRIER
Putting an item of clothing that carries your scent in your cat’s carrier may comfort them during the trip to the cattery. Turning up to the pet resort with a calm cat is always a good start! It may help them to adjust to their new surroundings quicker. Similarly, when you come to pick them up, having your scent in their carrier will assist them to get used to home life and its familiarities again.
CONSIDER SYNTHETIC PHEROMONES FOR NERVOUS CATS
If your cat is prone to bouts of anxiety, it may be a good idea to consider using synthetic pheromones such as Feliway to encourage relaxation and calmness. Introduce your cat to Feliway before you arrive at the cattery and discuss its continued use with the staff if your cat shows signs of distress. Synthetic pheromones can help to put your cat at ease and assist them with adapting to a new environment.
CONDUCT A TEST RUN
If your cat has never boarded before, make sure their first experience is a short test run. You don’t want to shock them with a two week stay off the bat! Try booking your feline friend in for the weekend, to gauge how they react and reassess their needs as they are presented. You may find that your cat gets used to the idea of their holiday quicker than anticipated! Or you might have to cater to a few extra needs to ensure their comfort during longer stays. Whichever the case, it’s always safer to conduct a test run before heading off on an extended holiday!
At Pet Resorts Australia you can be assured that your cat will be treated like the ‘royalty’ they consider themselves to be.
We want you to enjoy your holidays too, knowing full well that your cat is settled, safe and happy with people who will love them as much as you do. Our cat accommodation includes scratching posts, their very own igloo so they feel safe and warm, and plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Your cat will be served premium food daily, plus all packages include health recordings and daily monitoring. And don’t worry, our dedicated Pet Nannies will provide your fur-baby with plenty of love during their stay.
Are you a cat owner with a true love of indoor plants? Us too! Indoor plants can bring so much beauty to your home and really freshen up a particular room. But before you head off to the nursery and stock your shopping trolley full, read this article, as not all plants are cat-friendly!
Cats are quite inquisitive animals, so if a new plant or flower appears in their home, they’re probably going to want to investigate. But never fear, there are still some fantastic cat-friendly (and cattery-friendly!) indoor plants you can use to spruce up the interior of your home. Here’s our top pick:
SPIDER PLANT
This perennial flowering plant is the perfect cat-safe indoor foliage, with a light green narrow leaf boasting a white stripe down the centre. As the plant continues to grow, little ‘spider-like’ bunches will develop on roots which grow from the mother of the plant. The best bit? These plants are super easy to look after!
BOSTON FERN
One of the more common species, the Boston Fern, will make a lovely addition to most spaces. These plants are a bit trickier to keep happy, but once you get it in the right area with the perfect lighting and humidity, you’ll have a happy fern and cat!
FIGLEAF PALM
These larger indoor plants are currently all the rage. Figleaf Palms are a great option for cat-owners who want to opt for a larger indoor tree. These trees will help you to indulge your interior design skills and make your home look Instagram worthy.
Tip: Prune your Figleaf Palm to keep it at a manageable size for indoor display.
PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS
Looking for a pretty flowering plant to add to your home? You’re in luck! Phalaenopsis orchids are stunning and cat-friendly. The Phalaenopsis orchids keep their flowers for months, are easy to take care of and can add a touch of style and grace to your interior.
This list isn’t exhaustive; thankfully there are many other plants out there that will add a touch of style to your home and keep your cat feline good. Other indoor plant options include bamboo and certain types of succulents. However, be sure before you bring any type of plant into your home that it is cat-friendly, because who knows what your cheeky friend might get up to while you’re at work!
Going away and looking for accommodation for your precious fur-baby? Explore our Pet Resorts!
You want to make sure your furry friend gets just the right amount of love and attention while you’re on holiday. It’s always daunting trying to find the best pet minding service, but there are plenty of options depending on your lifestyle and the needs of your fur-baby.
It’s critical to take into consideration how your dog or cat acts around other people and animals, and whether they have particular dietary requirements or illnesses that need special attention. We take a look at some of the best pet minding services available for your pet.
ASKING A FRIEND TO MIND YOUR PET
This option can tend to work really, really well, or go very, very poorly. After all, your mate Susan may be great fun at the pub on a Saturday night, but may not be so reliable when it comes to the welfare of your pet. When asking a friend to mind your cat or dog, there is lots to consider. Ask yourself these questions:
Does my friend already have a pet? How does he/she treat their pet, and would I be comfortable for them to treat my pet that way too?
Does my pet get along with my friend’s pet?
Is my friend reliable and responsible? Are they good at remembering to do things?
Is my friend’s house or apartment suitable for my pet to stay? Are their fences secure and is there enough yard space for my pet to be happy?
How does my friend react in a crisis? Can they keep a calm head?
These questions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to determining whether asking a friend to pet sit is the best option for your cat or dog. The good thing about getting a friend to pet sit is that you already know what they’re like and they should be someone that you trust. But it can be a very big ask, especially if your pet requires special care. Always be totally transparent with your friend about what they can expect when minding your pet.
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER
There are plenty of qualified pet sitters that you can hire to come and stay in your house and mind your dog or cat while you are away. The issue is finding a legitimate one. There are many websites and apps that you can browse through to find the perfect candidate, and many do have shining references! But the problem with the internet is that it’s easy to present yourself as someone that you aren’t. You may hire a pet sitter that says that they have experience caring for dogs with behavioural issues when in reality, they met a dog that displayed a tendency to be shy once. Always be careful when searching for pet sitters online and only use websites that have been vetted by professional animal care services or recommended by a reliable friend.
TAKING YOUR FURRY FRIEND TO A KENNEL
You will find many pet boarding facilities dotted around your local area willing to take on your cat or pooch for an extended period. These are often called kennels or catteries, and are professional companies that will likely have ample experience working with animals. However, ensure that you always go and check out their facilities before you book your pet in for a visit. It’s important to see how the staff treat the animals, the living conditions you can expect for your furry friend, and the extra services that they can provide. You want to make sure that your pet has enough room to move about and play, and that they won’t be at risk of mixing with other pets who have not been properly vaccinated. Always look for companies that are members of the Pet Industry Association of Australia, so that you can rest assured that their facilities and services are of the highest standard.
BENEFITS OF USING A PET HOTEL OR RESORT
Giving your pet a holiday at a pet resort like Pet Resorts Australia transforms the traditional notion of pet boarding into a luxurious, enriching experience that mirrors the care and attention they receive at home. At Pet Resorts Australia, we understand that each pet is unique and comes with their own needs and preferences. That’s why each one of our locations offers a range of accommodations and services designed to ensure your pet enjoys their stay to the fullest, providing you with peace of mind while you’re away.
Superior Accommodations
Our pet resort locations are far from ordinary. Pets can enjoy a variety of room options, from standard cozy beds to luxury suites that include TVs and human-sized beds, so they can feel right at home with all the luxuries they’d come to expect to feel comfortable. Each room is designed to provide comfort, safety, and a homely feeling to help your pet settle in quickly.
Premium Care and Services
Bedding and Premium Meals: Understanding the importance of comfort and nutrition, Pet Resorts Australia provides high-quality bedding and premium meals, ensuring they are well-rested and nourished throughout their stay. Daily Monitoring: The health and well-being of your pet are paramount. With daily monitoring by a team of dedicated professionals, any changes in your pet’s health are promptly addressed, ensuring they remain happy and healthy. Enriched Playtime: Pets enjoy daily enriched playtime in fully fenced play yards, allowing them to exercise, socialise, and explore in a safe and stimulating environment. This playtime is crucial for their physical health and mental well-being, ensuring they stay active and engaged. Enrichment Add-Ons: To enhance your pet’s experience, Pet Resorts Australia offers enrichment add-ons such as specialised activities tailored to your pet’s interests, room service for a touch of luxury, and pet postcards to keep you updated on their holiday adventures.
A Team That Cares
What truly sets Pet Resorts Australia apart is the team of animal-loving professionals dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pet. Trained to handle pets of all temperaments and needs, the team cherishes each pet as if they were their own, ensuring they receive the love, attention, and care they deserve.
Peace of Mind for Pet Owners
Choosing Pet Resorts Australia for your pet’s holiday means entrusting them to a facility that values your pet’s happiness, health, and overall well-being as much as you do. With superior accommodations, premium care, and a dedicated team, you can rest assured that your pet is in safe, trustworthy, and friendly hands, allowing you to enjoy your time away without worry.
Pet Resorts Australia represents the pinnacle of pet boarding, where every pet is treated to a holiday filled with love, care, and adventure. Whether it’s for a short stay or a longer holiday, Pet Resorts Australia ensures your pet’s time away from home is as enjoyable and enriching as possible, solidifying its status as a leader in pet accommodation and care.
Contact us today to discuss accommodation options at your closest resort. Your pet’s holiday starts here!
Snake season is upon us, with most snakes coming out of their Winter hibernation spots and seeking the warmer weather. This unfortunately means that you might come across one of these slithery reptiles in your backyard. Or your pet will, and they won’t have the same urge to run and hide from it as you do.
It’s vital to remain constantly vigilant when implementing snake deterrence methods around your home. Furthermore, preparing your pet for the eventuation of a snake encounter can prevent lethal bites and ensuing heartache.
1. Declutter
Ah, minimalism, it isn’t just a design trend! Minimising the sheer amount of stuff laying about your backyard will deter snakes from finding discreet hiding places on your property. Many people don’t come across snakes until they pick up an object that doesn’t see a lot of use (how long has it been since you used the rake in the shed?) and find one of these sly guys making a home underneath. Cleaning up clutter and debris (you should be raking those leaves!) will create fewer places for snakes to hide. Try hanging the tools in your shed or putting them away into cupboards, clear up the kids’ toys at the end of each day and keep an eye on ground cover density.
2. Don’t provide invitations for rats and mice
When rats and mice come to the party, you know that snakes will quickly follow. There’s nothing a snake loves more than a big juicy mouse in its belly! So you want to keep rodents out of your home and away from your backyard. Ensure that when you feed pets, you only give them the amount of food that they will eat straight away. If pet food is left lying around all day, it will attract rodents and provide a hotspot for snakes to hunt. Clean up after your pet’s meals and ensure all their food is kept in sealed containers.
3. Maintenance
Keeping your lawn mowed is vital to creating a snake-free environment (plus it helps your furry friend’s sinuses too!). Snakes are naturally attracted to long grass, not to mention it also decreases visibility. If you live on a big property, always restrict your dog to the house yard when they aren’t under your direct supervision and keep it well maintained. Never let your pup wander around the chook pen without you there, either, as this is also a favourite snake hideaway!
4. Training
No matter how hard we try to deter these poisonous reptiles, the fact remains that we live in Australia, with the highest snake population in the world. There will always be a chance that you or your pet will encounter a snake either in your backyard or while you’re out for a walk. The best way to protect your pet from snakes is to train them to be cautious of them, rather than curious. Discipline them to avoid aggravating smaller reptiles such as lizards and skinks. This will teach them that immediately provoking unknown creatures is bad, and make them wary of snakes rather than jumping into defensive mode straight away.
Training your pet to respond to voice commands is also an essential way to avoid any danger. If you can tell your dog to sit and come, and know that they’ll obey you even when tempted with a snake encroaching on their territory, it could save their life.
At Pet Resorts Australia we are delighted that our training partner, Canine Evolution offer a range of services to suit any of your training requirements. Contact them now to find out more and take your dog from ruff to refined!
Living in an apartment with a cat as your roomie can have its ups and downs.
But so do all roommates, really. A person might not scratch the stuffing out of your favourite cushion, but a cat won’t invite its friends around till 2 am either (we hope!). Here are our top tips on how to enhance your cat’s home life and enjoy your cohabitation.
Secure the balcony
Safety is the first priority when living in an apartment building with your cat. Whether you’re on the second floor or the thirty-second floor, ensuring that your balcony is cat-proof is a must. You have two options:
1. Make the balcony off limits when you aren’t home. When you are home strap your kitty into a harness, attach it to a lead and tie the lead end somewhere secure. Let them wander around the balcony, with the lead falling short of the railing. Ensure that you’re keeping an eye on your furry friend too, because they’re wily and clever and will try and elude their restraints!
2. Construct a barrier around your balcony. This can be done with chicken wire, timber lattice, or any kind of sturdy mesh. The type of material you use depends on the strength and size of your cat, and your overall budget. If you own your apartment and are looking for something a little more aesthetically pleasing, you could install louvre shutters to alternate between a kitty haven and a balcony with a view.
Choose the right kitty litter
When it comes to kitty litter, there are A LOT of considerations. Who knew poop required so much thought? In an apartment, however, your main concerns are often odour and mess. And this largely depends on where you’re going to put the litter. The main contenders tend to be the bathroom and the balcony. The balcony is great if you’ve got permanent kitty proofing installed, as it is aerated and the smell won’t linger. But the bathroom is often a necessity for pets kept inside at night or when you aren’t home, and this room can often lack in ventilation. It’s therefore important that you get a good odour resistant litter. If your feline friend is on the messy side, investing in a quick clumping and dust free litter will also help speed up cleaning. More often than not, it’s a little trial and error to find the best option for your cat and your home, as we all know kitty can be precious about toilet time!
Clean frequently
Odour, odour, odour. We’re harping on about it a lot, aren’t we? But for good reason. Small spaces with limited ventilation can get stinky quickly. And when you’re serving up gourmet meals of tuna or raw meat for your furry friend, any remnants will be pungent and attract all sorts of critters into your apartment. This is why it’s important to clean your cat’s food bowl and surrounds immediately after mealtime to keep pests such as ants and cockroaches at bay. And maintain a fresh, clean home!
Invest in storage with doors
Open plan shelves might look nice, but don’t bode well with active cats. Coming home to a smashed photo frame or broken jar of scattered rice is all too familiar. Cats are explorers and won’t tiptoe around your valuables. If your kitty is left inside by itself during the day, it’s best to place your possessions behind glass cabinet doors or secure them away in the cupboard. This will make for a much better relationship between you and your curious roomie.
Keep things entertaining
A bored cat can be your worst nightmare. One that leaves scratch marks all down your expensive sofa, claw marks in your favourite sweater and streams of torn paper in their wake. A cat can happily be an inside pet but needs to be kept occupied and stimulated. Rotate toys to keep things fresh and interactive, create high places in your apartment that your cat can chill out in, and make sure you have a scratching post for them to paw at. And don’t forget to spend quality time with your feline friend (when it suits them, of course) when you get home! All of these habits will reduce, if not eliminate any destructive habits.
Don’t leave them alone for too long
If you’re going on a short trip away, having a friend check in on your pet once a day may not provide your cat with enough attention. Consider booking them intoa Pet Resorts Australia Cattery for a paw-fect getaway, where they will receive plenty of TLC and new environments to explore.
It’s that time of year again! Time for the blankets to emerge from hibernation, plus, of course, the fluffy slippers and dressing gowns
For us humans, it’s pretty easy to keep ourselves warm and (hopefully) sickness-free. Our pets, however, don’t have it so easy. They don’t have the luxury of whipping out a warm jacket from the cupboard whenever they feel a chilly breeze coming. Which is why it’s our job to keep them warm and healthy!
As dog hotel and cattery professionals, here are a few tips for making sure your pet gets the best possible care this winter.
Bring them in
“Baby, it’s cold outside”… yep, that’s right; animals feel the cold too! There’s nothing your pet will love more than curling up next to you on the sofa or lying in front of the warm heater.
Insulation is key
At Pet Resorts Australia, all of our dog and cat rooms have insulated walls, to help keep the warmth in and the cold out! If, for some reason, you really can’t afford to bring your dog or cat inside this winter, making sure they have an outside sleeping space with insulated walls is heavily recommended.
Spoil them with warm blankets
If you really, really can’t afford to bring your pet inside this winter (maybe they’re just a tiny bit too crazy, or big), make sure their outside sleeping space has a sufficient amount of warmth. These days, you can buy blankets for ridiculously low prices, so there’s really no excuse not to spoil them!
Switch up their treats
Unlike in summer, when their little tongues need cooling down with icy treats, winter is a time to bring out the warmer, more wholesome, tasty treats. You might want to pop their favourite food in the microwave for a few seconds so they aren’t eating it cold. It should also be noted that it takes more energy to stay warm then it does to keep cool, so if your dog or cat is playing outside a lot during the day, they might need more food than usual.
All in all, caring for your pet in winter is not really that different to caring for them the rest of the year round. As long as you’re thinking about their necessities and putting yourself in their shoes to think about how they feel, they’ll be happy!
If you’re going away and want to make sure your pet stays warm and healthy this winter, Pet Resorts Australia is the place to bring them! With our insulated rooms and a professional and caring team of staff members, your pet will feel truly at home.
