Taking your cat to a cattery can be stressful for both you and your feline friend. Ensuring that your cat is comfortable and well-cared for during its stay is crucial. Preparing the right items for cat boarding makes a significant difference in easing the transition and ensuring a pleasant experience. If a pet resort offers both dog hotel facilities as well as cat boarding, your feline friend will usually be kept well away from any dogs in a secured cat-specific location. This comprehensive guide will cover all the essentials you need to pack for your pet’s stay at a cattery or pet resort.
Preparing Your Cat For Their Stay
Preparing your cat for a stay at a cat hotel involves thoughtful planning and attention to detail, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition. Start by making their carrier a familiar and inviting space. Leave the carrier open in your home with a soft blanket or one of your cat’s favourite toys inside, encouraging them to explore and relax in it. This can help reduce anxiety when it’s time to travel. Gradually acclimate your cat to the carrier by taking short trips around the house or to a nearby park, rewarding them with treats and praise to create positive associations.
In the days leading up to the stay, maintain a calm and consistent routine. Cats are creatures of habit, and sticking to their usual feeding, play, and sleep schedules can minimise stress. Introduce any new items, such as a special blanket or toy that you plan to pack, so they carry the comforting scent of home.
Physically prepare your cat by ensuring they are up-to-date with vaccinations and have had a recent health check. By taking these steps, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and reduce the stress of being away from their familiar environment.
Cattery Essentials – What to Pack
When preparing for your cat’s stay at a cattery, there are several essential items you should pack to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. This section will provide detailed guidance on the critical elements you need to consider.
Important Documentation:
Proper documentation is crucial for the cattery staff to provide the best care for your cat. Here are the essential documents and information you should include:
Photo and Description
A recent photo and a detailed description of your cat can be helpful for the cattery staff. This can assist them in identifying your cat and ensuring they are properly cared for.
Identification
Consider microchipping for added security. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that veterinarians and shelters can scan if your cat ever gets lost.
Health Records
Include vaccination records and any relevant medical history. Most catteries require up-to-date vaccinations to ensure the health and safety of all animals. Providing a detailed medical history, including past illnesses or surgeries, helps the staff be aware of potential issues and provide appropriate care.
Medication
If your cat requires medication, ensure you provide enough for the entire stay and detailed instructions for administration. Ensure the medication is labelled by the prescribing veterinarian with the cat’s name and dose instructions. It’s also a good idea to provide information on what the medication is for and any possible side effects so the staff can monitor your cat’s health effectively.
Emergency Contact Information
Provide the cattery with your contact details and an emergency contact person. This is crucial in case the cattery needs to reach someone quickly. Ensure that the emergency contact is someone familiar with your cat and capable of making decisions about their care if you’re unavailable. It’s also important to pick someone close to the resort, in case emergency retrieval is needed.
Special Instructions
Any specific care instructions, such as feeding times or preferences, should be communicated to the cattery staff. This helps ensure your cat’s routine is maintained as much as possible. For example, if your cat prefers a particular type of litter or has a specific playtime routine, providing these details can help the staff create a more familiar and comfortable environment for your cat.
Comfort Items:
Bringing familiar items from home can significantly reduce your cat’s anxiety and help them feel more secure in a new environment.
Familiar Bedding
Bring your cat’s favourite blanket or bed to provide a sense of security and comfort. The familiar scent will help them feel at home. Cats are creatures of habit, and having their own bedding can make a strange place feel more like home. Ensure the bedding is clean but retains their scent, as this is what provides comfort.
Favourite Toys
Pack a few of your cat’s favourite toys to keep them entertained and stress-free. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are great for keeping their mind engaged. Familiar toys can provide a sense of continuity and help alleviate boredom, which can be a common issue in a new environment. Be sure to check with the cattery beforehand on which items your cat is allowed to bring with them.
Other Personal Items:
Packing personal items that your cat is used to can help maintain their routine and comfort levels during their stay.
Food and Feeding Supplies
Your preferred brand and type of cat food should be packed, as sudden changes in diet can upset your cat’s stomach. Include their favourite treats to reward them and help them feel at home. While catteries usually provide bowls, using your cat’s own bowls can help them feel more comfortable. Consistency in diet is important to avoid digestive issues, and using familiar bowls can provide an added layer of comfort.
Litter and Litter Box
Some catteries prefer you to bring your cat’s usual litter and box to help maintain their routine. This familiarity can reduce stress and make your cat’s stay more comfortable. The scent and texture of their usual litter can make a significant difference in how quickly your cat adjusts to their temporary home.
Grooming Supplies
If your cat requires regular grooming, bring their brush or comb. This helps maintain their grooming routine and keeps them looking and feeling their best. Grooming can also be a bonding activity, and having their familiar grooming tools can help the cattery staff provide a more personal touch.
Carrier
A sturdy, comfortable carrier for transportation to and from the cattery is essential. Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated and secure to keep your cat safe during transit. A carrier that your cat is accustomed to can also serve as a safe space for them within the cattery, providing a retreat where they can feel secure.
By ensuring you have all these essentials packed and ready, you can help make your cat’s stay at the cattery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Communication with the Cattery During the Stay
Effective communication with the cattery staff is crucial to ensure your cat’s needs are met during their stay. Arrange with the staff to receive regular updates on your cat’s well-being to keep you informed and reassured. Before leaving your cat, ask the cattery staff about their procedures, routines, and specific policies. Inquire about their experience with cats that have similar needs to yours and their emergency protocols to ensure your cat will be well cared for in any situation. Additionally, make sure the cattery has your primary contact information and an alternative emergency contact. Provide clear, written instructions for any special needs or preferences your cat has, ensuring the staff can easily refer to them. This includes feeding times, dietary restrictions, medication administration, and any behavioural quirks your cat may have. By maintaining open and effective communication with the cattery staff, you can help ensure that your cat receives the best possible care and that any concerns or issues are promptly addressed. This proactive approach can provide peace of mind and contribute to a positive experience for both you and your cat during their stay at the cattery.
Post-Stay Considerations
After your cat’s stay at the cattery, it’s crucial to monitor their behaviour and well-being to ensure they had a positive experience. When you first bring your cat home, allow them time to readjust to their familiar surroundings and gradually resume their usual routine. Positive signs that your cat had a good stay include eating well, playing, and showing affection. 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 it comes to finding the perfect cattery for your feline friend, look no further than Pet Resorts Australia. Our award-winning, state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide your cat with a luxurious and comfortable home away from home. With spacious suites, engaging play areas at selected locations, and personalised care from our experienced staff, we ensure that every cat receives the attention and love they deserve.
At Pet Resorts Australia, we understand the importance of your cat’s well-being and strive to create an environment where they can thrive. Our dedicated team is trained to cater to your cat’s unique needs, offering tailored routines to give you peace of mind. We can also provide regular updates, so you can have peace of mind knowing your cat is happy and well-cared for.
Choose us for a cattery experience that prioritises your cat’s health, happiness, and comfort. Contact us today to learn more about our exceptional services and to book a tour of our facility. Your cat deserves the best, and at Pet Resorts Australia, we deliver just that.
Cats are known for their subtle and complex communication methods. As a cat owner, learning to interpret your feline friend’s body language can significantly enhance your relationship and help you better care for their needs. As a cattery, we’ve developed this guide to help you decipher the various signals your cat may be sending through their posture, tail, ears, eyes, and vocalisations.
The Importance of Context
When interpreting cat body language, it’s crucial to consider the entire situation. A single gesture or posture can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, a raised tail usually indicates a friendly greeting, but combined with other signs, it might suggest agitation or fear.
A Guide to Cat Emotions and Their Associated Body Language Cues
Content and Relaxed
When your cat is feeling happy and at ease, you might observe their tail held high with a slight curve at the tip, indicating confidence and contentment. Their ears will be forward and slightly to the side, showing relaxation and curiosity. Slow blinking, often called “cat kisses,” demonstrates trust and affection, while a relaxed, loose body posture signifies comfort. Gentle purring is another common sign of contentment, though it’s important to consider the context, as cats might also purr when they’re stressed or in pain. Additionally, kneading with their paws is a behaviour rooted in kittenhood that indicates safety and security.
Tail held high with a slight curve at the tip
Ears forward and slightly to the side
Slow blinking (often called “cat kisses”)
Relaxed, loose body posture
Gentle purring
Kneading with their paws
Friendly and Affectionate
A cat seeking interaction or showing affection may display a tail straight up with a slight hook at the end, resembling a question mark, often indicating friendliness and approachability. They might rub against you or objects, marking their territory with scent while bonding with you. Gentle head-butting, also known as “bunting,” is a sign of trust and affection, and purring combined with other friendly behaviours signals happiness. Presenting their belly can indicate trust, though it isn’t always an invitation for belly rubs, as some cats may become defensive if their belly is touched.
Tail straight up with a slight hook at the end (like a question mark)
Rubbing against you or objects
Gentle head-butting
Purring combined with other friendly behaviours
Presenting their belly (though this isn’t always an invitation for belly rubs)
Alert and Curious
When something catches your cat’s attention, their ears will be swivelling and pointed forward, showing they are alert and trying to catch sounds from the environment. Their whiskers will be pointed forward, indicating curiosity and interest in something specific. Eyes wide open with normal-sized pupils demonstrate focus without alarm, and a tail held horizontally or slightly raised reflects a curious and relaxed state.
Ears swivelling and pointed forward
Whiskers pointed forward
Eyes wide open with normal-sized pupils
Tail held horizontally or slightly raised
Anxious or Fearful
There are several signs that your cat is feeling stressed or scared. Crouching low to the ground is a posture that indicates the cat is trying to make itself smaller and appear less threatening. Their ears will be flattened against the head, suggesting fear or a sense of being threatened. Dilated pupils are a common sign of fear or anxiety, especially when combined with flattened ears and a crouched posture. A tail tucked or held close to the body signifies fear and a desire to retreat or hide. Cats often hide or seek high places when they’re anxious to feel safe and observe their surroundings from a secure vantage point. Excessive grooming or over-grooming can be a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. These behaviours indicate that your cat could feel anxious or fearful.
Crouching low to the ground
Ears flattened against the head
Dilated pupils
Tail tucked or held close to the body
Hiding or seeking high places
Excessive grooming or over-grooming
Agitated or Annoyed
If your cat is becoming irritated, you might notice their tail swishing back and forth, a sign of annoyance or frustration. Their ears will turn sideways or back, indicating they are on edge and may not welcome interaction. Narrowed pupils can also suggest annoyance or aggression, often paired with a tense body posture. Low growling or hissing are vocalisations that clearly signal annoyance or feeling threatened, and skin twitching, especially along the back, can be a sign of agitation or overstimulation.
Tail swishing back and forth
Ears turned sideways or back
Narrow pupils
Low growling or hissing
Skin twitching, especially along the back
Aggressive or Defensive
When cats feel threatened and may become aggressive, they often exhibit an arched back with fur standing on end, making them appear larger and more intimidating. Their tail will be puffed up, indicating fear or readiness to defend themselves, and their ears flattened against the head to protect their ears in a fight. Dilated pupils suggest heightened alertness, preparing for a possible confrontation. Vocal warnings, such as hissing, growling, or yowling, signify that the cat feels threatened and may attack if provoked. Additionally, a direct, intense stare is a challenge or warning to back off.
Arched back with fur standing on end
Tail puffed up
Ears flattened against the head
Dilated pupils
Hissing, growling, or yowling
Direct, intense stare
Playful
A cat in a playful mood might exhibit ears pointed forward, showing they are engaged and interested in play. Their tail will be straight up or gently swishing, indicating excitement and readiness to pounce or chase. A crouching posture, preparing to pounce, shows they are ready to engage in play, while dilated pupils indicate excitement and anticipation. Playful vocalisations, such as chirps or trills, are also common when cats are in a playful mood.
Ears pointed forward
Tail straight up or gently swishing
Crouching posture (preparing to pounce)
Dilated pupils (from excitement)
Playful vocalisations (chirps or trills)
In Pain or Unwell
While cats often try to hide illness, some signs that your cat might be in pain include a hunched posture, indicating discomfort or pain, especially if the cat is reluctant to move. Squinted eyes can also be a sign of pain or discomfort, often accompanied by a lack of appetite. Ears held flat or to the side can indicate discomfort or feeling unwell, and changes in vocalisation, either more or less than usual, can signal that something is wrong. Changes in eating or litter box habits, such as reduced appetite or altered litter box usage, can also indicate health issues that should be addressed by a veterinarian.
Hunched posture
Squinted eyes
Ears held flat or to the side
Changes in vocalisation (more or less than usual)
Changes in eating or litter box habits
Respecting Your Cat’s Communication
Once you’ve learned to interpret your cat’s body language, it’s important to respect what they’re telling you. If your cat shows signs of discomfort or stress, give them space and avoid forcing interactions. Conversely, when your cat displays friendly body language, reciprocate with gentle attention and affection.
Practical Tips for Better Understanding
Observing Your Cat’s Behaviour: Spend time watching your cat in various situations to get a better understanding of their unique body language. Note how they react to different stimuli and interactions.
Learning from Multiple Cats: If you have more than one cat, observe the differences and similarities in their body language. Each cat is an individual, and their communication methods can vary.
Consulting Resources: There are many books, websites, and videos dedicated to understanding cat behaviour. Use these resources to deepen your knowledge and improve your ability to interpret your cat’s signals.
Seeking Professional Help: If you’re struggling to understand your cat’s behaviour or if they exhibit persistent signs of stress, consider consulting a veterinarian or a cat behaviourist for professional advice.
Understanding your cat’s body language takes time and practice, but it’s a valuable skill that can greatly improve your relationship with your feline companion. By paying attention to these subtle cues, you’ll be better equipped to meet your cat’s needs and ensure their happiness and well-being.
FAQs
Why does my cat’s tail puff up?
A: A puffed-up tail often indicates fear or aggression. Your cat is trying to appear larger and more intimidating to potential threats.
What does it mean when my cat slow blinks at me?
A: Slow blinking, or “cat kisses,” is a sign of trust and affection. Your cat is showing that they feel safe and comfortable around you.
Why does my cat swish their tail back and forth?
A: Tail swishing can signal frustration or impending aggression. It’s a sign that your cat is annoyed or focused on something.
How can I tell if my cat is stressed?
A: Signs of stress in cats include excessive grooming, hiding more than usual, changes in eating or litter box habits, and increased vocalisation. Monitor your cat’s behaviour for these indicators.
What should I do if my cat hisses or growls?
A: Hissing or growling are clear signs that your cat feels threatened. Give them space and avoid forcing interactions until they feel more comfortable.
How can I improve my understanding of my cat’s body language?
A: Spend time observing your cat, learn from multiple cats, consult resources, and seek professional help if needed. Practice and patience are key to understanding your cat’s communication.
By taking the time to understand and respect your cat’s body language, you can build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your feline friend. Remember, every cat is unique, and learning to interpret their signals will help you provide the best care possible.