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.
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