When approaching a cattery there are some fundamentals that need taking care of straight away. Arrange a visit to the cattery to check the facilities are clean and tidy and that there is ample exercise room for your cat. Speak to the staff, are they knowledgeable? Do they appear like genuine cat lovers? Are they approachable?

Check for availability. It is always a good idea to start looking for your cat's accommodation well in advance to ensure you can book the cattery that YOU decide you would like to use rather than the only cattery that has a vacancy. Catteries can get very full especially around holiday time. Ask your cat owning friends about where they leave their pets when they are away. Catteries should be licensed by the local authority. You may ask to see the license and the cattery manager should have no problem in showing it to you. If in any doubt about the license, a quick call to the environmental health organisation in your area and you will be able to validate any cattery.

It is often a good idea to draw up a shortlist of local catteries and arrange to visit each one on the same day. You can then get a feel for each, have a good look at their individual good and bad points and make a decision based on the cattery that stands out. Don't ever expect to simply turn up at a boarding establishment and be given a grand tour at the drop of a hat. These places are often very busy at certain times of the day with feeding and cleaning. It should not reflect badly on any cattery that won't allow you an instant inspection, however don't even consider any that will not allow you a pre-arranged viewing.

When you leave your cat you SHOULD be asked for an up to date vaccination certificate. This is a good sign, don't even consider leaving your cat at a place that does not demand a certificate. You will also need to make arrangements about feeding. Does the cattery provide the food or do you? It is often helpful for the cattery staff if you note down any feeding habits or general welfare information about your cat prior to leaving them there. If your cat is taking any medication always make sure the staff are aware of this and that you leave your cat with enough to last the entire duration of their stay.
Depending on your cat's preferences you can choose an indoor or outdoor cattery. Some catteries have both facilities and will happily cater for outdoor or indoor loving cats. Always be aware that with indoor catteries, disease can be spread easily. Check to see that any units are spotless and disinfected. Cats from different families should NOT be allowed contact with each other at any time during their stay at a cattery.

A lot of cat owners will take the step of boarding their cat in a particular cattery for a day or two before they actually go away. This can give many owners great peace of mind before the leave and will also be a short enough stay for the cat to get used to the experience. If choosing a cattery for the first time or introducing a young cat to a boarding regime, leaving him or her for a couple of days can be great preparation for a longer stay in the near future.

Never, ever leave your cat if you are not 100% satisfied with the premises, staff or any aspect of the cattery. Only settle for the best. You will have a much greater trip if you are safe in the knowledge that your cat is being well looked after.

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