Your Guide to Selecting the Best Boarding Cattery for Your Feline Friend
As loving cat owners ourselves, ensuring the safety and happiness of our feline friends while away is of utmost importance. When searching for a boarding cattery it’s crucial to choose a facility that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. That’s why Cherrybrook Vet offer not just an excellent boarding facility for your pet, but can also provide some great tips if you’re looking at all the options.
This guide offers 5 practical tips for selecting the best boarding cattery, ensuring peace of mind during your cat’s stay. Whether it’s a short trip or a longer holiday, a trusted cattery can provide the care and environment your cat deserves.
1. Research Your Local Boarding Cattery Options
To begin your search for the best boarding cattery, start by exploring local options. Utilise search engines to look up “cat boarding kennels near me,” or “boarding cattery near me”, which will provide you with a list of nearby facilities. Take advantage of online reviews, local social groups and local directories to gauge the reputation of each option. Customer reviews are particularly valuable as they can offer firsthand insights into the quality of care and services provided by the cattery. Keep an eye out for recurring positive comments, which can indicate a reliable and high-quality establishment.
Beyond online resources, consider seeking recommendations from people you trust. Friends, family, or neighbours who are fellow cat owners can be excellent sources of information. They may have personal experiences with a local boarding cattery that can guide you in your decision-making process. Additionally, your local veterinarian is a highly credible resource. Vets, such as Cherrybrook Vet Hospital, often have professional relationships with boarding facilities and can provide trustworthy recommendations based on their knowledge of your cat’s specific needs.
As you compile your list of potential boarding catteries, make note of those that stand out due to their strong reputations and positive feedback. Look into each facility’s website, if available, to gather more detailed information about their services, amenities, and policies. Some catteries may offer virtual tours or photo galleries that give you a better sense of their environment. We’ve written an article about our facilities and what we can offer for your cat or kitten, and you might find it helpful.
Our boarding cattery is part of our vet surgery, and holds NSW accreditations. Compliance with industry standards, such as the NSW Companion Animal Code of Practice 5, can be good indicators of a facility’s commitment to high-quality care. These affiliations require adherence to strict guidelines so provide added peace of mind.
By investing time in this initial research phase, you’ll be better equipped to identify reputable catteries that align with your expectations and the specific needs of your feline friend.
2. Visit the Boarding Cattery
Visiting potential catteries is an essential part of choosing the right facility for your feline friend. During your visit, take the time to observe the overall environment. Cleanliness is paramount; a spotless facility is a good indicator of the care and attention given to all aspects of the cattery. Look for well-maintained areas where your cat can comfortably rest, play, and explore. Adequate space is crucial; cramped quarters can cause stress and discomfort for your cat. Feel free to give us a call and we can run through what we offer, and arrange a visit to see our facilities.
Safety measures are equally important. Check for secure and well maintiained enclosures that prevent any chance of escape. Enquire about the facility’s emergency protocols – knowing that the cattery has plans in place for any unforeseen events can offer peace of mind. As our cattery is part of our vet practice, help is on hand at all times, so you can rest assured your cat is in the best place possible.
Also, take note of how the staff interact with the resident cats. Friendly, attentive staff who engage positively with the cats are a good sign of a nurturing environment. Our team are, as you can imagine, HUGE animal lovers, so you can be confident that your cat will be receiving a lot of love and attention!
It’s also beneficial to observe the other cats in the facility. Content, relaxed cats are a positive indicator that the cattery provides a comfortable and stress-free environment. On the other hand, if the cats appear anxious or distressed, it might be a red flag. The cats at our facility spend their days relaxing and enjoying looking out at the activities around them.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask the staff questions about their daily routines, feeding schedules, and how they handle specific needs or emergencies. A transparent and informative response is a good sign that the cattery prioritises excellent care and customer satisfaction. Taking these steps will help ensure you choose a cattery where your cat will feel safe, comfortable, and well-cared for.
3. Check Staff Qualifications
The qualifications and experience of the staff at a cattery play an important role in ensuring your cat is well-cared for during their stay. When evaluating a facility, it’s important to consider the credentials of the team looking after your feline friend. Staff members with certifications in animal care or veterinary support can provide a higher standard of care. Our staff’s qualifications include diplomas in vet nursing, animal management and specific training courses from recognised organisations, and demonstrate a commitment to professional development and animal welfare.
Experience is another crucial factor. Staff who have spent years working with cats are likely to be more adept at handling a variety of situations, from administering medication to managing behavioural issues. They can also offer valuable insights and advice based on their extensive experience.
Cherrybrook Vets also invest in continuous professional development for our team to stay up to date with the latest practices in animal care and welfare. This commitment to education ensures that your cat benefits from the most current and effective care techniques.
Don’t hesitate to ask about our staff’s experience with specific cat breeds, especially if your cat has particular needs. Some breeds may require specialised care, and familiarity with these nuances can provide more tailored attention. Furthermore, our knowledgeable staff can recognise early signs of health issues, ensuring prompt and appropriate responses.
Lastly, observe how staff interact with the cats and with you during your visit. Their demeanour and willingness to answer questions can be telling of their passion and dedication. Enthusiastic and compassionate staff often contribute to a more positive and reassuring boarding experience for both you and your cat.
4. Assess Amenities and Services
When evaluating catteries, it’s important to consider the range of amenities and services they offer, as these can greatly enhance your cat’s experience. Look for facilities that provide play areas, allowing your cat to exercise and explore. Playtime is essential for a cat’s mental and physical wellbeing, so a cattery that includes interactive toys and climbing structures is a definite plus.
Climate control is another key feature to consider. A cattery that maintains a comfortable temperature year-round ensures your cat stays cosy or cool, regardless of the weather outside. This is particularly important for older cats or those with health conditions that can be exacerbated by extreme temperatures.
Grooming services can be an added bonus, especially if your cat has a long coat that requires regular maintenance. Regular grooming not only keeps your cat looking their best but also helps in early detection of potential health issues like skin conditions or parasites.
If your cat needs medication, it’s crucial to choose a cattery that offers medication administration services. Make sure the staff are experienced in handling medical needs and are capable of following your cat’s specific care routine accurately. Some facilities even offer bespoke care plans tailored to your cat’s unique requirements, ensuring they receive personalised attention.
Finally, consider if the cattery offers socialisation opportunities, either with other cats or through individual attention from staff. Interaction and mental stimulation is vital for preventing loneliness and boredom, making your cat’s stay more enjoyable. By thoroughly assessing the amenities and services offered, you can ensure your cat has a comfortable, stimulating, and well-cared-for experience.
5. Read the Boarding Cattery’s Policies and Reviews
Understanding the boarding policies of a cattery is vital for ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your cat. Policies regarding cancellations, emergency procedures, and daily care routines should be clearly outlined. Make sure you are comfortable with the facility’s terms and conditions, as this will help avoid any misunderstandings later on.
For instance, it’s important to know what steps the boarding cattery will take in case of a medical emergency. Will they contact your vet, or do they have their own on-call veterinary service? Knowing these details can offer significant peace of mind.
Customer testimonials are another crucial resource when evaluating a cattery. Reading reviews from other cat owners can give you a better understanding of the day-to-day operations and overall atmosphere of the facility. Look for consistent themes in the feedback. Positive reviews often highlight aspects such as the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the environment, and the quality of care provided. These recurring positive comments can be strong indicators of a reliable cattery.
Conversely, be wary of reviews that mention recurring issues or red flags. Consistent complaints about hygiene, staff inattentiveness, or poorly managed facilities should be taken seriously. Sometimes, a single negative review might not be a dealbreaker, but if you notice a pattern, it’s worth considering other options.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask the cattery for references. Speaking directly to previous customers can provide a more personalised account of their experiences. This combination of reviewing policies and gathering first-hand customer feedback will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your cat receives the best possible care.
If you’d like more information on Cherrybrook Vet’s boarding cattery give us a call to speak with one of our experienced team so your cat can enjoy their holiday just as much as you!
If you have any questions, would like to book your cat’s holiday with us, or would like to find out more about Cherrybrook Vet Hospital, feel free to call us on 02 9980 1800 between 8:30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and between 8:30am and 12:30pm on Saturday.