One question I often receive from new potential customers is ‘Can I get a discount at The Great Catsby?’ This is always an uncomfortable one for me to answer. Yes, I am aware I am more expensive than everywhere else you’ve probably looked but I believe I provide high-quality care and accommodation so that you and your cat can both enjoy your holidays without worrying.
If you are asking about discounts in general then ‘Yes I do give a discount at The Great Catsby’. I give discounts to my customers. To those who value what I offer and to those who want their cats to be happy. Read on and I’ll tell you all about how you can get a discount.
Do new customers receive a discount?
No, currently there are no offers or discounts for new customers at The Great Catsby.
Leaving your cat for the first time is a worry, and I try to make things easy as possible for new customers. I send out a series of emails to new customers before they arrive for the first time. The emails include information about what to bring, what to expect, how to access your daily updates and more.
As soon as your cat arrives, for the first time, I spend lots of time with them. I actually spend lots of time with all the cats in my care but more so for new arrivals.
The first time can be daunting for cats, they are in a new environment and the people they love and trust aren’t there anymore. However, by spending quality time with them, understanding their body language and meeting their needs I am able to slowly gain their trust.
Once we’ve got to know each other, your cat will slowly gain confidence and their little personalities will shine through.
Most customers bring their cats and tell me ‘my cat doesn’t really like people’ or ‘she will only come to me’. This means I have to work extra hard, using my skills and knowledge to make sure your cat is happy and content whilst your away. An unhappy cat doesn’t bear thinking about. Not only could it cause health issues if your cat is stressed but it would also return home resenting you for leaving him.
I do and have always done what I would want someone to do for my cats if I was away. It’s never easy leaving them but knowing that they are being showered with affection and attention, and loving every minute makes it easier for you to enjoy your holiday.
Due to the extra time I spend before and during a new cat stay I am unable to offer any discount at The Great Catsby. However, if your cat comes back 9 times out of 10 the returning cats settle much quicker, they remember the smells and sounds at The Great Catsby and it’s not as daunting for them. Plus after their first stay, you will receive a loyalty reward card.
What is your loyalty reward scheme?
From 1st November 2019, I’m introducing a new loyalty card. All previous discounts will no longer apply for bookings made from the 1st of November onwards.
You’ll be given a loyalty card with your next stay from November onwards. I am happy to store your card and mark it after each stay or you can keep it and bring it each time.
The reward card enables you to collect points and earn special offers and discounts. There are 12 spaces to earn a total of 60 points. Points will be awarded for each stay, review, or referral. If you collect twenty points you will receive a free gift!! As soon as you reach forty points you are entitled to 10% off your next stay – no matter how long or short! However, the main attraction is when you complete the card and earn sixty points. Reaching sixty points automatically puts you to a VIP level. You will receive a 15% discount on your next booking. PLUS you will be entitled to a discount on every single future booking plus other special surprises!
It is my way to say thank you to those who trust me completely with their babies. I know it’s not easy leaving them, no matter how many times a year you do. But thank you, for your trust, your support and allowing me to be part of your cat’s life.
Do cats get goody bags when they leave?
Not after the 31st of October 2019. Goody bags will only be given to those redeeming their free gift from their loyalty card points.
Since opening, back in May 2017, I have given goody bags filled with toys and treats to all customers. I’ve spent more hours working out who already had what gift and what each cat would like. I tried to do a different selection of toys for each stay. For kittens, older cats, long-haired cats, cats on a diet they all got specially selected items to suit their needs. All that took time away from being with your cat during the day.
For the lovely customers that have a collection of goody bags, you’ll now get a discount as a VIP. Not only would you get a reduction in the cost of your cats’ holiday but the toy mountain doesn’t grow.
For anyone that still wants a goody bag, they will be available to purchase for £12.50 each. Just let me know when you’re booking in that you would like a goody bag to take home.
Did you know that September is officially Happy Cat Month! A whole month dedicated to keeping cats happy. Although, as cat parents every month is happy cat month as we all want to make sure our furbabies are happy. That being said, I’m always looking for other ways to enrich my cats’ lives and keep them happy. Not just my own three house cats but the cats I look after on a daily basis. I’ve discovered reading is a purrfect way to keep our cats happy.
As every new cat arrives at The Great Catsby it’s important for me to build a trusting relationship. For many new arrivals it is scary, not only being away from their humans but they are in a strange new environment. I know that the quicker I can gain their trust and build a bond the quicker the cats will settle. And a settled cat is a happy cat, they are more likely to eat, use the litter tray as normal and return home as the same cat! Not frightened or sulking that they’ve been abandoned.
A lovely WhatsApp message I received from a happy customer.
When I was looking at ways to help cats settle and be happier away from home one idea kept popping up, reading to cats! In America, there is a huge drive on reading to shelter cats, the cats in rescue waiting for a home. I know the cats I look after have amazing families and homes waiting for them at the end of the holiday but I liked the idea of spending quality, uninterrupted time with the cats. I also liked how reading can also help us to relax and unwind. If we are relaxed then the cats would sense this and react accordingly.
I tested the concept and on the anxious new arrivals to see if it would help them to settle and ultimately be happier in their new surroundings.
Tried and Tested
When Mika and Maya were booked in for a short break their owner made it clear that these house cats were very timid, even at home. They would hide when someone came to the house and it took a long time for them to trust people and new surroundings. Even when they first arrived in their new home with the owner it took a great deal of time and patience to help them adjust to their new life. Of course, their owner was extremely worried about leaving them at The Great Catsby. How would they cope away from home? Would they feel lonely and abandoned? Their owner expected all the updates and photographs to show them hiding and upset.
I always say to any anxious owner that I will do whatever it takes to make sure their cat feels comfortable and content whilst they are with me. I love a challenge. Along with my trusted tricks and strategies for dealing with anxious cats, I put my new reading theory to the test. I read to them every day, just for 10 minutes at a time. Over the course of their short stay, they slowly gained confidence and we managed to build a trusting relationship.
When their owner came to collect them they weren’t in any rush to leave, they were happy in the wall beds looking very content and relaxed.
Mika and Maya’s transition from anxious cats to happy and content.
Why should we read to cats?
Reading to cats has shown that it helps to strengthen the human-cat bond. Now, for me, as a potential stranger to your cats, this can only be a good thing. Cats love spending time with us, many crave our attention. Especially house cats that are used to company and having someone around. Taking a few minutes out of our busy days to sit down and relax will have a positive impact on our cats’ lives.
What better way to show that we care than by letting them curl up with us, whilst we get lost in a good book or catch up with the latest gossip in a magazine.
What should we read to cats?
Personally I don’t think it matters whether the cats like to listen to romantic love stories or a cat-filled adventure. By reading anything aloud our cats get to hear our calm soothing voice. When we read we tend to forget everything else around us, the tension in our bodies eases and we go into a more relaxed state.
As long as you’re reading aloud, your cat can hear your voice, then you could read whatever takes your fancy. In today’s fast-paced, constantly-on-the-go busy lives I’ll gladly accept any excuse to switch off, have a mini digital detox and unwind with a cat or two!
How do you read to a cat?
It’s really not that difficult to read to a cat. My children regularly read to our cats. My youngest likes to show pictures and make up his own stories. Whilst my eldest my child, although reluctant to read in front of me will happily read to our cats. The benefits of reading to a cat mean that it won’t be judgemental or correct you if you make a mistake.
Find a comfy spot, a favourite chair or somewhere quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the busy family life.
Curl up, grab a cushion or blanket if you want to be all Hygge about it.
Create a space where your cat can join you, either on your knee or next to you.
Pick something to read – a book (it doesn’t have to be about cats), Hello magazine, school newsletter, a trending cook book whatever you fancy.
Start reading aloud. It will seem funny and unnatural at first but no one is listening to what you’re saying including your cat! Your cat doesn’t care if you miss out the odd word or can’t pronounce a word like hygge (hue-guh in case you were wondering!).
Enjoy the time with your cat.
Reading At The Great Catsby
If you would like your cat to have extra one-to-one time during their holiday I do offer additional bedtime treat packages. This 20-minute session is a chance for your cat to spend some extra time with me on top of my daily visits. This additional session is for me to read to your cats, not clean the room or feed them. Just an uninterrupted, peaceful 20 mins where I curl up with them and read.
This bedtime treat session helps the cats to settle quicker and gives the cats more quality time with me. Along with reading to your cat I also include some bedtime treats and snacks of Dreamies, Webbox sticks and Lick-e-lix. 100% natural Thrive treats are available for cats that prefer a healthier option. This add on is charged at £5 per session and can be added at any time during their holiday. Send me a message if you want to add it onto your booking.
Last December was the first time, in a long time, that we managed to have a family holiday. And last week we did it all over again! We packed our suitcases and headed off for some quality family time in the sun. That’s right, we had a holiday! As the holiday was getting closer everyone one had one question for me, ‘What do you do with your cats when you go away?’ Well, it’s simple really…there’s only one place I’d put them! The Great Catsby of course.
I closed up the day before and gave the building a good clean after the last guests had left. I took my 3 girls, Lola, Trixie, and Nala down to the cat hotel. As they’re housecats, they each go down in a carrier. I would hate to lose one on the walk down the garden. Luckily my parents were on hand and they came to look after them.
Why I wouldn’t leave my cats in the house alone
There are several reasons why I couldn’t let my parents or a pet sitter come to the house daily to look after them. For me, with them being house cats I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if one of them tried to escape. As house cats, Nala and Trixie aren’t used to the big wide world, they don’t venture into the garden. Having lost a cat (Tigger) to the road, many years ago I don’t want to go through that pain again with any of my babies. For me, having someone come to the house a couple of times a day is too risky. Nala is the master escaper, not only do we know how to stop her from escaping in the first place. But we can catch and handle her, at over 8kg she’s not an easy cat to handle, especially if you don’t know her. Being in the Great Catsby gives me complete reassurance that they are safe, there’s no risk of them going anywhere.
Lola on her holiday at The Great Catsby Cat Hotel
As Lola is a typical Bengal she is prone to some behavioral issues (or temper tantrums) especially when she doesn’t get her own way. Over the years I’ve become accustomed to her triggers and can recognise the warning signs before anything arises. Since the passing of her best friend and companion, Lewis, she hasn’t been so keen on sharing the litter tray. If she’s the first to use it then it’s all good. But if Nala or Trixie even steps foot in a litter tray then we have a problem. Regardless of how many litter trays are in the house, there is never one just clean enough for her. In order to keep the peace, and not cause her unnecessary stress, I let her out for the loo. Trying to keep one litter tray for her sole use in a multi-cat household is impossible! If anyone has managed it please tell me your secret, I need to know the magic you used.
After 10 years of being a house cat (and my shadow), Lola is really good outside. She doesn’t wander off, she goes to the loo and comes straight back. Unless there are people there, then she wants attention! This is the main reason why we wouldn’t have a pet sitter, or even my mum, come to look after them in the house. Lola would use the sofa (or worse) as her toilet as she wouldn’t use the tray in protest! Being in her own room with her own litter tray is the safest option all around. I get an unspoiled house and she gets her own ensuite!
Almost bedtime for Trixie at The Great Catsby
As well as the carnage from Lola, Nala and Trixie need human contact (don’t they all?). They’re used to living in a busy home with my boys running around. Someone is always here. To suddenly leave them in an empty house would confuse them. For them, being in the Great Catsby not only means that they get regular daily visits and cuddles from my mum but also the neighbour. Our next door neighbour likes to look after the koi in the pond. He pops round twice a day to feed the fish. He loves making a fuss of them whilst they’re out on the balcony noseying at what he’s doing. I know I couldn’t replicate that enrichment if they were home alone.
Nala enjoying cuddles at The Great Catsby
As much as I hate the thought of leaving them, knowing that they’re all safe and happy is a huge relief. My lovely mum sends me updates so I get to see them too which is amazing…now I know how you all feel when you get my updates!
Deciding to go away is fun but the thought of leaving your cat isn’t. Who will look after them whilst I’m away? Will they miss me? Will they hate me for leaving them? These were just some of the questions I had when I first decided to go on holiday and leave my baby, Lola.
I was heartbroken. Not just because I was leaving her with a stranger but because I knew how much attention she was used to. After getting a couple of recommendations and looking online to see what was available, I found a cattery and booked her in. It wasn’t until I dropped her off that I finally saw where she was staying. I left her in her little pen and walked out in tears. I spent 10 minutes crying in the car before driving off.
When the day finally arrived to collect her I was over the moon. I’d only actually left her for 3 nights but it felt like two weeks. As soon as I saw her I knew I shouldn’t have left her. Cowering in her bed, I left her with, I had to lift out her weak shaking body. She stunk of wee, she clearly hadn’t eaten either by the look of her thin body. I was mortified. My confident little girl had been abandoned and it was all my fault.
My biggest regret for leaving Lola was not going and visiting the cattery before booking her in. If I knew where she was staying, I wouldn’t have left her. I would have done more research to find somewhere suitable for mine and Lolas needs. If only I had spoken to the owner beforehand and told her what Lola was like, she is my shadow, she craves attention and affection. Maybe she would have taken her time to help Lola adjust, and then she would have eaten. But maybe if I didn’t experience that I wouldn’t have created The Great Catsby!
I wasn’t a crazy cat lady, just a worried cat mum
After listening to other peoples worries and fears about leaving their cats I realised I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t the crazy cat lady every one thought I was, there were others who also wanted the best for their babies. When planning The Great Catsby I wanted to create somewhere I would want to leave my own cats. Somewhere I could trust that they would be looked after just like they would at home. And being house cats I wanted somewhere safe and warm, where they had space to move and play. Finally, in May 2017 The Great Catsby Cat Hotel was born.
Happy birthday to The Great Catsby!!!
This year marks our second birthday. Over the last two years, I have had the pleasure of looking after hundreds of precious babies. Each with their own special personalities. My lovely customers were all once like me, worried about leaving their cats. If you don’t believe me check out their feedback on my website, facebook page and Find Pet Boarding. I have lucky enough to have appeared in the local newspaper and a national newspaper (on the 2nd page too)!!
To celebrate our birthday I’d love to invite you to an open day. You can drop in, have a nosey and a chat about your cat…I love talking about cats!!! Normally I ask that visits are by appointment only, I have cats coming and going throughout the days plus my own family to manage. However, on Saturday 11th May 2019 12-2pm my doors will be open for visitors. Just click on the link if you’re interested in coming along. If you can’t make the open day then just drop me a message with your preferred times. I’ll check the diary and get back to you.
Don’t make the same mistakes I made. Visit a number of catteries and cat hotels before you decide where to leave your cat. Look at the websites or Facebook pages, ask for recommendations. Go and see the places for yourself, pictures don’t always show everything you need to see. If you feel happy whilst you’re there then the chances are your cat would be happy too!
Want more information? Take a look at at these posts
Going away and leaving your cat is never easy, especially if you’ve never left them before. Whether you’re leaving them for a couple of days, a two week holiday or longer term it can be heartbreaking.
When Julie and her partner had the opportunity to visit relatives on the other side of the world they knew they needed to find someone to look after their beloved cat, Megan. Megan lived a happy life, Julie and her partner were retired and able to give her their undivided attention. Julie adopted Megan as a kitten and they had shared their lives together for almost two years.
When it came to the thought of leaving Megan, Julie was distraught. She wasn’t sure who she could trust with her precious fur baby, she didn’t know how Megan would cope being away from them. And she wasn’t sure she would be able to enjoy her once in a lifetime trip around the world knowing she couldn’t be with Megan.
Have a trial stay
Julie contacted me about 10 months prior to her big trip, upset at the thought of leaving Megan, she looked around various cat boarding facilities. She did her research, knowing what she wanted for Megan, and booked a short break at The Great Catsby for Megan. This would be the test, for her and Megan.
Having never been away from each other before, Megan arrived wary and nervous about her new surroundings. Julie was visibly upset, unsure she’d done the right thing. As soon as Julie left I went straight into Megan’s room to start building a relationship. Over the days I gradually built up trust with Megan and she grew with confidence each day. I sent Julie pictures and updates every day so she could see how Megan was getting on. By the time Megan was due to leave, she was a different cat to when she arrived. She was snuggled up in bed and in no rush to go home. Before Julie left, she made arrangements for Megan to stay at The Great Catsby during their month-long trip in 7 months time.
Longer holidays for cats
When Megan arrived for her long holiday, Julie was upset but not as much as the first visit, ‘I don’t want to leave her but I know you’ll look after her for me.’ Megan came out of her carrier immediately, there was no hiding or anxiousness. She wasn’t phased by her new surroundings, maybe she had picked up on Julie’s calmness this time or maybe she remembered her last stay and knew what to expect.
Over the month I spent lots of time with Megan. All cats physical and mental health is important, however even more so when they are staying long term. Keeping Megan happy, active and stimulated was my priority. A bored cat or one that lacks interaction can quickly deteriorate health wise.
Along with the hours spent as a companion for Megan I also regularly introduced selection activities, games and toys to keep her engaged. We had daily grooming sessions and bonded over treats left by Julie. I even weighed her on a weekly basis to make sure she wasn’t losing any weight. As usual, Julie received daily picture updates and videos through the private members area so she could see how much Megan was enjoying her holiday.
When Julie arrived back after her month long trip she said the best part of her holiday was receiving the updates, seeing Megan so happy made her feel so relaxed.
Top tips for leaving your cat for the first time
Leaving your cat can be daunting however it is possible to leave your cat and enjoy your break without feeling too guilty.
Do your research
Visit a selection of catteries and cat hotels and get a feel for them. There are huge differences in boarding facilities. All licensed boarders are inspected by the local authority and deemed fit for purpose against a set of standards but getting recommendations, reading reviews and seeing somewhere for yourself will give you a better understanding of what you and your cat need. Here’s a handy list of questions to ask when visiting catteries.
Book a short stay
If you are planning a long trip away and your cat has never been away from you before then a few days away might help. As cats are all different and take time to adjust to changes in their environment I would always recommend that a cat stays for a least four days if they’ve never been away before. Often nervous and anxious cats take longer to settle and are reluctant to eat for the first 24 hours. If they only stay for 2 days then it’s less likely that they’ve had time to adjust. The more time they have the better it is for your cat, they will get back into their usual feeding and toileting routine, they can learn to trust their new carer and they become less stressed.
Minimise stress at home
If you’re preparing and packing from a holiday then you’re probably making changes to your cats usual home environment. The suitcase is out, which to a cat looks a great new sleeping spot that doesn’t have their scent on. To us it looks like the cats in the way, getting fur on our clothes or ‘wants us to stay and pack them in our suitcase’. Either way, cats can pick up on these changes and increased stress levels so they know something isn’t right. If you are packing whilst your cat is at home do it in a separate room from them or pack after your cat has started their holiday. If they leave the house when everything is calm and normal then they won’t suspect a thing.
Get a suitable carrier
The carriers are a bit like suitcases, they only usually come out of hiding when something is about to happen. A few weeks before your cat’s holiday check your carrier is in good working order. Do they fit in? Are the doors secure? If you need to replace it then do it before your holiday. Leave the carrier out and available, the more your cat is used to it or uses it as a bed then the happier they will be when it comes to using it.
Health check
Make sure your cat is vaccinated and up to date with worming and flea treatments. As a condition of a cat boarding license, all cats must be up to date with their vaccinations and boosters. Since the introduction of the new animal licensing regulations, cats must also be up to date with their regular flea and worm treatments. On arrival at any cattery or cat hotel, they will want to see evidence and record details.
Diet
All catteries work differently in terms of the food they supply. Some won’t provide any, others will have a selection of food to give your cat. Before you arrive to check what food they will give your cat, here at The Great Catsby I prefer to stick to the cats’ usual diet in order to reduce any further stress or changes. However, most boarding facilities don’t supply vet prescribed food for medical conditions. If your cat is on a special diet or food you will need to provide enough for the duration of their stay.
Whether you’re leaving your furbabies for the first time or the tenth time, going away is never easy!!! Holidays should be exciting but not when you’re worried about leaving your cat. My aim is to make sure your cats holiday is a relaxed, stress-free and enjoyable experience for you both. Having my own 3 furbabies I know how I would want them looking and I look after your furbabies as if they were my own.
Preparing for your cats holiday
Before you and your cat arrive for their holiday, make sure you have:
An up to date vaccination certificate. I need to see and record details of the last vaccination, within the last 11 months of arrival, as part of my license conditions.
Regular flea and worming treatments. Make sure your cat is up to date with treatments, again it’s part of my license conditions.
A suitable cat carrier. Before you put your cat in the carrier make sure it’s in good working order and a suitable size for your cat or cats.
Shared information. Tell me all about your cat, their behaviours, routines, and feeding preferences, the more I know the easier it is for your cat to settle. You can write it out or include it in their online account.
Arriving for your cats holiday
When you arrive I will show you to your room and let you settle your cat. The room will be prepared, ready for your cats holiday. Depending on the weather, the radiator may be on so that the room is warm. A Pet Remedy diffuser is always plugged, this creates a subtle, natural, calming scent that your cat will pick up on. The window to the balcony will be shut, this is to eliminate any further stress from outside noises. I will be on hand but it’s usually better for you to open your cats’ carrier.
Be prepared for your cat to stay in the carrier. Although it may be worrying it is perfectly normal for them to initially hide. I’ve realised, from experience, that there are generally 3 types of cats that arrive:
The Confident Explorer Cat
These cats aren’t phased by a change of scenery, car journey or a new environment at all. As soon as put them in their room and open the carrier door they already own the place! They usually have a little wander around and look at what’s on offer. They may even jump up on the window ledge or a shelf to make sure it’s up to their standard.
The Quietly Curious Cat
These cats are keen to have a little peep but usually from the safety of their carrier. When you arrive, give them a little space. Let them come out of the carrier in their own time. Usually within five minutes or so they’ll be out having a little look around their room, albeit a little sheepishly, but they will want to see what’s on offer.
The ‘I’m-not-here’ Timid Cat
Even if your cat isn’t usually shy at home a change of scenery can be a lot to take in all at once. These cats usually refuse to leave their carrier, even with a gentle nudge. They often curl up in a small ball and do their best to ignore every treat, sound and bit of catnip shown to them. It usually take around 24 hours to adjust to their new surroundings but once they do, they are just as confident as the rest.
Leaving a cat in their carrier is obviously a concern, especially, when it’s a battle getting them in the carrier in the first place! It is upsetting seeing your baby hiding, I know I have been there myself with my own, it’s never easy walking away from them. Leaving them to come around on their own terms is the best way. Pushing a timid cat out of its carrier will only cause further stress to you and your cat. Your cat feels safe in their carrier, its familiar to them. They always take less time to adjust if they are left to to their own device.
During Your Cats Holiday
Some cats will take a day or two to adjust to their new environment but usually, during the night they will be out and about exploring. I often spend lots of time sitting with the cats, so they get used to me. By the morning, I often find them up on a wall bed or shelf. I like to keep a close eye on all the cats in my care to make sure they are happy and healthy. Toileting and feeding behaviours are monitored daily, as this can be an important sign of an unsettled cat. I also send updates every day, to all the cat parents. This helps you see how they are getting on and the progress we’re making every day. If you’re on social media I might post a video too!
By the time the holiday comes to an end, they usually don’t want to leave. Trying to move an uncooperative cat from its bed is a common sight. Most returning customers comment on how confident their cats are when they arrive for a second or third (and so on) holiday. Cats have great memories, they are quick to jump back into their favourite sleeping spots.
I’d love to hear more about your experiences if you’ve already been to The Great Catsby Cat Hotel. If you’re gearing up ready for their very first cat holiday here, how are you feeling? Let me know in the comments as you may help others who feel the same way.
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