Can I book an overnight stay for my cat?

I’ve had the pleasure of looking after hundreds of cats all with different personalities and behavior traits.  Over the last 4 years, one thing that has been clear is the amount of time it takes for cats to adjust to their holiday home.  With this in mind, I made the decision to stop offering overnight stays for cats. As ultimately, it wasn’t in the cats’ best interest.

For your cat, regardless of how confident they are or if they’ve been to other catteries before, it’s all new.  There are new places to explore. New sounds they’re not familiar with. And a new person (me) to get used to.    My absolute favourite part of what I do is getting to know your cat.  

I want to try my cat overnight in a cattery

Having a trial stay in a cattery to see how you and your cat cope is a great idea. You’re on hand should anything go wrong – although it won’t but at least you’ll know that you are there. But having a trial means that you are probably considering a longer stay at some point. And as such it’s even more reason that the trial goes well. So that you and your cat want to come back. This is why overnight doesn’t work for any cat, let alone those wanting to test it out.

Having a cat in the cattery for the first time is very similar to bringing a new cat home.  They might be shy and look for hiding spaces until they feel more confident.  They might not eat for the first day as they are overwhelmed with everything around them.  And they might resort to hissing scratching to warn you to stay away.  But over time those little nervous balls of fluff realise that nothing will hurt them. They are safe in their new environment and they are loved.  I want their first time in a cattery to be memorable for all the right reasons. So that next time they know exactly what to expect.  

For some cats just getting them in a carrier and in the car can be traumatic. They usually only go in a carrier once a year to visit the vets. During the trip to the vets, they’re prodded and poked before being taken back home.  For these cats, the carrier can have a negative effect on their behaviour.  To then leave them in a strange place overnight before whisking them away the next day can be detrimental to their experience. And it goes against everything I aim for at The Great Catsby.

I take my time with each and every cat.  I gain their trust and build a bond so that I can make sure they are happy and content whilst away from home.  From experience and feline behaviour training I can generally work out what’s best for them.  Some need lots of attention and contact. Some need encouragement to feel safe. Others just need space to work things out for themselves. For some, this takes longer than others. But for most cat’s they start to relax and begin to trust me after a couple of days.    

Other catteries offer overnight stays, why doesn’t The Great Catsby?

All catteries are independent.  We all have to follow a certain set of regulations to show that we meet the welfare needs of every cat. But each cattery will run their business as they see best for them. 

The 5 basic welfare needs for cats are:

• A suitable environment
• A suitable diet
• To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• To be housed with, or apart from other animals
• And to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.

I believe that in order to meet the welfare needs of your cat it takes more than an overnight stay.  As mentioned earlier, it may take a day or so before your cat eats – which is perfectly normal and healthy as long as they are weeing!  But I’d feel much happier sending them home on full tummies knowing that they ate as they would at home.  Also hiding, being timid, and anxious is not likely to be a normal behaviour pattern for your cat. But after a couple of days, they will come out of their shell and let their personalities shine.  

Why do you have a 3 day minimum charge?

Because this is the absolute minimum amount of time it takes for cats to adjust. Any shorter, and I wouldn’t be meeting your cats’ needs.  Sometimes it can take 4 or 5 days for cats to settle. However, most tend to start feeling more relaxed by day 2.  The third day gives extra time to consolidate those feelings so that they go home happy.

What if I pay the 3 day minimum charge can I take my cat after the first night?

If it’s your cat’s first time then unfortunately not.  For all the reasons mentioned above, I want your cat to be happy and content whilst they’re away from you. Overnight just isn’t enough time.

However, if your cat is a regular, they are used to me and their surroundings then I may consider it.  But only if I know the cat very well. And I know that just staying one night won’t have a negative impact on them or our relationship.

Will my cat be ok at home overnight?

I know leaving a cat overnight at home might seem more of a worry.  But honestly, for just one night, your home is the best place for your cat.  They know their surroundings and they’ll be pleased to see you the next day.  As opposed to being stressed out with car journeys, a new place and person to contend with all within 24 hours or less. 

As long as your cat has access to fresh water and food then they will be fine.  Leave them a clean bowl of water and enough food to last them before you leave. If your cat normally goes out leave a litter tray in the house for them too. I would also close any cat flaps so they can’t go outside until you’re back.  You can always use puzzle feeders or hide treats and toys around the house to keep them busy.  I wouldn’t recommend leaving your cat home alone for more than one night. Unless you have someone who can check on them throughout the day.  

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