For cats, one of their favourite pastimes is sleeping. They spend several hours a day snoozing and relaxing so one concern I often hear is ‘where will my cat sleep when they stay at The Great Catsby?’ Many cats often in bed sleep with their owners or at least in the same room. So being away from home can be worrying. How will your cat cope without their usually sleepy spot!
Cat’s are amazing, as we all know! And I find they usually adjust to the new sleeping arrangements without any issues. In fact, after a couple of days, they usually find a better sleeping spot.
Where can my cat sleep at The Great Catsby?
At The Great Catsby, I designed each room with a cat’s best interest in mind. I have a selection of beds and sleeping spaces carefully placed to meet their needs.
Every room has two beds attached to the wall. During the lockdown in April 2020 I spent some time updating the rooms. Previously some rooms had a hammock on the wall. But now every room has a snuggly wall bed.
The beds attached to the wall tend to be a big hit with most guests. Not only do they have a comfy spot to lounge around in but they are high up, where they feel safe and can assess the territory below. A cat will gravitate to places that are higher up, it’s a natural instinct and a survival skill. For cats, in the wild, they can spot incoming predators or their next meal scurrying about below them. For domesticated cats, they feel naturally safer higher up, although they won’t find any predators hanging around.
Along with the wall beds, there is also a bed under the window. Depending on the room your cat has it will either have a wooden bed to stretch out on a new luxury sofa (as of April 2020) or a bespoke teepee bed to curl up in.
The teepee beds were specially designed and built for The Great Catsby. Knowing that cats feel secure in small spaces the teepee provides a secure bed to those who like to hide or feel safer enclosed.
A high shelf also provides an extra resting space for those that like a birds-eye view of their surroundings.
If your cat needs any extra spaces then there is always the carrier they came in. I leave their carrier in their room for the whole stay. This provides an additional safe, secure space should your cat need it. Some cats prefer to sleep in their carrier for the first day or so until they find their feet. I don’t mind that they sleep in their carriers, I would prefer them to feel secure in a space they know so that they can build up their confidence.
How will my cats cope at night time?
Although they will be on their own during the night most cats cope well, even those not used to being alone. I spend a lot of time each day with the cats, playing, providing company, keeping them entertained and giving them a loving environment so that they can go to bed at night feeling fulfilled.
Overnight is when most of the cats are active, the more anxious and shy cats tend to come out. I often find little clues in the morning about their overnight antics. If the cats haven’t spotted the beds during the day then chances are they’ll find them at night time.
Can I bring my cat’s bed from home?
Yes of course. You are more than welcome to bring a bed from home. Not only will your cat recognise it as theirs but the bed will also smell of their home and you. Which can offer comfort to those that are a little anxious.
Having said that most of the cats that do bring their own bed tend to sleep in one of the wall beds as soon as they discover them. But there’s plenty of space for you to bring your own.
My cat doesn’t have a bed at home? What should I bring?
Don’t worry if your cat doesn’t have a bed at home. As I mentioned, there are lots of spaces for them to have a comfortable night’s sleep. If you do want to bring something to remind them of home then you can always bring a blanket, a t-shirt or even a cuddly toy.
How do you keep your beds clean?
After a cat has gone home the beds and the room is cleaned thoroughly. Firstly I remove all cat hair. I have a three-step system to get rid of any traces of fur from the previous guests. Once the hair has gone I wash the removable cushions and steam clean the rest of the furniture.
Can my cat get fleas from your beds?
Absolutely not!! In almost three years that I’ve been open, there has never been any fleas. All the cats that stay at The Great Catsby have lovely homes and are well looked after. As part of my license agreement with the local council, I have to check that regular flea and worming treatments are given. No cats have ever come to The Great Catsby with fleas. On top of my stringent checks, I also blast each room every 3 months with a flea spray, as a precaution. As the beds are cleaned and disinfected between use this also helps to maintain a flea-free zone.
So just to clarify your cat will have plenty of space to sleep at The Great Catsby. If you’re still not sure then come and have a look around and see where the other cats are sleeping.
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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