What you need to know about a cattery?

Finding a reliable cattery in Epsom can be challenging. You should start looking for a cattery much before you need it, as it may take some time to find a suitable one. Also, the popular catteries like Star Boarding Kennels get booked up well in advance, especially during the holiday season.

You can't beat the personal recommendations and referrals, so first ask friends, family or your vet. We recommend that you must visit a cattery in advance - a well-run cattery will be happy to show you around.

What to look for?

There should be ample ventilation to ensure that there are no air-borne diseases are spread among the cats. Depending on your cat's habits, enquire if a cattery has an indoor or outdoor area for the cats to run around.

• Check if the cattery has a working smoke detector and/or heat sensor.

• While visiting the cattery, take a look at the other cats. Do they look happy and content?

• Check for basic cleanliness of the units, and litter trays and feeding bowls for the cats.

• Talk to the owner to learn how they will take care of your cat.

• All licensed catteries should insist on seeing a current vaccination card, showing recent vaccinations against cat enteritis and flu. If they do not, choose some other cattery as it could mean that your cat will be exposed to infectious diseases from other pets.

• Find out precisely what the price covers – administering drugs or grooming long-haired cats may cost more.

Accommodation

The individual cat accommodation should be a good size. It should offer a sleeping area and a separate, individual running area. Two cats should never share this individual space unless they are from the same house. It should be clean, warm, and secure, with lots of natural light and with an interesting view to keep your cat stimulated.

Feeding

You should inform the cattery of any special dietary needs that your cat has. A good cattery in Epsom should adhere to your cat's regular feeding habits.

 

Medical Issues / Illnesses

All cats should be vaccinated against both cat flu and enteritis at the time of boarding at a cattery. Before leaving for your holiday, check if your cat has been vaccinated against those diseases before hand. You must get your pet vaccinated at least five weeks before leaving them at the cattery. After the initial vaccinations, your cat should get booster injections once a year, at least one week before boarding.