Getting your cat ready for their very first cattery stay can feel like a big step – for both of you! If you’re anything like most of the owners we meet here at Catnappery, you want your cat to feel safe, happy, and totally at ease while you’re away. Do you want to hear the good news? With a little preparation, their first stay can be a really positive experience.
To help you feel fully prepared, we’ve put together a gentle, easy-to-follow guide. Make yourself a cuppa, settle in, and enjoy the read.
1. Make Sure Vaccinations Are Up To Date
Before any stay, your cat will need to have their vaccinations up to date. It’s a quick check that keeps everyone safe and healthy. Just ask your vet for an updated vaccination card. You’ll need it when you drop your cat off.
2. Let Them Get Used To Their Carrier
Most cats only see their carrier when it’s time for the vet, so of course, they’re not keen on it. After all, we wouldn’t be big fans of cars either if every journey took us straight to the doctor!
Therefore, a week or two before their stay:
- Leave the carrier somewhere cosy
- Pop a blanket or a few treats inside
- Let them explore it in their own time
This little step can make the journey to the cattery so much smoother for your cat and also for you.
3. Stick To Their Usual Routine
Cats love predictability. In the days leading up to their stay, try to keep everything as normal as possible. This means the same feeding times, the same sleeping spots, same playtime.
A steady routine will help them to feel settled and confident before boarding.
4. Pack A Few Home Comforts
A favourite blanket, that toy they always carry around, or even their usual bed. Familiar things can help your cat settle quickly once they arrive. A bit of “home” smell goes a long way when your cat is exploring a new space.
5. Share Any Dietary Or Medical Needs
If your cat has a specific diet, medication, or little quirks around feeding, just let the cattery know beforehand. Most places (including us!) are more than happy to follow your routine, so your cat doesn’t feel out of sync.
6. Keep Drop-Off Day Calm
On the day itself, the best thing you can do is stay relaxed. Cats pick up on our energy, so keeping things gentle and low-stress helps them feel more at ease, too. So let’s keep it simple. A few calm cuddles, a soft goodbye – and that’s it.
7. Choose A Cattery You Feel Comfortable With
Your cat’s first stay will feel much easier when you’re confident about where they’re going. A good cattery will be clean, secure, peaceful, and happy to answer any questions.
Catnappery welcomes cats from Pontypridd, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, Pontyclun and Bridgend. We always welcome any customers for a chat if you’d like to know how things work.
8. Don't Be Afraid To Ask Your Cattery Questions
Whether it’s feeding, daily routines, or how often your cat will be checked, there’s no such thing as a silly question. Asking helps you relax – and once you feel calm, your cat will too.
A Friendly Feline Reminder Before Your Cattery Stay
Your cat’s first cattery stay is a new experience, but with a bit of preparation and lots of reassurance, most cats settle far quicker than you’d expect. And once they realise they’re safe, warm, and cared for, many of them genuinely enjoy the extra attention!
If you’re looking for a friendly, peaceful cattery in Pontypridd or the surrounding areas, Catnappery is always happy to help and to give your cat a cosy home-from-home. Contact our expert team today and we’ll be happy to offer advice or answer any questions.
Contact Catnappery For Luxury Cat Boarding Stays
Book a luxury cat boarding destination holiday for your cat today by getting in touch with our friendly team now.
