Cattery Must Haves: Items To Pack For Your Cat

The first time taking your cat to a cattery can be nerve-wracking for both you and the cat, but don’t worry, having an itemised to-do list can help ease your anxiety by making sure you’re confident that everything you need to send your cat on its merry way. 

Preparing the necessary supplies for your cat before cat boarding makes the transition much easier and ensures a positive experience. This comprehensive guide will go over everything you need to bring for your pet’s stay at a cattery or pet resort.

Preparing Your Cat for Their Stay

Preparing your cat for a stay at a cat hotel requires precise planning and attention to detail, resulting in a smooth and relaxing transition. Begin by making their carrier a comfortable and welcoming environment. To encourage exploration and rest, leave the carrier open in your home and fill it with a soft blanket or one of your cat’s favourite toys. You want to encourage your cat to explore it, so maybe even hide some treats in the blanket and make it a space your cat wants to chill. Crate/carrier training can help to relieve anxiety when it comes time to travel. To gradually acclimatise your cat to the carrier, take brief walks around the house or to a local park, rewarding them with goodies and praise to foster pleasant associations.

Physically prepare your cat by ensuring that they are up to date on immunisations and have received a recent health check. By doing these steps, you can help your cat feel more at ease and reduce the stress of being away from their usual settings.

Maintain a calm and consistent schedule in the days preceding your stay. Cats are creatures of habit, so keeping to their usual eating, playing, and sleeping routines might help alleviate stress. Introduce any new items you wish to pack, such as a favourite blanket or toy, so they keep the comforting perfume of home.

Cattery Essentials To Pack:

When preparing for your cat’s stay at a cattery, make sure to bring a few necessary items to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. This section will provide thorough advice on the key elements to consider.

Important Documentation

Proper documentation is required for the cattery staff to give the best care for your cat. Here are the crucial documents and information to include.

Photography and Description

To help the cattery staff, please give a recent photo and full description of your cat. This may help them recognise your cat and ensure that it is well-cared for.

Identification

Consider microchipping. Microchipping gives your cat a permanent form of identification that doctors and shelters can scan if it goes missing.

Health Records

Maintain health records, including immunisation and medical history. Most catteries require current vaccinations to protect the health and safety of all animals. Giving a comprehensive medical history, including previous illnesses or surgeries, allows personnel to identify potential issues and provide appropriate treatment.

Medication

When giving your cat medication during their stay, ensure you have enough for the entire stay and follow the precise instructions. Ensure the medication is labelled by the prescribing veterinarian with the cat’s name and dose instructions. It’s also a good idea to give the staff information about the medication’s purpose and any potential side effects so that they can properly monitor your cat’s health.

Emergency Contact Info

Please provide the cattery with your contact information and a designated emergency contact person. This is critical in case the cattery needs to contact someone fast. Make sure your emergency contact is familiar with your cat and can make decisions about their care if you are unavailable. It’s also important to choose someone who lives close to the resort in case of an emergency retrieval.

Special Instructions

Please tell the cattery staff about any specific care instructions, such as feeding schedules and preferences. This helps make your cat’s routine as consistent as possible. For example, if your cat loves a particular brand of litter or has a unique playing schedule, knowing these details may assist the staff in developing a more comfortable environment. 

Comfort Items

Bringing familiar items from home will help your cat feel less anxious and more confident in their new surroundings.

Familiar Bedding

Bring your cat’s favourite blanket or bed to ensure he feels secure and comfortable. The familiar perfume will put them at rest. Cats are creatures of habit, and having their bedding can make a new environment feel more comfortable. Make sure the bedding is clean and preserves its aroma, as this improves comfort.

Favourite toys

Pack your cat’s favourite toys to keep him engaged and relaxed. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are excellent for keeping their minds engaged. Familiar toys can create a sense of continuity while alleviating boredom, which is common in new contexts. Check with the cattery ahead of time to see what items your cat can bring. 

Other Personal Items

Packing personal items familiar to your cat can allow them to keep their habit and comfort level during their visit.

Food and Feeding Supplies

Your usual brand and type of cat food should be packed, as drastic diet changes can upset your cat’s tummy. Include their favourite goodies as a way to express gratitude and make them feel welcome. While catteries typically supply bowls, utilising your cat’s own bowls can improve their comfort. Dietary consistency is essential for avoiding stomach problems, and using familiar dishes can be comforting.

Litter and Litterbox

Some catteries prefer that you bring your cat’s regular litter and box so that they can maintain their habit. This familiarity can alleviate tension and make your cat’s stay more pleasant. The smell and texture of your cat’s typical litter can affect how quickly it adjusts to its new surroundings.

Grooming Supplies

If your cat requires frequent brushing, pack a brush or comb. This will help your cat maintain its grooming regimen, allowing it to look and feel its best. Grooming can also be a bonding activity, and having familiar grooming tools enables cattery staff to provide a more personalised service.

Carrier

A strong and comfy carrier is essential for transporting cats to and from the cattery. Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated and secure to keep your cat safe throughout transportation. A carrier that your cat is used to can also act as a safe haven for them within the cattery, creating a pleasant environment.

Packing and organising all of these requirements ahead of time can help your cat’s stay at the cattery go as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

Communication with the Cattery During the Stay

Effective communication with the cattery staff is essential for meeting your cat’s needs during their stay. Make a plan with the staff to receive regular updates on your cat’s health to keep you informed and reassured. Before leaving your cat, inquire with the cattery staff about their methods, routines, and special policies. Inquire about their experience with cats with comparable needs to yours, as well as their emergency procedures for keeping your cat safe in any situation. Also, ensure that the cattery has your primary and alternate emergency contact information. Provide detailed, written instructions for your cat’s unique needs or preferences so that professionals may simply reference them. This covers feeding regimens, dietary restrictions, medication administration, and your cat’s distinct behavioural traits. Communicating openly and effectively with the cattery staff can help ensure that your cat receives the best possible care and that any concerns or issues are addressed swiftly. This proactive strategy can bring peace of mind and make the cattery experience more enjoyable for both you and your cat.

Post-Stay Considerations

Following your cat’s stay at the cattery, you must monitor their behaviour and well-being to ensure a happy experience. When you first bring your cat home, allow them to adjust to their new surroundings before gradually resuming their regular routine. Eating well, playing, and exhibiting affection all indicate that your cat had a good visit. If your cat appears comfortable and satisfied, it’s a good sign that their time at the cattery was delightful. 

Finding the Right Cattery

When it comes to choosing the greatest cattery for your feline companion, go no further than Sydney Petlands. Our award-winning, cutting-edge facilities are specifically designed to provide your cat with a beautiful and comfortable home away from home. With spacious apartments, and individualised care from our expert team, we ensure that every cat gets the attention and love it deserves.

Sydney Petlands recognises the importance of your cat’s health and strives to create an environment in which they can thrive. Our specialist crew is trained to meet your cat’s specific demands, including specialised routines that will give you peace of mind. We can also provide regular updates to ensure that your cat is happy and healthy.

Choose us for a cattery experience focusing on your cat’s health, happiness, and comfort. Visit our website today to learn more about our great services and schedule a tour of our facilities. Your cat deserves the finest, and we provide exactly that at Sydney Petlands.