Cats, like people, tend to get a bit set in their ways as they get older. This can be a little stressful for their owners if they need to head away for some reason and need put their cats in a cattery or boarding facility for some reason. Here are some things to look for if you are looking for a cattery for your older cat.
Medical care
Older cats are more likely to have health issues.If your cat has special dietary and veterinary needs, it's important to look for a vet that is comfortable feeding them the food and medication they need to eat, at the time intervals that they need them. Some more high volume catteries may have a once a day feeding routine, and this be can a problem for cats with certain issues such as diabetes or low blood sugar.
Attention
If your cat is used to receiving a lot of love and affection, it can be hard to be stuck in a cage by themselves all day. It can be good to look for a facility that has some scheduled time for pats and affection with a carer, as well as facilities that are set up in a comfortable and interesting way. Some catteries have climbing frames, cat toys and other objects that can help your cat to stay interested and engaged throughout the day, as well as nice beds to let them rest well when they need to have a sleep.
Stress
Older cats can easily be stressed in a new environment. It's good to look for a cattery that allows your cat to be placed either with the animals that they usually share space with at home or by themselves. It is also good if they cannot hear, see or smell the other cats also staying in the cattery. Cats find it very stressful to be in close proximity to strange cats and have a very sensitive sense of smell and hearing compared to humans, so they can often be more stressed in crowded situations.
If you need to place your older cat in a cattery, it can be very reassuring for you and the cat if you choose the right facility. It can be good to look for a cattery with schedule attention time, individualised feeding and medicating routines and a well set-up bay for their stay. For more information, contact professionals in your area.
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