Moving Home With Your Cat!
It can be a stressful time moving home; imagine what it’s like for your cat!
Here are some basic rules for introducing your cat to their new home:
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After the cat is home 2/3 days after the initial move, introduce your cat to the house a room a day, otherwise your cat may become overwhelmed and decide to find new staff! *
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An outdoor cat should only be introduced to its new outdoor surroundings after 2/3 weeks.
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On its first few visits, you should accompany your cat on each outing to keep an eye on where they go and spot any places your cat could hide in.
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This might sound disgusting but don’t wash out the litter tray for a few days, of course clean out the tray with
a scoop, but leave the scent in the tray so the cat can recognise its odour and there will be no unwanted accidents.
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Sprinkle used litter in the garden. This is a great way to put their scent in the garden, and if you use biodegradable litter you won’t have to clean it up and your cat will settle in quickly.
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Return to your normal feeding routine as quick as possible, unpacking and getting sorted can make you forgetful.
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If you are worried about how your house move will affect your cat, consider boarding your cat from the removal date until the unpacking is done and you can then spend time adjusting your cat to its new environment. If you do decide to board, you can bring all your cat’s belongings to settle him/her in and a good cattery will of course accommodate you if you want to bring scratching posts, litter trays and feeding bowls.
A good cattery like Olliark will always take time to give your pet reassurance with routine and grooming to make your transition smooth!
Supplied, designed and built by
Manufacturers of quality timber buildings
Over 30 years experience, specialising in cattery construction
Some helpful information....
Booking Your Cat Into a Cattery
Book as early as you can - particularly during peak periods - because a good cattery will quickly be filled. If you are planning to go abroad, ring first to check availability so you can "pencil” in a booking. You can finalise the dates as soon as you have flight details.
What to pack for your cat - Usually a cattery will ask you to bring some bedding for your cat. This will help it to settle in. Some catteries prefer to provide their own bedding but may still permit a small blanket, towel or item of clothing with which your cat is familiar. A favourite toy is also a good thing to take with you to the cattery.
Transporting your cat - Do not carry your cat in your arms to the cattery. Until it is inside the cattery, the responsibility for its safety is entirely yours. Make sure you have a sturdy cat carrier, of ample size, solid enough to prevent the cat from escaping, yet providing sufficient air and a good view. Line it with several sheets of newspaper and do not put the bedding in which is intended for use in the cattery. Cardboard carriers have poor ventilation, are completely insecure if the cat is determined to get out and may fall apart if made wet. Don’t feed your cat before travelling.
On arrival at the cattery - On arrival at the cattery with your cat, always check that information on diet, medical history or medication has been clearly written down on your cat's record card or booking contract. Check your contact's name and number and reaffirm the date of your return and estimated time of collection. Should your return be delayed, do inform the cattery as soon as possible.
Vaccinations - All catteries will require your cat to be vaccinated against feline upper respiratory disease - known as cat flu - and feline infectious enteritis, which is a highly contagious disease. Vaccinations should be boosted annually and this should be done at least seven days before the cat is to be boarded. It is also possible to have your cat vaccinated against Chlamydia and Feline Leukaemia but this is not absolutely necessary.
Elderly or ailing cats - If your cat is elderly or suffering from a terminal disease, it is wise to discuss what you would like the proprietor to do in the unhappy event of the cat becoming very ill or even dying while you are away. It is helpful for the proprietor to know your wishes on this.
We always do the best of our ability to try to accommodate you and your cat's needs.
Olliark Cattery welcomes visitors but please let us know when you would like to look around so we can make sure to give you the time to discuss your needs and queries in relation to our cattery and your boarding requirements.
Please have no hesitation in calling us if you have to drop your cat off at short notice, or in an emergency situation we will try and accommodate you if possible.
As in all good catteries an up to date vaccination certificate/card is required on your pets arrival, there are no exceptions, this policy is in place for your cats health.
We also ask each owner to make sure that each cat that visits has received flea and worm treatments before entering the cattery premises.