Two Simple Changes To Improve Your Cat's Cattery Experience

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Post on May 11, 2025

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Two Simple Changes to Improve Your Cat's Cattery Experience

Leaving your beloved feline friend in a cattery can be stressful for both you and your cat. While professional catteries strive to provide a comfortable environment, even the best facilities can benefit from a few extra touches to ease your cat's transition. This article highlights two simple yet impactful changes you can make to drastically improve your cat's cattery stay.

1. The Power of Familiar Scents: Bringing Home Comfort to the Cattery

Cats rely heavily on scent for security and comfort. A strange, unfamiliar environment can be incredibly unsettling for them, leading to stress, anxiety, and even illness. Combatting this is simpler than you might think. Before leaving your cat, introduce familiar scents into their cattery space. This can be achieved in two ways:

• Scent-Infused Bedding: Bring your cat's favorite blanket or bed from home. The familiar scent will provide a calming presence during their stay. Ensure the bedding is thoroughly washed to avoid introducing fleas or other parasites to the cattery. This simple step can make a huge difference in reducing your cat's anxiety.

• Clothing Item: Place a piece of your worn clothing (a t-shirt or pajama top works well) inside their carrier or in their designated space within the cattery. Your scent will be a comforting reminder of home, helping your cat feel safer and more secure. Remember to label the item clearly to avoid any mix-ups.

These familiar scents act as olfactory anchors, providing a sense of continuity and reducing the overwhelming feeling of a new environment.

2. Enhancing Environmental Enrichment: Making the Cattery More Engaging

A stimulating environment can significantly reduce stress and boredom in cats. While many catteries offer toys, enriching the space further with familiar items can make all the difference.

• Interactive Toys: If your cat enjoys interactive play, bringing along a favorite toy they can bat around or chase will help them expend energy and reduce stress. A simple feather wand or a sturdy toy mouse can provide hours of entertainment. Choose toys that are easy to clean and won't shed.

• Safe Climbing Structures: Cats are natural climbers, and providing a small, safe climbing structure (if allowed by the cattery) can give them a sense of control and a vantage point to observe their surroundings. A small, sturdy cardboard box or cat tree (if space permits and the cattery approves) can make a positive difference. Always prioritize safety and ensure the structure is secure and appropriate for the cattery environment.

By implementing these two simple strategies – introducing familiar scents and enriching the environment – you can create a significantly more comforting and enjoyable experience for your feline companion during their cattery stay. This will lead to a less stressful experience for both you and your cat, ensuring a smoother and happier reunion upon your return. Remember to always communicate with your chosen cattery regarding their policies on bringing personal items. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a positive experience for your furry friend.