Article Written By: temerity
All cat owners are very passionate about their beloved feline. So when the owner goes away for a holiday it is always tough leaving your cat behind. They often face a difficult choice about whether to leave the cat at home and get neighbours to help feed it, change its water and generally make sure it's okay, or whether to put their favourite pet in a cattery.Cats need regular fresh food and water so you should only leave your cat at home for the duration of your trip if you have responsible and reliable neighbours. Australian law requires all cats to be kept indoors at night time so you would need to ensure that the neighbours will be able to call your cat in the evening and have access to inside the house. If you're going away for only a few days you could leave the cat inside the whole time (with neighbours coming in with the food/water) but any longer than this and the cat should really get some time in the fresh air.The best option can usually be to take your furry pet to a cat boarding facility. This is much like a baby day-care centre but for cats, and for a longer period of time. Choosing a suitable cattery is the most important decision, as the cat will be in an unfamiliar place and you need to ensure it will be as comfortable and happy as possible while you're away.Things to consider when choosing a cat boarding centre include location, price, staff, food, air ventilation, and emergency care. The location of the cattery should ideally be close to your home. Most cats hate being taken in the car in their little box so the shorter the duration of the trip, the better. Price may also be an issue depending on your budget so make sure you find something suitable that is also well priced. Don't forget to ask if there are any additional fees for services you may not be aware of.The staff may well be the most important factor in choosing which cat boarding facility to use. Make sure you meet the staff before agreeing to book your pet in. Find out if they are cat owners themselves. Ask other information. If the staff seem to be impatient with your questons, chances are they don't understand the importance of your pets to you. Ensure that they will be spending a decent amount of time playing with your cats and grooming them, and making them feel at home.You should also find out what type of food will be available in the cattery. If your cat is on a special diet or won't eat the food they offer, they should still be able to accommodate you. Also find out if they are aware that the character and attitude of the cat can influence the optimal amount of feeding they should receive. Some facilities also look after dogs, so ensure the air ventilation system is adequate. You don't want the cats being able to smell dogs and becoming nervous and agitated.Finally, ensure the facility has a veterinarian on hand for all emergencies. If your cat is sick or needs quick attention, there should be a vet available 24 hours a day to attend to your needs.
This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 9 Feb 2011 and Read 205 Times