GENERAL ADVICE TO FOLLOW PRIOR TO BOOKING AND ADMISSION TO THE CATTERY
BOOKING
Please remember that although you might be able to book yourself a nice holiday at short notice, it might not always be possible to find space for your feline companion, therefore it is advisable to check out availability for your cat first and then book your holiday.
BOOSTERS
Annual boosters are an important part of your cat's life and although most vets send out reminders, this is not a failsafe method of ensuring that they are given on time. If your cat's booster is not done on time, you have to then begin all over again with a full course of vaccinations which are usually 3 - 4 weeks apart. Your cat is not fully covered until about a week after the second vaccination has been given therefore this could lead to a delay in admission to the cattery.
Note: It has been found recently that not all cats are being effectively covered against Cat Flu, even if they have had their vaccination. Please be extra vigilant and if your cat starts to have any of the symptoms get it to the vet for immediate treatment.
FLEAS
Two weeks prior to admission to Cattery, stand your cat over a sheet of white paper and comb it. If reddish brown gritty bits fall onto the paper, it is very likely that your cat has fleas. Unfortunately shop bought products are not really fully effective in treating flea infestations and it is recommended that you go to your vet as soon as possible for treatment rather than attempting a DIY procedure.
Cats found to have fleas when admitted to the cattery will be treated by the local vet unless otherwise specified at time of booking for your cat to be seen by its own vet (charge applicable). The cost for a cat to be treated in these circumstances will also include the cost of fumigation of the cats enclosure and the isolation unit where your cat will be looked after for 24 hrs until the prescribed treatment takes effect.
TICKS
Tick prevention is available from your vet when you take your cat for its annual booster. Regular grooming and checking all parts of your cats body with your fingers is usually enough to detect a growing tick. If in doubt as to whether any noticable difference on your cats body is a tick or maybe a skin lesion, a trip to the vets will soon give a diagnosis. As is the case for fleas, ticks, if found whilst your cat is in the cattery, will be treated by the vet and the charge added to your final invoice.
GROOMING
Grooming of cats is done as instructed on your booking form. It is worth remembering that although your cat may be very appreciative of its owner grooming it, it is sometimes not so grateful of a stranger approaching it and attempting to do something that normally only his owner does. It would be helpful, in order to minimise the chances of this happening, to ensure that different people get to groom your cat whilst it is a kitten and maturing cat. Some cats are very prone to matting and knotting and whilst every possible attempt will be made to keep your cats coat in good order, cats who dislike being groomed by different people may need intensive grooming when they get home. Cats who come into the Cattery with matted areas or knots will be given whatever grooming is tolerated, but no promises will be made to have your cat go home looking perfect. Knots and matted areas are gently teased apart rather than cutting. There are two reasons for this - 1) Scissors pose a risk of injury - and 2) Hair regrowth is less conspicuous when it isn't cut out.
HANDLING
Not all cats enjoy being handled and at Burnside we appreciate each cat's individual needs when it comes to handling. Cats who enjoy being given a cuddle get cuddled loads, but cats who prefer not to be handled - and there are even some who dislike even the friendliest of pats - will still be given individual time where they are spoken to and given opportunities to "bond" and develop a relationship with their host.
FEEDING
When your cat comes into Burnside, it may decide that it doesn't want to eat at first. Don't worry about this, as many cats behave in this way and it doesn't last long. Care and attention is taken when preparing your cat's meals and portions are weighed out depending on your cat's weight/size and also taking into consideration any "special" instructions eg. weight reduction/weight increase. Cats tend to gain a little weight whilst in the cattery if in for any length of time as they are not getting the same amount of exercise that they would when out and about and climbing trees, but they will soon lose this when back to normal exercise.
TRANSPORTATION
Please bring your cat to the cattery in a suitable animal carrying cage and make sure that they are in good working order with all fastenings intact. Missing fastenings and broken boxes could mean a delay in getting your cat into its container in the event of an emergency evacuation when time is of the essence. In the event of an evacuation of the cattery, all cats will be put into their containers and placed out in the cattery garden area, as this is the designated evacuation area. If containers cannot be secured quickly and effectively this could mean the loss of your cat. It is also a good idea to have your name on the box so that cats can be identified easily once out of their enclosure. (you would be surprised how many black and white and tabby cats there can be at one time).
