Leaving your beloved feline in a cattery can feel nerve-wracking—after all, cats thrive on routine and familiarity. But with the right preparation, you can turn their stay into a cosy, tail-swishing vacation. Whether it’s their first time at cat daycare for vacation or they’re seasoned pros at pet accommodation Brisbane facilities, this guide covers exactly what to pack to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and relaxed.
Why Packing Matters: Comfort = Confidence
Cats are creatures of habit, and unfamiliar environments can trigger stress. Bringing familiar items—like their favourite blanket or toy—helps them feel secure. Plus, providing clear instructions ensures cattery staff can replicate their routine, minimising anxiety. Let’s make their temporary home-away-from-home feel like a purr-fect retreat.
The Essentials: Must-Pack Items
1. Food & Treats
Their Usual Food: Sudden diet changes can upset sensitive stomachs. Pack enough of their regular kibble or wet food for the entire stay, plus a little extra.
Portion Instructions: Note feeding times, portion sizes, and any allergies.
Treats: Include a small bag of their favourites for rewards or comfort.
Pro Tip: Label containers with your cat’s name and feeding details.
2. Medications & Health Records
Medications: Provide all prescriptions in original bottles with dosage instructions.
Vet Contact Info: Share your vet’s phone number and any emergency contacts.
Vaccination Records: Most catteries require proof of up-to-date vaccinations (e.g., F3).
3. Comfort Items
Bedding: A blanket, bed, or sweater that smells like home can soothe anxiety.
Toys: Pack 1–2 favourites (e.g., a crinkle ball or feather wand) to spark playtime.
Litter Preferences: While catteries supply litter, bring a small bag of their usual brand if your cat is picky.
Optional (But Purr-Worthy) Extras
4. Grooming Supplies
Brush or comb for long-haired breeds.
Nail clippers if your cat needs a trim during longer stays.
5. Calming Aids
Pheromone sprays (e.g., Feliway) or calming collars.
A worn T-shirt with your scent for nervous kitties.
6. Entertainment
Puzzle feeders or lick mats to keep them busy.
Catnip or silvervine for a mood boost.
What Not to Pack
While it’s tempting to pack everything your cat loves, catteries have practical limits, and some items can create more hassle than comfort. Here’s what to leave at home (and why):
Bulky Items: “But They Love Their Giant Cat Tree!”
Why it matters: Cattery enclosures are designed to be safe, clean, and cozy, but space is often limited. Oversized beds, scratching posts, or multi-level towers might not fit—and could overwhelm your cat in a new environment.
What to do instead:
Bring a small, washable blanket or towel that smells like home.
Go for compact toys (like a foldable tunnel or collapsible bed) if your cat needs extra enrichment.
Ask the cattery if they provide climbing shelves or hideouts—many facilities include cat-friendly furniture.
Perishable Food: Skip the Fridge-Dependent Fare
Why it matters: Most catteries can’t store refrigerated or homemade food due to safety and hygiene policies. Spoiled food risks tummy troubles (and unhappy staff).
What to do instead:
Stick to sealed dry kibble or single-serving wet food pouches.
If your cat requires fresh food, confirm with the cattery first—some may accommodate if given advance notice.
Pro tip: Pre-portion meals into labelled ziplock bags for easy feeding.
Valuables: “Their Great-Grandma’s Heirloom Mouse Toy…”
Why it matters: Even in the best cat daycare for vacation facilities, toys can get lost, chewed, or misplaced during cleaning. Sentimental items or pricey gadgets (like automated lasers) might not survive the stay.
What to do instead:
Pack durable, inexpensive toys (think: ping-pong balls, crinkle mice, or a cardboard box).
If your cat adores a specific toy, take a photo of it—just in case.
Fun fact: Many daycare for cats centres provide communal toys, so your kitty might make new friends over a feather wand.
Bonus Tip: When in Doubt, Ask
Every cattery has unique policies. For example, some pet accommodation Brisbane resorts offer premium scratching posts or cozy beds, while others prefer you bring nothing but food and meds. A quick call beforehand ensures you’re both on the same page—and your cat’s stay is clutter-free and calm.
Special Considerations
For Anxious Cats
Familiar Sounds - Ask if the cattery can play calming music or leave a small radio on low volume.
Covered Carrier - Use a carrier with a removable cover to reduce stress during drop-off.
For Senior Cats or Medical Needs
Heating Pad - Older cats may appreciate a warm spot to snooze.
Detailed Care Plan - Note arthritis routines, hydration tips, or mobility support.
Preparing Your Cat for the Cattery
Visit beforehand: Let them explore the space (if allowed) to reduce first-day jitters.
Update ID Tags: Ensure their microchip details and collar tags are current.
Pack Early: Avoid last-minute scrambling—assemble items a day or two in advance.
How to Choose the Right Cattery
Not all pet accommodation offers the same level of care. When choosing the right place for your cat, look for clean, spacious enclosures with plenty of room to climb and explore. Staff should be trained in feline behaviour and first aid to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.
Reading reviews from other cat parents can give you insight into the quality of care provided. If you need regular care, consider facilities that also offer daycare for cats to keep your feline engaged and well looked after.
Final Checklist Before Drop-Off
Food, treats, and feeding instructions.
Medications and vet contacts.
Bedding, toys, and litter (if needed).
Grooming/calming supplies.
Updated health records.
Peace of Mind for You & Your Cat
Leaving your cat in someone else’s care is a big step, but trust that the cattery staff are there to pamper them. Many facilities offer photo updates or even live cams so you can check-in. And if your cat thrives on social time, ask about daycare for cats for future needs—it’s a great way to ease them into boarding.
By packing thoughtfully and choosing a reputable provider for pet accommodation in Brisbane (or wherever you’re based), you’re setting your feline friend up for a stress-free stay. Soon enough, they’ll be back home, napping in their favourite sunspot—with plenty of whisker-twitching stories to “meow” about.
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