Cattery or Cat Sitter?
Which is the best option for you and your cat?
Cattery or
Cat Sitter?
As a cat owner, it can be challenging to find the right care for your furry friends when you’re away. While catteries have been the traditional option, more and more pet owners are opting for the services of a cat sitter instead. Cat sitters offer personalised and compassionate care for your fur babies, ensuring they receive individual attention and care in the comfort of their own home. Here are some of the benefits of using a cat sitter over a cattery.
Personalised
Care
While catteries may offer a wide range of services, they typically care for a large number of cats at the same time, which can make it difficult to provide individualised attention to each cat. On the other hand, a cat sitter is dedicated solely to the care of your feline friends, providing them with the one-on-one attention they deserve.
A cat sitter can tailor their services to meet the specific needs of your purr-babies. This includes everything from feeding schedules and litter box preferences to playtime and cuddles. A cat sitter will also take the time to get to know your feline friends and their personalities, ensuring that they provide the best possible care. They can also keep an eye out for any changes in behaviour or health and alert you immediately if there are any concerns. This level of personalised care and attention can give you peace of mind knowing that your fur-babies are in good hands while you are away.
Reduced
Stress
Cats are known for being creatures of routine and habit, and they can become stressed or anxious when their usual routine is disrupted. When you take your cat to a cattery, they are taken out of their familiar home environment and placed in an unfamiliar space with other cats. This can cause your cat to feel anxious, scared, or even aggressive towards other cats.
When you hire a cat sitter, your feline friend can stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety in your cat, which can lead to a happier and healthier fur-baby. A cat sitter can also provide plenty of love and attention, playtime, and cuddles, which can help to further reduce your cat’s stress levels.
This personalised approach to care can ensure that your cat is happy, healthy, and stress-free while you’re away.
Maintained
Schedules
Any sudden change to a cats environment or daily routine can be stressful for them. This is particularly true for older cats or cats with medical conditions that require medication at specific times.
When you hire a cat sitter, you can maintain your cat’s usual schedule with minimal disruption. The sitter will visit your home at around the same time each day, feed your cat at their usual time, and ensure that their litter box is cleaned regularly.
Maintaining your cat’s schedule can also help prevent behavioural issues, such as anxiety or aggression, that can arise when a cat is stressed or disoriented due to changes in their routine. With a cat sitter, your feline friend can maintain their usual routine and stay in their familiar surroundings, leading to a happier and less anxious cat.
Home
Security
With a cat sitter coming to your home, your feline friend is not the only one who benefits from the arrangement. Your home also benefits, as your cat sitter’s presence acts as a deterrent to any potential intruders. Burglars are more likely to target homes that appear vacant, with no signs of life, and having someone come and go, turning lights on and off, picking up mail, and generally maintaining the appearance of an occupied home, can make a significant difference in the level of security your home has.
Moreover, cat sitters are always on the lookout for any potential security breaches or issues in your home. They can spot a water leak or a malfunctioning appliance that could lead to more significant damage if not addressed in time. With a cat sitter providing regular visits to your home, you can rest assured that your feline friend and your home are safe and secure while you are away.
Daily
Updates
Cat owners often worry about their pets when they’re away, and it can be stressful not knowing how they’re doing. A cat sitter will give you daily updates on your fur-babies’ well-being. You can expect to receive pictures, videos, or texts about your cat’s activities, eating habits, and overall behaviour. This will give you the peace of mind and help you stay connected with your pet, even when you’re not there.
By having a sitter who can provide daily updates, you can rest assured that your cat is receiving the love, care, and attention they deserve, even when you can’t be there to provide it yourself.
Cost Effective
Premium Service
While the cost of a cattery stay can quickly add up, with daily fees, extra charges for food or medication, and transportation costs, a cat sitter can offer a more affordable solution. A cat sitter often charges a flat rate per visit or per day for providing your fur-babies with a premium service, making it a more cost-effective choice for pet owners.
Additionally, by using a cat sitter, you can save on transportation costs since you won’t need to drop off and pick up your feline friend from a cattery. This can be especially beneficial if you’re going away for an extended period or if you’re short on time. Furthermore, a cat sitter can provide all of the necessary care and attention that your cat needs while you’re away, without any hidden costs or unexpected fees. This can help ease the financial burden of pet ownership and allow you to enjoy your vacation or business trip without any added stress.
Bonding With
Your Cat
Bonding with your cat is an essential aspect of cat ownership, and opting for a cat sitter over a cattery can help strengthen that bond. When you leave your cat in a cattery, they are surrounded by unfamiliar animals and people, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Shy or anxious cats, in particular, may find it challenging to adjust to new surroundings and people.
In contrast, a cat sitter can provide one-on-one attention to your cat, which can help to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Your cat will be able to relax in their familiar surroundings, which can reduce their stress levels and help them feel more comfortable.
No
Travel Trauma
Many cats can become stressed and anxious during car rides, and being taken out of their familiar home environment can cause them to feel uneasy and unsettled. This can be especially true for cats who are not used to being in a car or traveling long distances.
With a cat sitter, your feline friend can remain in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells. They won’t have to endure a stressful car ride or be placed in a strange environment with unfamiliar cats. This can be especially important for cats who are sensitive to changes in their routine or who have a history of anxiety.
By using a cat sitter, you can ensure that your cat’s routine stays consistent, which can help reduce their stress and anxiety levels. They won’t have to deal with the unfamiliar surroundings and schedule disruptions that can occur at a cattery, making it easier for them to relax and feel comfortable while you’re away. This can give you peace of mind, knowing that your cat is in a stress-free environment and receiving the care and attention they need.
Peace of
Mind
One of the most significant benefits of using a cat sitter over a cattery is the peace of mind it brings to the pet owner. By hiring a professional and trusted cat sitter, you can be assured that your furry friend is being well-cared for in the comfort of their own home.
With a cat sitter, you can rest easy knowing that your pet is not only receiving personalised attention, but also that they are in a familiar environment. This can help reduce any anxiety or stress that may arise when being placed in an unfamiliar location such as a cattery. Additionally, a cat sitter will provide daily updates on your pet’s well-being, giving you peace of mind that everything is going smoothly.
For pet owners who have to travel frequently or for extended periods of time, having a reliable cat sitter can make a significant difference in their overall peace of mind. Instead of worrying about your pet’s well-being while you are away, you can focus on your trip or work knowing that your feline friend is in good hands.
At Minnie’s Moggies, I understand the importance of providing personalised care to your feline friends. I will provide daily updates, regular feeding, playtime and companionship to your fur-babies, as well as the less fun but equally as important tasks such as cleaning out litter trays. I also provide a level of home security, and peace of mind to my clients. So, if you are in the Dunfermline or West Fife areas, please Contact me to learn more about how I can provide top-quality care to your feline friends while you’re away.