Cattery FAQ – Bendigo

Yes of course. We understand that even the most ‘chilled’ cat may be a little nervous to start and have measures in place to make them feel more comfortable and at ease:

As standard practice we use ‘Feliway’ with all new guests or with any known cats that have anxiety issues.  Feliway® is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. By mimicking the cat’s natural facial pheromones, Feliway® creates a state of familiarity and security in the cat’s local environment.

All of our suites are spacious and offer privacy and security with barriers between your cat and their neighbour. Cats cannot see their neighbours directly so there is less chance of them being stressed by another cat.  Being a boutique cattery also means that there are no dog noises or smells that your cat may not like!

We spend quality time with each cat to win their trust and friendship and allow them to become familiar with us under their terms.

Homeopathic calming drops are available and can be placed directly into your cat’s drinking water. The all-natural solution is completely safe, won’t make your cat sleepy or drowsy, but will calm their nerves during stressful situations.

We have a supply of cardboard boxes at the ready to create into wonderful cat ‘cubbies’ for your cat to hide away in until they are ready to come out and face the world. There’s nothing like a cardboard box to make a cat happy!

No. We only house cats together if they are from the same family and have signed authorization to share.  Cats generally prefer their own company and we have designed their suite for privacy.

As per The Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments:  “Cats must be housed on their own except in walk in modules where compatible cats from the same household may be housed together. The owner must sign an agreement giving permission for the cats to be housed together”.

It is important that we provide a quiet and relaxed environment for our feline guests so that they are settled and not frequently disturbed by unfamiliar people. By observing and respecting our opening hours, you help us to make holidaying with us an enjoyable experience.  Our opening hours are listed here (link).Of course we understand that ‘emergencies’ can occur and if you cannot make it during these hours, please call us to arrange an alternative suitable time.

Absolutely! We provide everything necessary for your cat to be comfortable during their holiday here, however you are most welcome and indeed encouraged to bring anything that may make your cat feel more at home. This may include beds and bedding, toys and grooming tools, scratching post or even an article of your clothing that will have your calming scent on it.

Yes! Check out our rates page for more information. (link)

Yes of course! We endeavor to make sure that you receive updates on your cats’ progress; however you are welcome to phone or email us to check-in. 

Most times that is not a problem, just call or email us to check. The only time that we may not be able to offer an extension will be the Christmas/New Year season.

That is no problem at all. Just call or email us to arrange a new check-out time.  Please note that we cannot give refunds for early pick-up.

Certainly! We love to pamper our guests with grooming. Please bring along their brush or comb.

Yes of course! It’s important that you feel comfortable in your decision to trust us to look after your cat in a safe environment. Call or email us to arrange a suitable time for your visit. You may also watch our ‘Tour’ video here.

Please bring your cat in a sturdy cat carrier, along with:

• Your cat’s current vaccination certificate, being an F3, F4 or F5.  An F3 is sufficient.
• Any medications that your cat needs to have administered, making sure that there is enough to last the duration of your pets stay.
• Any prescription or special dietary foods. 

We supply premium quality Royal Canin Sensible Dry and Fancy Feast tinned food, however you are welcome to bring along any special food that your cat may require. There is no cost reduction to supply your own food; some catteries in fact charge a ‘corkage’ fee as it takes a dedicated staff member to list, label, store and serve in order to ensure your cat is provided their food precisely as requested.

Even with the best of care, there is always the possibility that this can happen. We regularly check and note your cat’s condition and will contact either you or your emergency contact if we have any concerns. If it is not urgent – we contact you, if it is urgent – we will contact your vet or our on-call vet for advice and or treatment. We have arrangements with some of the best local Veterinarians to call upon in the case of accident or illness.

We are happy to administer any medication required to an amenable cat.  There will be an additional charge for this service which is noted in our Rates section.  (link for rates section).

Medicating animals is a task we take very seriously. Medication rounds are carried out by a dedicated and experienced member of our team so you can be rest assured that it will be done efficiently and correctly. We will take detailed notes of your cat’s medication quantity and instructions upon check-in and accurately log each application during their stay.

We want your cat to be happy and healthy during their stay and vaccination decreases the chance of becoming unwell. Vaccination is extremely important when your cat is in a social environment such as boarding as any cat can be carrying and shed the flu or any other virus without showing any symptoms. To provide your cat with the highest of care we abide by ‘The Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments” and this is a requirement under that code: “For cats, pre-vaccination against feline infectious enteritis and feline respiratory disease is required. A current vaccination certificate (certifying that vaccination was done within the preceding 12 months and that the ‘due date’ for the next vaccination has not been passed) must be produced for each cat before admission.”

There are three different types of vaccinations for cats; F3, F4 and F5. We require that your cat must have been vaccinated with a minimum of an F3 within the last 12 months and at least 14 days prior to admission. The F3 vaccination is a ‘core’ vaccination which covers three (hence F3) diseases which are endemic worldwide and should be given to all cats. 

If an Activated/Living vaccine is administered (as opposed to Inactivated/Killed vaccine), the cat can pass on the virus/s (for which they have just been vaccinated) to other cats. It takes 14 days before that risk diminishes; and

It takes 14 days for a cat’s immune system to respond fully to a vaccination irrespective of whether an Activated/Living OR Inactivated/Killed vaccine is used.