Journal
Cattery or cat sitter? What's actually best for your cat
Cats have a reputation for independence that sometimes leads people to assume they don't mind change much. In my experience, it's almost the opposite, most cats are deeply territorial.
That's usually the real question behind “cattery or cat sitter”: which one can your specific cat actually settle into?
Why most cats do better at home
A cattery means a new space, new smells, and often other cats nearby. At home, your cat keeps their usual spots, tray and view, with one-to-one attention and no shared-space exposure to illness.
When a cattery might still make sense
- Your cat is sociable and has handled boarding well before
- You need care at very short notice
- Building work makes a home visit impractical
- You'd rather nobody accessed your home
How I'd judge it for your own cat
- Do they hide from visitors, or come to say hello?
- Have they coped with boarding or travel before?
- Are they on medication or a routine easier to keep at home?
- Would one familiar face suit them better than a change of scenery?
Questions I get asked about this
What does an in-home cat sit involve? Feeding, litter, play and health checks on your cat's schedule.
My cat is antisocial, is it still worth it? Often, yes. Nervous cats tend to prefer a quiet home and a sitter who respects their space.
Can you manage medication? Yes, include full written instructions in the care pack.
Where I cover this
In-home cat sitting, daycare and overnight house sitting are available across the London neighbourhoods I cover.
Drop-in visits are local to Honor Oak, Forest Hill and the surrounding SE23 area.
Keep reading
Related notes from the Journal
Not sure which is right for your cat?
Tell me a bit about them and I'll help you work out what actually makes sense.