Before the First Sleepover: A Calm Countdown for New Cattery Guests

First cattery stays tend to go best when they are treated less like a big event and more like a gentle change of scene. At Todhill Cattery, we have seen that cats pick up on our hurry far more than our words. A calm countdown, spread over a fortnight, gives you time to sort the practical bits without turning the final day into a scramble.

Two weeks before: paperwork, vaccinations and the small print

Start with the boring but essential details. Check your cat's vaccination record is up to date and that the dates work for the cattery's requirements. Most UK catteries ask for proof of current cat flu and feline enteritis cover, and some may also ask about feline leukaemia vaccination. If a booster is due, book it now rather than the day before arrival. Confirm your booking dates, arrival time, and whether the cattery would like records emailed in advance. It is also worth checking that your microchip details are current, especially if you have moved or changed phone numbers.

Ten days before: make the carrier a normal object

A carrier should not appear only on vet days. Leave it out in the living room with the door open and a soft blanket inside. Drop a treat nearby now and then. If your cat chooses to nap in it, excellent. If not, do not force it. A few short sessions with the door closed, while you sit nearby, can take the edge off the morning of travel. Keep your own manner ordinary. Cats are experts at reading a tense human.

One week before: gather familiar bedding and scent

Pack something that smells of home, but choose an item you are not precious about. A washable blanket, a worn cotton T-shirt, or a small fleece that has been on your cat's favourite chair will do. Avoid anything loose, chewed, or easily shredded. Label the item clearly with your cat's name. Some cats like a small toy, but there is no need to send the whole toy basket. Familiar smells do more good than a mountain of new things.

Five days before: plan food and medication notes

If your cat is on a specific food, check whether the cattery can supply it or whether you need to bring it. Changing diet at the same time as changing surroundings is not kind to a sensitive stomach. Measure portions into labelled bags if that makes life easier for staff. For medication, bring original packaging, clear written instructions, and the dose and timing exactly as your vet has set them. Include your vet's contact details and an emergency contact. Never rely on memory alone, even for a supplement or a regular painkiller.

Three days before: practise short, calm separations

If your cat is used to you being around all day, a first stay can feel like a large shift. Practise small separations at home: leave your cat in a familiar room with water, a litter tray, and a comfy spot while you potter elsewhere for ten minutes. Return calmly. Do not make a fuss of coming and going. The aim is not to train your cat to be alone for hours, but to make ordinary comings and goings feel less dramatic.

The day before: keep the house quiet

Resist the urge to shampoo the cat, rearrange the furniture, or invite a crowd round. A normal day is a good day. Pack the carrier in the car the night before if that helps, or leave it by the door with a note. Put documents, medication, food, and bedding in one obvious bag. Charge your phone. Confirm the arrival time. Then have a cup of tea.

Arrival morning: a short goodbye is a kind goodbye

On the day, secure the carrier in the car and keep the journey calm. At the cattery, hand over your notes, mention any hiding places your cat loves, and explain the little quirks that matter: the cat who prefers running water, the cat who needs a litter tray away from food, the cat who will not eat if people watch. Keep your goodbye brief. A long, tearful farewell tells your cat there is something to worry about. A cheerful, ordinary pat and a calm walk away is better for everyone.

A simple countdown checklist

• Two weeks: confirm vaccinations, microchip details, booking times, and food arrangements.
• Ten days: leave the carrier out with a familiar blanket.
• One week: label bedding, toys, and any comfort item.
• Five days: pack food portions and medication notes with vet contact details.
• Three days: practise a few short, low-key separations.
• Day before: keep the day normal and pack everything in one place.
• Arrival morning: short goodbye, clear handover, calm exit.

The first night is not the whole story

It is easy to imagine the first night as the moment everything is decided. In reality, most cats take a little time to read a new room, find the quiet corners, and settle into the rhythm of the day. A cat may hide at first, eat lightly, or choose a bed you did not expect. That is not a failure. It is a cat doing sensible cat things. With familiar scent, clear instructions, and staff who know how to give space, the first night away is usually just the beginning of a calm stay.

At Todhill Cattery, we would rather answer ten questions before arrival than have an owner worrying on the motorway. A little preparation at home is the kindest luggage your cat can bring.