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Everything You Need to Do Before Boarding Your Cat
Cats

Everything You Need to Do Before Boarding Your Cat

Guide to preparing your cat for boarding at a cattery. Plan ahead so your cat stays safe and calm while you are away. Choose a clean, secure cattery with kind staff and good reviews. Check vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and microchip details before you book. Pack your cat’s usual food, favourite blanket and toys, and label everything. Give the cattery clear notes on feeding, medication and behaviour. Let your cat get used to the carrier and stay calm at drop off. After you collect your cat, give them time to settle back home and watch for any signs of illness. These steps help your cat have a safer, less stressful stay in a boarding cattery.

More in Cats

  • Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations?
    Cats

    Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations?

    Do indoor cats need vaccinations? Yes. Vaccinations help a cat’s body fight serious diseases. In the UK, core vaccines protect against feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Kittens usually have jabs at about 8 to 9 weeks and again at 12 weeks, with boosters given yearly or every one to three years. Indoor cats can still catch infections from people, clothing, vet or cattery visits, other pets or insects, so speak to your vet about the right indoor cat vaccine plan. Vaccines are usually safe; mild reactions like tiredness, a small lump or reduced appetite can happen.

  • Epilepsy in Cats: Understanding Seizures, Causes and Long-Term Management
    Cats

    Epilepsy in Cats: Understanding Seizures, Causes and Long-Term Management

    Epilepsy in cats means a cat has repeated seizures. Seizures in cats can be generalised, with collapse, stiff limbs, paddling, drooling or loss of consciousness, or focal, with twitching, chewing motions or sudden behaviour changes. Causes include idiopathic epilepsy, brain problems like tumours or inflammation, and outside causes such as liver or kidney disease, low blood sugar or toxins. Vets diagnose seizures with history, exams, blood tests, urine tests and sometimes MRI or spinal fluid tests. Treatment may include medicines such as phenobarbital, levetiracetam or emergency diazepam, and fixing any underlying disease. You should give medicine exactly as prescribed, keep a seizure diary, minimise stress and have regular vet checks. During a seizure stay calm, do not hold the cat, move dangerous objects away and time the event. Seek urgent veterinary care if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if there are repeated seizures, if the cat does not recover, or if it is the first seizure. With proper care many cats with epilepsy can live comfortable lives.

  • Do Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
    Cats

    Do Indoor Cats Get Fleas?

    Indoor cats can still get fleas even if they never go outside. Fleas can enter homes on clothing, other pets, or through second-hand items. To prevent and manage fleas, use vet-recommended treatments for all pets, vacuum regularly, and wash bedding at high temperatures. Watch for signs like scratching, flea dirt, or irritated skin, and act swiftly if fleas are found. Fleas can cause skin issues, anaemia, and spread parasites, so prompt treatment is crucial. Regular checks and good hygiene help keep your indoor cat flea-free.

  • What Are the Signs Your Cat Is Sick?
    Cats

    What Are the Signs Your Cat Is Sick?

    Cats are good at hiding illness, often showing subtle signs that can be hard to notice. Key indicators include changes in appetite, energy, litter habits, and grooming. Watch for signs like eating less or more, unusual tiredness, litter box issues, repeated vomiting, and changes in behaviour. Breathing problems, eye and nose discharge, and mobility issues can signal health problems too. If any of these signs appear, or if symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe lethargy occur, it's important to consult a vet promptly. Observing these signs can help keep your cat healthy and comfortable.

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