Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider choosing Cat Boarding Collingwood in preference to other facilities?
We believe that our care team, the level of customer service and the environment we have created is second to none. We strongly urge you to check out a few places before making a decision. Ask friends and your vet.

We are of the view that most boarding facilities are operated by people of high integrity and with a genuine desire to care for your cat. Sadly, this is not always the case so take the time to make sure and choose carefully.

Tip: When inspecting a facility ask to see all areas, not just a token showroom. Ask questions, like, “Where exactly will my cat be staying?” If you have more than one cat ensure that the enclosure complies with the minimum standards for a double occupancy. Insist on accompanying your cat to their enclosure when you drop off and collect; don’t be fobbed off with some lame excuse. After all if there is nothing to hide.

What should I look for in a boarding facility?
Calm cats who respond positively to the carers. There should also be evidence of individual attention such as grooming, placement in relation to other cats. You should encounter a happy crew who are passionate about their work. (That’s us!)

Tip: If the facility smells this should alert you to a couple of things - firstly, a lack of hygiene due to incompetency, laziness or insufficient staff and secondly, a lack of proper ventilation. If they can’t get that right how can they look after your cat.

Is Cat Boarding Collingwood heated?
Of course! A huge café style gas heater keeps the cattery space toasty warm. Climate control is a priority in our care philosophy and generous heating is a part of that. Thermostatically controlled heat pads are also available, particularly useful for assisting elderly and certain breeds of cats to stay comfortable.

Is there anything that I should bring in for my cat?
See our Visitor Checklist on our website of what you should do for your cat when they are coming to stay with us.

Current vaccination certificates are required before we are able to check-in any cat and you can bring those in either when you inspect or when your cat comes to stay.

The more elements from home that you are able to bring in for your cat’s stay the better. We strongly recommend that you bring a t-shirt, jumper or pillowcase with you scent on it. This will have a very calming effect and will really ease the transition from your place to ours.

Toys, scratching posts, baskets, beds, igloos all contribute to a sense of security and assurance for your cat. Please also remember to bring any special-diet foods, clearly labelled medications and grooming items.

How big are the enclosures?
They are large enough to create a home away from home. Clients have brought everything from scratching posts to deck chairs to put in with their cats. These items are easily accommodated in our custom-made, multi-level enclosures. Our enclosures meet and exceed by at least 30% the required size specifications detailed in the Code of Practice.

Importantly, each enclosure is completely separate from the others, no common walls means that we can put space between each cat.

What do you feed the cats?
Ideally,we aim to replicate what they are fed at home. We use varieties of Royal Canin; it’s our preferred brand because we find that it gets results. This food is augmented with fresh meat, chicken and seafood to provide variety. We stock a wide range of tinned food and a stack of treats and snacks. You are welcome to bring in your cat’s own food if you like.

Please note. We do not sell any of the products listed above. We choose them because they work and so have no problem endorsing them. Your vet will stock most of these products. We purchase our Royal Canin and treats from Pets on Brunswick, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

My cat is very shy and not used to other cats, will they be okay?
Our Care Team have years of experience in cat care. We are very attentive to the unique temperaments and level of acclimatisation of each cat in our care.

Much care is taken to place cats in a formation of separate enclosures which will afford each cat an individually appropriate sense of security and opportunity for socialisation.

Our emphasis is on assisting cats to overcome their natural sense of vulnerability in the new environment as soon as possible. We use products such as Feliway atomisers in the cattery to help promote calm and security.

Most importantly, we understand that cats like to do things in their own time. Our approach with shy cats is one of patience and very gentle encouragement.

What about playtime and exercise?
We have a large playground replete with tunnels, Funky Cat scratching posts, couches, throw rugs and HEAPS of toys.

Cats are generally brought out to play and explore on a staggered, individual or family group basis, or with new friends that they have made of similar or complimentary temperaments.

When are you open?
We have staff in attendance all day, every day from 8am – 6pm. This saves you the inconvenience of trying to fit your schedule around partial opening hours available at some establishments.