Is cat sitting better than a cattery?

INTRODUCTION

When cat owners go away, one of the biggest questions is whether to choose a cattery or a cat sitter.

For many cats, especially those who are shy, elderly, or very attached to their routine, staying at home with a trusted cat sitter can often feel much calmer and less stressful than being moved into a new environment.

Every cat is different, but in-home cat sitting allows your cat to stay in familiar surroundings, with their usual smells, routine, and comfort - which can make a big difference to their wellbeing while you’re away.

HOW CATTERIES FEEL FOR CATS

Catteries can be a good option for some cats, especially more confident and social ones.

However, many cats can find them quite overwhelming at first because:

• They’re in a new environment

• There are unfamiliar smells and sounds

• They may be around other cats they don’t know

• Their routine is completely changed

Some cats settle quickly, but others can take time to adjust, and some never fully relax until they’re back home.

BENEFITS OF CAT SITTING AT HOME

With cat sitting, your cat stays in their own environment, which can help reduce stress and keep their routine consistent.

Benefits include:

• Staying in a familiar home environment

• Keeping their normal routine

• No travel or transport stress

• One-to-one care and attention

• Less disruption to feeding and habits

For many cats, especially those who are more nervous or attached to their home environment, this can make a big difference to how comfortable they feel while you’re away.

WHAT I NOTICE AS A CAT SITTER

From my own experience as a local cat sitter, I often find that cats are much more relaxed when they are able to stay in their own home.

When I visit, most cats:

• Come out much quicker than expected

• Stick to their usual routines

• Eat more comfortably in their own space

• Relax faster between visits

Even shy cats often show progress after a couple of visits because they’re not dealing with the stress of a new environment.

WHEN A CATTERY MIGHT STILL BE SUITABLE

Catteries aren’t “bad” - they can still work well for certain situations.

They may be suitable if:

• Your cat enjoys social environments

• You prefer round-the-clock supervision

• Your cat is used to boarding stays

• There are no suitable pet sitters available

It really depends on your cat’s personality and what they feel most comfortable with.

MY HONEST VIEW

In my experience, many cats are generally more relaxed and settled staying at home with a trusted cat sitter.

But the most important thing is always your individual cat — their personality, confidence level, and routine all play a role in what will suit them best.

This is why I always recommend a free meet & greet before any booking, so everything can be discussed properly and tailored to your cat’s needs.

Ready to book your cat sitter?

If you’re unsure whether cat sitting or a cattery is best for your cat, I’m always happy to chat through your options and help you decide what would suit them best.

I offer professional in-home cat sitting in Thornton Heath, Croydon and surrounding South London areas, with personalised care for every cat.