Fovant Cattery Frequently Asked Questions

When can I drop off and pick up my cat/s?
Our furry guests are our priority, so we have built our opening hours around the care that they need. All drop offs and pick ups are by appointment only. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 11.30am and again between 4.00pm – 6.00pm, but we are only open in the morning on a Wednesday.  On Sundays and Bank Holidays we are only open between 5pm and 6pm to allow you to pick up after a weekend away. Please remember that running a cattery is a big commitment and our days are very long, so please respect our need to restrict access so that we can look after the cats to the highest standards and also have a little bit of downtime for ourselves in between our rounds.

I would like to come for a visit before booking in my cat/s, do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, please call us first so that we can make sure we have enough time to show you around properly and answer any questions that you may have. We try to arrange visits in the afternoons as we are less busy with our guests and customers at that time. We do not open for visitors on Sundays.

What do I need to bring with me when my cat comes to stay?
The cattery is fully equipped with everything our guests need for their stay including scratching posts, toys, dishes, bedding etc. However, if you would like to bring in something that smells of home, it can help your cat to settle in more quickly and we encourage this. Some people bring in a much loved blanket or small bed, or a favorite toy. If you want to wash it, remember to do it at least a couple of weeks before you come in otherwise it defeats the object of the exercise. We respectfully ask that you don’t bring very large items like duvets as they are difficult for us to manage. Give us a call if you would like some advice.

Your terms and conditions say my cat must be treated for fleas, but s/he never has fleas, do I really need to do this?
Yes I’m afraid you do. Remember that the cattery is full of cats and although we ask everyone to treat their cats beforehand if even one flea manages to get in it will head straight for the cat that is not protected.

I know that not all flea treatments are effective, how do I choose one that will work?
It can be tricky as its now generally accepted that fleas do become resistant to different preparations over time. It is very tempting to buy flea treatments from retailers or online as even the more recognisable brands are often quite cheap but the preparations that you can get without a vet prescription are not always the same as the ones the vet sells. Our experience is that unless the vet has recommended it recently you can’t guarantee that it will be effective.

I am worried that my cat will pine for me or be miserable while s/he is away from home, how do cats react to being in the cattery?
Every cat is different and its past experience will influence how nervous it feels when it comes into a new environment. We find that first timers will take at least 24 hours to settle in. During this time they get to understand that no other cats can enter their environment, that nothing nasty is going to happen to them and, importantly, that they will be fed and looked after.

We treat each cat as an individual and give them as much or as little attention as they tell us they need. Some will want lots of reassurance in the first few days, others will value not being pestered while they find their feet and will become more sociable once they feel more secure. On the very rare occasion that a cat has not settled in well, we will tell you. We don’t want your cat to be miserable either! The best way to put your mind at rest is to come and visit us so that you can see how relaxed our guests are at first hand.

My cat is a rescue cat – I am worried s/he will feel abandoned all over again.
No two cats are the same, but our experience is that rescue cats often settle with us quicker than the average cat. Perhaps because they are more used to being treated kindly in a “cattery” type environment. So it doesn’t necessarily follow that a rescue cat will feel less secure.

Covid-19 – What are you doing to keep everyone safe?
The following applies when Covid restrictions are in operation. All of the areas that our feline guests are kept in are thoroughly disinfected between guests in the usual way.  The disinfectant that we use is both safe for cats and effective against viruses, including Covid-19.  We are currently doing pick-ups and drop-offs one at a time, so it is important that everyone sticks to their appointment slot to ensure social distancing and the safety of our customers and staff.  Regretfully, we cannot allow children into the cattery at the moment.  Before you arrive, all of the door-handles that you may touch will have been disinfected, as will our card machine.  Hand sanitiser is available at the front desk for you to use.  You will still be able to settle your cat into their cattery run when you drop them off and to collect them in the usual way and we will show you in and socially distance.  To facilitate this, unless you are a very regular visitor, we will call you the day before your booking starts to update yours and your cats details.  This will allow us to keep our distance and will also cut down the amount of time needed on check in.