FAQS
The Purrfect Holiday Place For Cats

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that isn’t listed above please do not hesitate to get in touch – we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have about a stay at Brook Park Farm Cattery

My cat is an indoor cat. Is Brook Park Farm Cattery suitable?

We have many indoor cats that stay with us who are completely happy and at home in the cattery. The indoor section ensures that they can stay warm and feel safe, and the outside area is secure for them to enjoy some fresh air and lovely views.

My cat is an outdoor cat. Is Brook Park Farm Cattery suitable?

Any cat that enjoys being outdoors will obviously need to adjust to their temporary accommodation. All our rooms have a secure outdoor area for you cat to look out at the gardens. They will get lots of attention and are provided with balls and toys to play with.

I have never used a cattery before and not sure if it will be ok for my cat

We have lots of ‘first timers’ – from small kittens to very elderly cats and they usually settle very well with the proper care and attention. We also have a high level of returning customers, and get referrals from vets in the area. A lot of customers come to us through ‘word of mouth’ recommendations too. We encourage new or prospective customers to come and have a good look around the cattery so that they can see the facilities and beautiful countryside surroundings. It also gives them a chance for them to meet us and have a chat about their cat’s needs and to answer any questions they may have.

I’m worried that my cat won’t eat

We will feed your cat what they usually have at home. Gill does all food preparation so will know if your cat is eating or not and will try everything in the kitchen until she finds something your cat enjoys. If your cat is a social eater we’ll always find time to sit with them.

My cat has never used a cat flap before

This is not a problem. Cats are usually very intelligent and soon work out how to use a cat flap or we can remove the flap so that your cat can still enjoy going in and out.

My kitten is full of energy and used to running around and playing. I’m worried they will get bored in a cattery

Most kittens settle really quickly and we always pay particular attention to them to ensure they have plenty to do. We will make sure they have lots of toys to play with and have our resident cuddly toy Eeyore for the kittens to sleep with! (He goes in the washing machine after each stay!)

My cat is used to being very warm and cosy at home. How will they cope with staying at Brook Park Farm Cattery?

We have thermostatically controlled heaters in the indoor section of each room. These heaters keep the temperature at a comfortable and cosy level which makes it easy for the cats to snuggle up and stay warm.

I am anxious about leaving my cat as I have never done this before. I can’t bear the thought of them not settling and not knowing if they will be ok.

Some cats have a very nervous disposition and we prefer to have as much information as possible to help us help the cat to settle. Our approach depends on the individual cat as each one is different. Nervous cats often do better if they are in our care for a longer period as they have a chance to settle and get used to their surroundings. Usually if we have cared for a very nervous cat before and gained their trust, they settle much quicker on subsequent visits as the surroundings are familiar and they remember us. It is really useful for owners to bring something familiar such as a rug or cushion that smells of home - the familiar scent provides reassurance.

What do you feed the cats? Do I need to bring my cat’s food with me?

We make every effort to give your cat the same food they get at home. If they don’t fancy that then we’ll keep trying until we find something they like. We stock a wide range of foods and can cater for most diets. If, however, your cat is on a special prescription diet from the vet, then you will need to bring enough with you for their stay.

Do you cater for cats on special diets?

We stock many different foods but if your cat is on a prescription diet then we’d ask you to bring that with you. We are happy to follow any special instructions such as weighing food out, mixing food etc.

Do we need to bring our cat’s own bedding, scratch post etc?

No, we provide everything your cat needs, however, you might like to bring your cat’s favourite rug or cushion with you as the familiar scents will help your cat to settle.

My cat is used to a particular type of cat litter. What litter do you use?

Cats can be very particular about their toilet habits and can have problems if things are not ‘just right’. We use a unique, environmentally friendly, straw-based litter which is made in the UK. However, some cats have a strong preference and do not like change, and so we keep a stock of Catsan and soil for these occasions.

Why do you charge for full days?

We have very high standards of cleanliness, the prevention of infection and health and safety so every room and all items of equipment and bedding are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between stays. We aim to always have the room ready for your cat’s arrival and they will remain in their room until you arrive to collect them and so we need to book the room for both day of arrival and day of departure.

What vaccinations does my cat need to have?

Regulations stipulate that all cats boarding in a cattery must have a valid certificate for cat flu (feline herpesvirus and feline calcivirus) and feline enteritis (feline panleukopenia virus). Some vets also use additional vaccinations against feline chlamydiosis and feline leukaemia virus however these additional vaccinations are not essential for cattery boarding.

Vaccinations should ideally be done at least seven days before arrival at the cattery. Any less than a week and there is a risk that your cat’s immunity levels may be low and they may not be fully protected against infection.

We will not accept any cat if they have never been vaccinated.

Why do I need to make sure that my cat has had flea and worming treatments?

Vets recommend that all cats receive flea and worming treatments and that outdoor cats should receive flea treatment monthly and worming treatment every 3 months. We ask that all cats coming into the cattery are up to date with flea and worming treatment for their own protection as well as for the protection of others.

What happens if my cat is taken ill during a stay at Brook Park Farm Cattery?

We take details of your cat’s vet at time of booking just in case anything happens while you are away. We also request as much detail as possible of any past and current medical conditions. In the event of any illness we will immediately take your cat to our local vet (Village Vets), but we will take them to their usual vet if they are under treatment during their stay. We will let you, or your emergency contact, know if we have to take your cat to the vets.

Why do I need to disclose all my cat’s previous medical history?

It is very useful to have details of any past history as this may alert us to a possible problem much more quickly if your cat shows signs of illness. Even something simple such as an ear infection or urinary infection can be recurrent and most importantly may develop as a sign of stress when your cat is away from home.

I have three/four cats. Can they all share a room together?

We have rooms which are able to comfortably take up to four cats from the same family. We can also arrange for adjoining rooms if your cats need to be kept separate, but still want to see each other.
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