Is Keeping Cats in Catteries Cruel? How to Make Sure Your Pet is Treated Right
Do you have a cat that you are considering putting in a cattery? Are you wondering if it’s cruel to keep cats in batteries? This article will explore the pros and cons of keeping cats in catteries. We will look at the living conditions, the amount of space they are given, and how these establishments affect socialization with other cats and humans. By weighing up all these factors, we can better decide whether keeping cats in catteries is cruel. So read on to learn more about what goes into making sure your pet gets treated right!
Are Catteries Cruel?
With the growing popularity of cats as pets, more people are turning to catteries for boarding their feline friends. But are catteries safe places for cats?
Definition of a Cattery
A cattery is a facility where people can board their cats, usually for short periods. Typically, these facilities provide their feline residents with housing, food, and exercise areas. They also offer basic medical care if needed and may provide grooming services on request. While typically less expensive than hiring an in-home pet sitter or taking your cat to a veterinary hospital, many worry that keeping cats confined could be painful or even abusive.
Pros of Catteries
- Cats can be safely kept away from home while their owners are on vacation or business trips.
- Cats receive regular meals and playtime with other cats in the facility, increasing socialization skills and decreasing boredom.
- Professional staff members monitor each cat’s health closely during its stay, which helps ensure that any potential medical conditions can be caught early on before they become more serious problems.
- Most catteries have strict cleaning regimes to prevent the spread of disease between cats in the facility.
- Many catteries offer additional services such as grooming or behavioural training if requested by the owner.
Cons of Catteries
- Keeping cats in cages for long periods can lead to depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues due to a lack of stimulation or social interaction with other animals or humans.
- Cages are often too small to accommodate a cat’s natural behaviours, such as jumping, running around, scratching furniture etc., leading them to become frustrated, which may cause injury if not addressed promptly by staff members at the cattery.
- Cats are exposed to unfamiliar diseases when staying in catteries due to being housed close together with multiple other cats – this can put them at risk for potentially serious ailments such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Additionally, flea infestations are common in overcrowded facilities due to poor sanitation practices, leading to skin irritation and hair loss, among other issues, for individual cats housed there.
- Some cats may experience stress when removed from their familiar home environment – this can lead to excessive meowing/crying, hiding away from others, increased aggression towards humans and other felines, eating disorders, scratching furniture etc. These behaviours may be addressed using punitive techniques by staff members at the facility, which could further add trauma to your pet should these techniques prove ineffective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important for those considering a cattery stay for their cat to understand both the pros and cons associated with doing so before making any decisions. Proper research into local facilities should be undertaken beforehand and speaking with knowledgeable individuals with prior experience dealing with such establishments – will help ensure that your beloved pet receives adequate care while you are away from home. Ultimately, it is up to you as an owner whether you decide that keeping your cat in a boarding facility is cruel or not – but always remember that safety, comfort, love, and well-being should always come first when it comes down to making decisions regarding your furry friend’s health!
Before making any decisions regarding where to board your cat, make sure to look into pet insurance from Furrr.co.uk. With their comprehensive policies, you are guaranteed that your furry friend is fully covered in any accidents or illnesses – giving you peace of mind during their stay at a cattery! Make sure to visit Furrr.co.uk today and get your pet insured for the best possible care and protection!
