Introduction
Being a pet owner, especially of adorable kittens, is a delightful experience full of cuddles and fun. However, sometimes you need to be away, either due to work commitments or vacations. It's during these times that catteries can be the best place for your kittens to stay. But, when is the right time to introduce your kittens to a cattery, and how does one do it safely? Understanding the proper timing and procedure is critical, and this guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into these queries.
What is a Cattery and Why is it Essential?
A cattery is a boarding facility specifically designed to house cats. It ensures that your kittens have comfortable and secure living quarters and are attended to by professionals in your absence. A cattery offers the comfort of companionship, safe boundaries, and consistency in care, which are all essential while temporarily rehoming kittens. Babies of any species, including kittens, require added attention and proper handling, ensuring a smooth transition when appended to a cattery.
When Can Kittens Go into a Cattery?
An imperative guideline to follow is the kittens' age. Usually, kittens can be introduced to a cattery at the age of 12 weeks. This age is determined by the fact that by this time, kittens have generally completed their first round of vaccinations and have developed enough resilience to adapt to new environments. The first vaccination course is crucial as it plugs in immunity responsible for kittens' good health and protects them from contagious diseases commonly found in communal spaces like catteries.
Importance of Vaccination Before Cattery Introduction
Before introducing kittens to a cattery, they need to undergo a series of vaccinations to protect them from life-threatening diseases, including Feline infectious enteritis, Cat Flu, and Feline Leukaemia Virus among others. These vaccines are typically administered in two courses, with the second dose being administered approximately 3-4 weeks after the first one. Ideally, kittens should only go into a cattery a week after their second vaccination, when their immune systems are well fortified.
Why is Waiting till After the Second Vaccination Necessary?
The waiting period after the second vaccination allows the kittens to build up sufficient immunity to fight off potential diseases. Importantly, it also helps prevent them from contracting diseases from the other cats within the cattery, hinging on the concept of herd immunity. Bringing your kitten into a cattery too early, when their immunity is not adequately built up, increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Building Familiarity with the Cattery Environment
To make this transition smoother, try to familiarize your kitten with the cattery environment before their first stay. Brief visits can acclimatize the kitten to these new surroundings. Choose a reputable cattery that allows such visits and ensures that they operate with stringent hygiene standards and vaccinations protocols for all boarding cats.
Final Thoughts
The decision to introduce your kittens to a cattery warrants careful consideration of their age, health, and vaccination status. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure your kittens' well-being during your absence and peace of mind for yourself. This comprehensive guide aims to alleviate any apprehensions and help you navigate the process of safely introducing your kittens to a cattery. Remember, kittens are a bundle of joy and deserve our absolute diligence to ensure their health and happiness.