Frequently asked questions

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The health and wellbeing of the cat's that stay with us is a priority. Your cat must therefore be fully vaccinated for;

- feline panleukopenia, 

- feline parvovirus (also known as feline infectious enteritis) and

- feline respiratory viruses (feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus)  

We need a photo of your cat’s current vaccination certificate showing at least the last 2 vaccinations to create a booking (even if you are expecting to redo them before the booking). 

Unfortunately, if you are unable to produce an up to date vaccination card before your cat’s stay, your cat will be unable to stay with us. For more information please see our terms and conditions. 

Please note :

The terms of our licence (issued by Defra), our own terms and conditions and our insurance dictate that all cats must be fully vaccinated for the duration of their stay. This is common practice in all UK catteries. As a licensed cattery we unfortunately cannot accept cats without a current vaccination certificate. Our preference is that all cats’ stays end within 12 months of the previous annual booster vaccination. 

In order for immunity to develop after an annual booster we require 2 weeks between the most recent vaccination and entering our cattery. For kitten primary vaccinations there will be the first jab of the course at about 9 weeks, then another jab 3-4 weeks later, then we require 4 more weeks before coming into the cattery for immunity to build to a safe level.

Yes. We are licensed with Maidstone Borough Council. Our licence number will be issued shortly and the licensee is Diane Connors (Di)

Two meals each day comprising a wet food sachet of either:

Whiskas 1+ in jelly -  poultry or fish

Felix As Good As It Looks in jelly - fish or meat

Dry food made available throughout the day of either:

Whiskas 1+ complete dry food for adult cats - tuna or chicken

or 

IAMS Adult - chicken or salmon

In addition to the included meals there are some options which can be purchased - please see the menu page for more information.

If your cat requires food that is not listed or is on a special diet then please provide this when dropping them off.

PLEASE NOTE: When booking 2 cats or more from the same family if one cat is on a special diet you must either book a seperate pen or provide a microchip feeder.

Yes (even if they usually live entirely indoors). In order to protect your cat and all of our other guests, your cat must be treated for fleas and worms about 2 days prior to arriving so that it is covered for the duration of its stay with us. If your cat is found to have fleas or worms whilst staying with us, we have no choice but to treat them and add the cost to your bill.

Fortunately, this rarely happens. However, if your cat does get sick while staying with us, we will get in touch with you straight away. We will also immediately contact your vet for advice. If required, we will take your cat to your own vet (if nearby), or to our vet. Any charges incurred will be added to your final bill.

Please let your vet know that your cat is staying with us and request that, should the need arise that they provide your cat's medical history to our vet practice.

Almost definitely. You should discuss your cat's medical requirements with us when you book to ensure that your specific cats needs can be met.

Some cats have a very nervous disposition and we prefer to have as much information as possible to help us help your cat to settle. Our approach depends completely on the individual cat as each one is different. It is really useful for owners to bring something familiar such as a rug or old jumper that smells of home. The familiar scents provide reassurance for the cat to make them feel secure. 

We have four cats of our own and have always had cats in the family so we are fully aware how hard it is to leave your beloved pets with someone else. We are more than happy to keep you updated by email or whatsapp as often as you need. The more information we have about your cat’s likes/ dislikes/ habits the easier it will be for us to make sure that they settle and are happy. 

All cats have different personalities and therefore each one will become settled in his/ her own way. Some cats are bold and will settle instantly even if they have never been away from home before. More commonly cats that come for their first stay can be a bit wary and unsure to start with. Many cats don’t eat very well for the first day or two, but once they are more settled in their new environment they regain their appetite. At Hazelwood Boarding Cattery we recognise that each cat is individual, and so we tailor our approach and care to each one according to their specific needs.

Of course you can! Just have a chat with Di to arrange a visit. There is more information about visitors in the terms and conditions.

Yes, if they like it! As part of the care that we give, all cats are offered a daily grooming session. Please bring your cat’s brush or comb with you. However we will not groom cats that are obviously unhappy about it. Let us know your cat's preferences on the cat information form. Please have any knots removed by your vet nurse or cat groomer prior to arrival. We don't want to cause them any discomfort.

No. We never let any of our cat guests come in to contact with other cats that they don't know. One of our licence conditions is that only cats from the same household share accommodation since cats are highly territorial creatures. Of course, if you have more than one cat and they prefer spending time apart, we are happy to accommodate them. Please let us know at the time of booking.

We monitor the health and wellbeing of our guests throughout the day, every day. If cats that are sharing do not appear to be coping well together and there is a risk that they will injure each other then we will have to separate them.

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

Ok, so you're packed and ready to go, but where is the cat? Cats are incredibly intuitive and will know something is up as soon as you start packing or behave differently. They often disappear for hours or (even days!) so we suggest you bring your cat to stay with us before you start packing. And if you have an early start, drop them off the day before. We will agree a mutually suitable time and you can find this on the booking confirmation we send you.

Upon arrival you will be asked to place your cats carrier in their suite and they can decide when they feel confident enough to explore. We will store your carrier for the duration of your cat's stay with us in their run so they can use it as a hideaway if they choose to.

We are happy for you to spend time with us making sure your cat is settled.. You are welcome to sit in the suite with your pet for a little while, to make sure he/she is happy.

·  Do complete and return the other forms Di sends you prior to your cat's arrival.

·  Do treat your cat for fleas and worms - a week before boarding..

·  Do wash your cat’s bedding about a week before boarding.

·  Don’t feed your cat before its journey - it may be sick! 

·  Don’t put your cat's bedding in the carrying basket (in case of accidents!). Newspaper is recommended for travelling.

·  Do call your vet to tell then your cat is staying with us and to provide medical history if requested.

Here's a useful tip...

Don't feed your cat on the day it is coming to stay with us. It is much more likely to hang around your house if it is hungry. We always feed cats within half an hour of their arrival to help get them settled in.

· Please bring your cats vaccination record with you.  

· Please bring your cat in an appropriate, safe carry cage. We will keep this for you during your cat's stay. Cardboard boxes, soft fabric carriers with zips and velcro and harnesses are not suitable and please don't carry your cat in your arms as it may escape between your car and reception.

·  Don't forget any medication or special/prescription diet requirements  – plus a couple of extra days' worth (enough for your cat’s stay with us and to cover any travel delays you may experience).

·  Although each of our cat suites has bedding, scratch post and toys, many owners prefer to bring their own from home. This can help your cat to settle in and relax. Please feel free to bring your own scratching post, grooming brush, comb, toys and bedding with you, and a list of belongings.

·  We will need full contact details for you, together with an alternative name and number of someone prepared to collect your cat in an emergency (especially important if you are going abroad).