If you’re preparing to leave your furry friend at a cattery near me, you may be wondering how to make the transition easier — especially if it's their first time. Cats are creatures of comfort and routine, so new environments can be stressful.
Thankfully, with a few thoughtful tricks, you can help your cat settle much faster when staying at a cat boarding Melbourne facility.
🧸 1. Bring a Blanket or Bedding from Home
Your scent is your cat’s comfort zone.
- Pack a blanket, shirt, or towel that smells like you or their usual sleeping spot.
- Don’t wash it! Familiar scents help your cat feel safe and reduce stress during their stay.
- Some owners also rub a cloth on their cat’s cheeks and leave it in the suite for extra scent comfort.
🧸 2. Include Their Favourite Toys
Don’t underestimate the power of play.
- Bring 2–3 small toys your cat loves — especially anything they’ve “claimed” like a soft mouse or rattle.
- Toys with your cat’s saliva or scent are even better, reinforcing familiarity.
- Avoid noisy or electronic toys — aim for comfort and routine, not overstimulation.
💨 3. Use Feliway Spray Before and During Drop-Off
Feliway is a synthetic feline pheromone that mimics the “happy” facial hormones cats produce.
- Spray it in your car before the journey — ideally 15 minutes before your cat gets inside.
- Lightly spray inside the carrier (not directly on the cat!) to calm them during transit.
- Ask the cattery if they use Feliway diffusers — many quality cat hotels do.
🕒 4. Avoid Sudden Goodbyes – Keep Drop-Off Low-Key
Saying an emotional goodbye can make things harder.
- Act calm and casual during drop-off. Cats mirror your emotions.
- Avoid dramatic exits — no lingering, no tears (yes, it’s tough, we know!)
- Trust the staff. They’ve seen it all and know how to ease your cat into their temporary new home.
🐟 5. Leave a Snack or Treat for the First Day
If your cat has a favorite treat, bring it along!
- Chewy or lickable snacks can tempt them to eat earlier during the adjustment period.
- Let the cattery staff know it’s a comfort snack — they’ll offer it when your cat is ready.
- Try things like Inaba Churu, freeze-dried chicken, or small dry fish snacks.
🎧 6. Create a Custom Audio Playlist
Sound can soothe — and cats often react positively to music.
- Curate a Spotify or YouTube playlist of soft music or cat-calming tracks.
- Some catteries allow Bluetooth speakers in private suites — ask in advance.
- Bonus tip: record yourself talking softly and play it back in low volume. It’s weird, but it works.
📝 7. Fill Out a Personality & Routine Profile
Help the staff understand your cat’s daily rhythm.
- Good catteries will ask for a detailed intake profile — share everything!
- Feeding times, litter habits, nap preferences, quirks, fears, medical notes, favorite cuddle spots — the more info, the smoother the stay.
- Mention if your cat likes brushing, hiding, or playtime routines.
🪴 8. Bring a Bit of Home — Literally
Some cats relax around plants or natural textures.
- A small cat-safe plant, familiar scratch pad, or cardboard box can add a homey vibe.
- If your cattery allows personal decor, this can help ease the transition.
💡 Final Thoughts
A little preparation can make a big difference. The right cat boarding Melbourne facility will already offer climate-controlled comfort, quiet spaces, and one-on-one care. But bringing in familiar scents, toys, and calming aids can make your cat feel like it never left home.
When searching for a cattery near me, look for places that welcome personalization — and treat your cat like family, not just another guest.
