As much as we hate to, we're going to have to put our beloved (and rather elderly) cat in a pet hotel for a little over a month.

I know there are bunches of catteries in Sheffield, but I really don't feel comfortable choosing one at random. Can anyone recommend one that is really good?

On a related note, anyone know of any good B&B's in Sheffield that allow cats?

Thanks in advance.

i've had to put my cat in lots of different catteries before but non compaired to Morining Side cattery in ecclesfield on Chapletown Road.

its run by two men with a very deep passion for cats, its extreamly clean, the cats get fed their regular food what you feed them at home. they get played with, entertained and generally very well looked after. the price is very reasonable and well worth cheching out.

Nixie and Morrison recommend Elaine at Storrs Hall Cattery in the Loxley Valley. Fab views of the hills, lots of fresh air, cuddles and horses to watch. 0114 233 4162 :thumbsup:

I have to agree, morningside cattery is by far the best in sheffield

Thank you everyone. I will probably call Morning Side tomorrow and see if they can accomodate her.

I really appreciate the help, this has taken a big load off my mind.

I too am going to have to put my cat into a cattery for three weeks in the summer.

I will give Morningside a call- does anyone know about prices? I'd rather pay a bit more to know she's being looked after, but I am on a budget!

Moscar, at Bradfield come recomended by my brother in law. he says they are a bit pricey, but they are good.

However, just to relate an incident with another cattery/ kennels... skew hill, at grenoside, managedto lose my brother in law's cat, when it was in their care.

It happened to escape... It's probably "gone feral" in greno woods by now! They were devastated at him being allowed to escape.

PT

Hi i hate to disagree with everyone but i put my cat in morningside a couple of years ago and will not be taking her back, my cat`s a fussy eater so i took her own food which came back untouched so they had been feeding her there own food saying she ate ok(which i doubt), we arrived a little early to collect her and had to wait outside for opening time, the chap was still in his kitchen having breakfast, when we got to the cattery my cat was waiting there already in her carrier leaving me wondering how long she had been in it.
Acacia Lodge at Wentworth a lovely place a real home from home, thats where i would recommend

I've 2 cats and been going to the same place for a few years but its outside sheffield (I dont know where you live). I've used them alot.

A1 Country Cats Hotel. Its just outside Whiston, Rotherham. 01709 820306. When I've compared prices they are bit more expensive than some others but worth it (something like £7-8/day for 2 cats). They get booked up which is a good sign.

There is one nearer to me - Ridgeway I think - but they also have kennels and I don't want my cats spending a week listening to all that barking. I'd bear that in mind when thinking where to take them.

Originally posted by threecolours
I've 2 cats and been going to the same place for a few years but its outside sheffield (I dont know where you live). I've used them alot.

A1 Country Cats Hotel. Its just outside Whiston, Rotherham. 01709 820306. When I've compared prices they are bit more expensive than some others but worth it (something like £7-8/day for 2 cats). They get booked up which is a good sign.

There is one nearer to me - Ridgeway I think - but they also have kennels and I don't want my cats spending a week listening to all that barking. I'd bear that in mind when thinking where to take them.

I agree I have used A1 Country Cats hotel for years but you have to book a while in advance as they are so good.

I agree - I used to have a cat and used A1 Cat Hotel all the time and they were wonderful - I always felt it was worth the long drive out to take her there.
I'm about to get a new kitten and am glad A1 is still in business - I will undoubtedly go back there again at some point in the future.

Hi

Try Willow Tree cattery in Spinkhill. We have a very spoilt cat who is in on special food and has to drink plenty of water potherwise he gets cystitis. He also gets stressed when we leave him and typically vomits when we get home. However since using this cattery he actually seems to enjoy us going away.

I dont want to put the cat amongst the pidgeons but,
Wasn't that ecclesfield cattery in the papers a couple of years ago for losing someone's cat.

I remember the family put ads all over ecclesfield .
I dont think it was ever found.

Please forgive me if it was not morningside but it was deffinately one at ecclesfield.
imagine coming back from holiday and no cat.

I think I'll try the A1 cat hotel then. It doesn't matter about the distance because it's near the motorway- I can take her on the way to the airport.

I will go and have a look around first though- what should I be looking for? My cat has never been in a cattery since I got her from an animal shelter. How are the cats kept? Do they have much room? Are there any 'home comforts' or is it a bit stark?

Meersbrook Cattery

Find it in the Thompson Local or Yellow pages.

Ask for Judy. I recently took my kitten there for 5 days. Checked out - really well looked after, and proper heated shelter.

Comes highly recommended at a very affordable price, and she also feeds your cat exactly what you want, not what they can be bothered to feed it.

Originally posted by Steee
I think I'll try the A1 cat hotel then. It doesn't matter about the distance because it's near the motorway- I can take her on the way to the airport.

I will go and have a look around first though- what should I be looking for? My cat has never been in a cattery since I got her from an animal shelter. How are the cats kept? Do they have much room? Are there any 'home comforts' or is it a bit stark?
The cats are well looked after if I were a cat I would be well pleased with my lot staying there they also have plenty of room.

Originally posted by Steee
I will go and have a look around first though- what should I be looking for?

Ive already said I think A1 is good but you'll want to check Im sure. I'll try to keep it brief..

Is it licensed? Ask to see the cert.
Does it smell? It shouldnt really - either of cats or lots of disinfectant stuff
Are the pens clean, dry and heated?
Do they insist on seeing the cat vacination cert (as they should) every time you visit?
What are the arrangements if the cat falls ill? (or passes away...)
Do the cats have a separate run (ie from where they sleep)? Thats not grass which can't be cleaned < apparently this does happen in some catterys.
Check to make sure the cats do not come into contact with each other - either lots of space between the pens or 'glass' inbetween?
Check no escape routes...eg double doors before the exit?
Do they cater for individual diets?
Do the same people look after the cats?
If they're not busy- see if they'll put your cat in one of the larger pens which are used for pairs of cats - they will if they have space.
Re: the home comforts - just take any cat toys you've got. Beds are provided but I spose you could take your own..so to speak!

My ex used to work for Paws-a-while boarding cattery up on Long Line in Dore.

Those cats got treated better than I did ;)

I'd recommend the place- Jill, the owner, is a cat lover through and through and they definitely do feed the cats their special foods.

The number's 236 3374.

Moscar, at Bradfield come recomended by my brother in law. he says they are a bit pricey, but they are good.

However, just to relate an incident with another cattery/ kennels... skew hill, at grenoside, managedto lose my brother in law's cat, when it was in their care.

It happened to escape... It's probably "gone feral" in greno woods by now! They were devastated at him being allowed to escape.

PT
have you tried A1 cats at whiston, rotherham off junction 33 its great they are really caring

Anybody who needs a good cattery try A1 Cats Country Hotel its at whiston, Rotherham off junction 33.
The staff are really nice and friendly they really care about the cats ive took mine there for years and I never worry while they are in there.:thumbsup:

Another A1 user here:thumbsup:

****************************************

Lady Cattery's Lover - the feline version of Lady Chatterly's Lover

Sorry, I couldnt resist.

I have used forest reach cattery in dinnington on several occasions. The thing i like about it is that the owner John will alsways take time to show you round and can talk for england. My cat is 16 with no teeth and has always been well looked after.
This is the website

http://www.forestreach-cattery.co.uk/index.html

We used Morningside cattery last year, and although we had no problems, I was just a bit concerned when we were asked if we wanted to buy insurance for our cats stay. My cats are insured anyway, but the other cattery that we used on a regular basis, until it changed hands, had insurance included in the cost of housing the cats. I'm not sure if this is a new thing, but it did concern me slightly.

storrs hall cattery (I think it's called, at Stannington). Elaine's great with the cats. Have taken all ours there and always will. Double locked doors so there's no escapees and she really cares for them and knows all there names.

YES "the river"

I take it your not a cat lover......and the river is exactly someone like you would take a cat or kitten, rather than look after it like the responsible cat owners on here would. Well, it doesn't cost anything does it? In order to have a cat boarded in a cattery it needs its vacs, (which cost money) and for the likes of you, to vacs and board a cat will probably cost more than your holiday! This may be a bit harsh, but tough, keep your unkind and non helpful remarks to yourself!

:(I would definitely NOT recommend this cattery. We put our cats in for 1 week in October. We were told that they would be looked after and fed on the requested diet; we also stated at this time that they were house cats and had not been in a cattery before.

When we returned from holiday “I’m glad it was only 1 week” we were told there had not been any problems. We collected the cats and went home. Upon opening the cat travel box we discovered our very much loved cats in a terrible condition. They were both sneezing and coughing and had lost considerable weight. They were also very lethargic.

Within 1 hour of returning home we had to visit the emergency vet, he gave injections anti inflammatory and pain killers.

After three days they are both still in pain and discomfort so we visited our own vet, who again gave anti inflammatory and pain killing injections. All this has left us very disappointed and angry in the way our cats were looked after also over £200 out of pocket

They are still sneezing, very lethargic and frightened after 4 days

Our Cats will definitely not be going to that or any other cattery again.

Morningside cattery, Ecclesfield

I would very highly recommend Cloughfields 5* cat hotel. We went away for three weeks in Oct and our cats had never been in a cattery before, we looked around a few (including a few recommended on here) and it was by far the best. It was the only one we went to where all the cats weren't mewing and at the cage doors desperate for attention. All the units have a heated indoor section and an outdoor section and there's loads of comfy places for them to sleep and toys too. Our cats seemed very happy there and I know a number of other people who recommend it too. The only downside is that it's pricey, but well worth the money!

My mother has used Willow Tree at Spinkhill on several occasions. The lady there keeps the pens spotless, she is always cleaning them when we've been to drop 3 mogs off. The surroundings are pleasant too, with horse fields next door. They will also collect your cat for a small charge which is very convenient. And the gentleman helps you reverse your car out as they are near the Spinkhill bumps!

Ours only go to the cattery when they absolutely have to and we use The Meers in Meersbrook.

They get plenty of fuss, the pens are spacious & heated, special diets & medication catered for too.

The cats always come back fatter & look dead miffed when you come to take them home!!

My two cats have always stayed in Mosborough cattery. They have always come back healthy and happy (well as happy as they can be) I have (touching wood) never had a problem with them.
This yr is the test for me though as my dog will be going in this time aswell, I'm really nervous about this but I know they will look after her but for some reason it just feels different when its the dog.

Their prices are ok as well, £8.50 for both cats per day and £8.50 for he pooch per day.

It's a pity a poll could not be done on here of the best cattery to use, cos I am SO confused :confused:. I have never left my cat at a cattery before. From what I have read so far, A1 seems like a good one. No doubt someone out there may dispute that. Please do!

there are other options to you could have a pet sitter call a number of times aday or stay overnight with you cat. less stressfull for your cat , Cats tend to be happeir in their own home enviroment.

I have heard good things about A1, but do consider using a pet sitter also, we look after 2 cats who are 18 and 19 years old as there is no way their owner would trust them going to a cattery. We also look after diabetic cats, again the owners wont trust the cattery to administer the insulin ro know what to do if things went wrong. Another house has 19 champion show cats - imagine the bill putting all of those in a cattery. They are much less stressed if they are able to stay at home with someone coming in several times a day to care for them.

My cat doesn't have any special requirements other than likes to either go out all day or stay in all day. No disrespect that do cat sitting services but do they have insurance whilst the cat is in their care? And considering that you are going into a strangers home, how/what does the owner of the pet do about reassurance that you will do what you are supposed to do? Hope that makes sense

My cat doesn't have any special requirements other than likes to either go out all day or stay in all day. No disrespect that do cat sitting services but do they have insurance whilst the cat is in their care? And considering that you are going into a strangers home, how/what does the owner of the pet do about reassurance that you will do what you are supposed to do? Hope that makes sense


We have insurance for dog walking, pet sitting and small animal boarding. Most of us have insurance for this kind of service. If you are employing someone for this please check references and ask to see CRB (we have enhanced crbs as we work with children too!)check and ask to see the buisness insurance certificate. we have ours as we pay for each year up front. As for thes rest any good pet sitters references will back up the service they offer. You can also ask a neighbour to keep and eye out for the times they are coming to see you pets, check how long they stay etc. Also ask neighbours/ friends who they use, how long they have used them?
Most of our Cat customers we have had for 4 years and they will happily tell you we are trustworthy and how well there cats have been cared for. We know all our cats by name before we care for them , we visit you in your home to meet you and your pets, we also speak with you in days up to you going away , to make sure you are happy and that there is no problems we don't know about. Please have a look at our web site the guestbook has comments from customers on there many of which are happy to referee us. and have used us time and time again.

My cat doesn't have any special requirements other than likes to either go out all day or stay in all day. No disrespect that do cat sitting services but do they have insurance whilst the cat is in their care? And considering that you are going into a strangers home, how/what does the owner of the pet do about reassurance that you will do what you are supposed to do? Hope that makes sense

We are fully insured for dog walking, pet sitting, small animal boarding and also have enhanced CRB checks and references from customers.

E.g The house with 19 cats previously used another pet sitting company and the cats were stressed and not eating on their return and litter trays were dirty. These are championship show cats most worth over £1000 each. They had also let the males in with the Queen resulting in an unplanned and unmatched mating. Another cat aborted it's litter which they are sure was through stress and the litter was not removed:rant: It totally indicated to the owner that they had literally done a quick in and out, spent no time at all with the cats and didn't know which cat was which.

They employed us, we have a photo file of each cat, spent time getting to know them and on each visit they are are all fed, the 10 litter trays are cleaned out/changed, they are groomed and they are played with. We are there a good 2-3 hours per visit. We even hoover and clean the house through for them, as after 2 weeks the cat hair builds up with that many cats if it is just left. The reference they gave us clearly indicates how settled and happy the cats were on their return and now they will use no one else.

References and reccomendations are often the best way forward.

I am not doubting anyone's ability to cat sit for me however, the way I see it is, I'm supposed to allow a stranger to come into my home unsupervised and I know NOTHING of this person, their ability to look after my cat, their professional background and the obvious, I'm supposed to feel comfortable allowing some one I don't know access to my home. PLEASE someone give me some reassurance :help:

Only you can know if you are happy with the thought of a stranger coming into your home whilst away - BUT - any reputable pet sitter will allow you to see and check references, they will also do a free visit(or more if requested) to meet you and your pets, assess them and find out their exact needs and your requirements. You should be able to ask anything you want and be answered honestly - look for direct eye contact (Liars rarely give it) rather than them scouring the room. Do they interact well with your pets too and do your pets seem comfortable around them. During this process most people will pick up vibes from the pet sitter and know if they feel happy and comfortable enough to trust them with their pets and their home.

Pet sitters I admit are not for everyone, some people just dont like the idea of a stranger having access to their home, but for others it works really well knowing their pets can stay in their own environment. Also consider though that it may well be the pet sitters main income and they will often rely on good feedback, a reference from you and recommendations for further business. If they do a bad job their business and income could well suffer. If you ask to see their insurance certificate you could also report them to their insurers who may then refuse to cover them in the future. HTH a bit

I am not doubting anyone's ability to cat sit for me however, the way I see it is, I'm supposed to allow a stranger to come into my home unsupervised and I know NOTHING of this person, their ability to look after my cat, their professional background and the obvious, I'm supposed to feel comfortable allowing some one I don't know access to my home. PLEASE someone give me some reassurance :help:

The reassurence comes from meeting with the pet sitters , checking references, insurance, and CRB checks.
You donot have to employ someone to look after your cat without you feel comfortable, Like holidayhutch says watch how they react to pets,.
One thing the police said to us when we set up was to advise customers to check out who they are employing , I always say to people even if they don't choose us please check out who you are giving access to your home. If you have contacts in the police ask which pet sitters are on their intrenet which is and internal system the police use themselves, that may help you find someone you trust. We work for several policemen and women regulary dog walking and pet sitting. I hope that help with reassurence. I have to say I checked out our cleaner like this, I spoke with all her referees and checked her out with other locals who use her before employing her.

All I can say is, holidayhutch & teeny you've both answered my questions. In all honesty, I WOULD prefer my cat to be in his own environment. I especially like the idea of CRB checks :thumbsup:. What I now have to do, is ring round a few places/people. I don't need anyone for at least 3 months, but like you've suggested, I (and my little puddy cat :D) need to get to know the cat sitter.

All I can say is, holidayhutch & teeny you've both answered my questions. In all honesty, I WOULD prefer my cat to be in his own environment. I especially like the idea of CRB checks :thumbsup:. What I now have to do, is ring round a few places/people. I don't need anyone for at least 3 months, but like you've suggested, I (and my little puddy cat :D) need to get to know the cat sitter.

Hi there Mushroombabe, I like you found it hard to trust a pet sitter. I have several bad ones who came with good references, and were insured, But unfortunatly let me down badly. I have Ms so walking my dog was a big problem. I had one guy who drove Max round for 40mins walked in the enterance of Graves park walked for 10 mins and back in his van. I had my friend follow him for a week each day was the same. I reported him to the police but they said it was a private matter and nothing could be done, as it was his word against mine and my friends. However the lady police woman told me who she used, which is Waggytails, she told me that several members of the police station used them and were very happy with them, that these guys were trustworthy, and that they had a proven track record of good care for the pets in there care, she also said that she had no hesitation in giving me this recommendation. Since then I have used waggytails for the last 4 /5 years , they even take my 2 children to school everyday as the childminder let me down too often, I trust my home with them when I go away. they come when they say they do and do whats required and more. Their other referees whom I checked the references with were a vet, and a justice of the peace both whom were also well known in the area so i did feel a degree of trust restored. I realise trusting you pets and animals to a stranger is hard but I do feel the right way to go was for me with Waggytails, when waggytails is on holiday I will be using Helen from Animal Crackers with the same degree of trust. If you are thinking of using Waggytails I am more than happy to talk to you , please pm here with your phone number I will get back to you ASAP.

Since my post in October re Morningside cattery, we have been on holiday again. This time we left our cats at home, and had a family member visit twice a day to feed and look after them. I'm happy to say they were both fine and happy. My advice is ask a trusted friend to look after your cats at home.

Hi mushroombabe,

I'm sure you're inundated with options of Cat Sitters but just wanted to add another one to your list to check out; Captain Mewalot.

We're a Sheffield based pet sitting company, specialising in cats! A few things that may be a bit different from other pet sitting services include;


Online daily photo diary (with secure log in). Meaning you can check up on your pet while away, and see photos of what they've been up to
Online quotes (http://www.captainmewalot.co.uk/prices) available on our website (http://www.captainmewalot.co.uk)
Complimentary cat toys
We specialise in cats; we're all cat owners ourselves and have years of experience in caring for them including cats with special needs


In addition to meeting the basic needs of your pet our main aim is to socially interact and play with them, we're only happy once we've managed to make a new friend (http://www.captainmewalot.co.uk/gallery).

Of course we are also CRB checked (copy of certificate provided on request), we can put you in touch with some of our current clients to provide references and we are insured through Pet Business Insurance.

Hope you get chance to have a look at our new website, please feel free to contact us for more info.

I would not take my cats to Morningside cattery at Ecclesfield if it was the last place on earth!!!!

Mum has taken her cat there the last few times she has gone on holiday. The last time she went, she came back absolutely starving, and also had a patch of fur missing from under her neck - it looked exactly like she had had clippers to her neck, it was a perfect square bold patch about 2 inches long.

She's not the most socialable of cats anyway, so whatever happened to her must have caused her a massive amount of stress!!!

My cats go to Storrs cattery at Loxley - its a lovely place to taken them to.

I can recommend Willow Tree Cattery in Spinkhill. The pens are spotlessly clean, large and heated and set in pleasant surroundings. I hate leaving my cats but I have the peace of mind that they are always well looked after by Bridget who is a cat lover, in fact they look better when I pick them up than when I leave them.

I'm so glad I have read this, as I feel happier with a decision I have just made.
I normally book my cat in with Westwood at High Green. Kate who runs the cattery is fantastic and my cat is always reluctant to leave. Unfortunately due to illness they have had to close for a while, leaving my cat cattery-less, or so to speak. I tried to contact Morningside last night and both phonelines were unavailable, I have used them before but have always been a litttle disgruntled about having to "wait at the gate" till the proprietors were ready to admit me, but apart from that, no complaints. However I got into Skew Hill at Grenoside today and I have heard good reports about their kennels, so am hoping the Cattery is as good. Does anyone know about Skew Hill?
XG

See www.cameronlife.co.uk for cracking Jimi Hendrix and 1970 IOW pop festival images

I'm not sure where you live but there is a new cat hotel at Stannington. Its called Myers Grove Cat Hotel. I took my cat there a couple of weeks ago and it was all very new and clean and my cat seemed very happy when I collected her:)

:A brand new cattery is opening in Hillsborough--Hillsborugh Cattery, on 1st August 2011. Always call and view a few before deciding. Hillsborough Cattery is on 0114 2326243.
William