Skyecroft Cattery FAQs
Can I visit before I book my cat?
We are open for viewings from 11:00 to 15:00 every day (except bank holidays). You do not need an appointment, although we do ask that you wait if we are checking guests in or out.
Can I pick up or drop off out of hours, or on a bank holiday?
I’m afraid not.
We suggest that clients who need to board their cats outside our opening hours or on one of our few closed days arrange for a friend or relative to drop them off when we are next open. This can also help to avoid additional charges. If this is not possible, an extra day’s boarding will be added to your invoice.
The same applies to collections unless, again, a friend or relative can collect your cat the day before. In this instance, we would need to be notified if anyone other than you will be collecting your pet; otherwise, we will not release them.
What do I need to bring with me?
We supply everything your pet needs during their stay. However, please feel free to bring any items that may help them settle in. We are happy for you to bring a bed and blanket but these must fit easily on the sleep platform. If the bed is too large and could pose a danger to your cat moving about, we will have to refuse it.
Toys and similar items are also welcome but again, the size must be suitable for the chalet. All personal belongings are left entirely at the owner’s risk. Whilst we will endeavour to return all items, they may be damaged by your pet or misplaced during the cleaning of the chalets.
If I supply my own food, is there a discount?
No. While you are welcome to bring your own cat food, we do not offer a discount for doing so.
What if my pet becomes ill whilst boarding?
If we have any concerns about your cat’s health during their stay, we will contact you by email, txt and/or phone to discuss the appropriate course of action. Should we consider the situation to be an emergency (or if we are unable to contact yourself or your emergency contact that day) , we will seek immediate veterinary assistance.
During normal opening hours, we will endeavour to contact your own vet however, outside of these hours, we use Wilsons Vets in Bishop Auckland.
All veterinary costs will be billed to the owner.
How should I pay for my pet's stay?
We ask for a £25.00 non-refundable deposit/administration fee to be paid at the time of booking, with the balance due no later than the day before drop-off. Payment should be made by bank transfer, quoting your pet’s name and your surname as the reference. If the deposit is not received within five days of the confirmation email being sent, the booking will be cancelled without further notice. We cannot guarantee that the accommodation will still be available after this point.
What if my cat is not settling in?
In the very rare event that we are unable to help your cat settle into their new environment and have serious concerns about their wellbeing, we will try and contact you first and, if unable to speak to you, we will contact your emergency contact to discuss the situation and potentially arrange for collection.
All cats must be left with at least one emergency contact number.
My cat is very nervous. How do you deal with this?
If your cat is naturally shy, nervous or has never stayed in a boarding cattery before, we would be grateful if you could let us know when making your booking. This allows us to prepare a suitable chalet in a quieter area where they can settle into their new surroundings at their own pace.
Every cat is different, and we never force interaction. Instead, we allow each guest the time and space they need to become familiar with us. By building trust gradually and respecting your cat’s individual personality, we can help make their stay as calm and comfortable as possible.
Some owners find it reassuring to arrange a trial overnight stay before a longer booking, particularly if their cat has never boarded before. This gives your cat the opportunity to experience the cattery in a gentle way and allows us to see how they settle into the environment. We will always give you honest feedback and let you know how they coped, as well as whether we feel boarding is the right choice for your cat.
Bringing along a favourite blanket, bed or an item of clothing that carries a familiar scent from home can also help some cats feel more secure during their stay.
If your cat is particularly anxious or finds new environments stressful, you may wish to discuss suitable calming products with your vet before boarding. Please bear in mind that some treatments and supplements can take up to two weeks to become fully effective, so it is best to plan ahead.
When can I drop off and pick up my pet?
Our opening hours are:
Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:00
Saturday 10:00 to 16:00
Sunday 10:00 to 16:00
We are closed to the public on all bank holidays for viewings, collections and drop-offs.
Can a friend or relative pick up my pet?
Yes, but you must let us know at the time of booking or when you drop your pet off who will be collecting them. For your pet’s safety, we cannot release them to anyone else unless we have been notified in advance.
Do I need to supply my own food?
No. We keep a selection of premium wet and dry foods in stock. If, however, your pet has any special dietary requirements, we recommend that you provide their usual food to avoid any adverse effects caused by a sudden change in diet. If you simply prefer to supply your own food, you are welcome to do so.
Does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Yes – see our vaccinations page.
What if my pet needs medication during boarding?
We are happy to administer any medication your pet may require for non-contagious or non-infectious conditions (including tablets, ear drops and eye drops) during their stay. Please be aware that the earliest we can administer medication is 7:30am and the latest is 7:30pm.
Please ensure that clear instructions are provided with any medication.
Please provide enough medication for your pet’s stay, plus a little extra in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as delays to your return.
We cannot accept diabetic pets.
All medication should be supplied in its original packaging.
Will my pet mix with other pets?
Your pet will be able to hear, smell and, to a small extent, see other cats during their stay. Other than this, cats from different households will not be mixed.
Can my friend/relative come and visit my pet whilst I am away?
I’m afraid not. Past experience has shown that visiting during your pet’s stay can cause unnecessary upset, which may lead to symptoms such as an upset stomach or a reluctance to eat.
For some cats, seeing their owner leave again can be just as unsettling as the initial separation. To help them settle as quickly as possible, we find it is usually kinder to allow them to relax into their routine without additional visits.
Do you have any age restrictions?
No. As long as your kitten is old enough to have completed their full vaccination course, we are happy to welcome them for boarding.
We are equally happy to care for older cats, provided they are in reasonable health.
How recent should my pet's flea treatment be?
Please ensure your cat has been treated for fleas within one month prior to arriving at the cattery if using over the counter products, or within the vet prescribed routine you are on.