FAQ

Below are the questions that get asked on a regular basis which you may find useful before contacting us.

Can I visit your cattery prior to boarding?

Can I visit your cattery prior to boarding? Certainly – it will be less stressful for you when you are able to see where your cat will stay.

My cat is an indoor cat. Is The Happy Cat Hotel suitable for him/her?

Yes. We have many indoor cats who stay with us and who are completely happy and at home in the cattery. The indoor section ensures that they can stay as warm as they are used to at home whilst the outdoor area provides an added option should they wish to explore further.

My cat is an outdoor cat. Is The Happy Cat Hotel suitable for him/her?

Yes. Our cat units are large enough to allow room to eat, sleep, pee and poop. We spend time with all cats each day and can provide toys and other play items to stimulate interest.

I have never used a cattery before and not sure if it will be ok for my cat(s).

Lots of our customers have never used a cattery before often because they have never found one they are happy with. We have lots of ‘first timers’ – from small cats to very elderly cats and they usually settle very well with the proper care and attention. We also have a high level of returning customers, and get a lot of referrals from a number of vet groups in and around Kensington and Bedfordview and Edenvale. A lot of customers come to us through ‘word of mouth’ recommendations and of course through google and actively advertising in local magazines. There are many reasons for people to need to use a cattery and we are always happy to discuss any individual situations and to offer advice to customers without obligation. We also strongly encourage new or prospective customers to come and look around the cattery so that they can see the facilities and serene surroundings that we offer. It also provides a chance for them to meet us and to chat about their cat’s needs.

Do the cats get to go outside?

Our Cattery has enclosed outdoor facilities so your kitty has a full run of our space. They can also be outside on the catio without being outside.

My kitten is full of energy and used to running around and playing. I’m worried he/she will get bored in a cattery while I’m away.

Most kittens settle really quickly and we always pay particular attention to them to ensure they have plenty to do.

My cat is used to being very warm and cosy at home. How will he/she cope with staying at The Happy Cat Hotel?

We provide warm blankets, pillows, and enclosed cat boxes. In addition, there are many nooks and crannies within our Cattery that provide warmth and protection from the cold.

I am anxious about leaving my cat as I have never done this before. I can’t bear the thought of him/her not settling and not knowing if he/she will be ok.

We can also use a Feliway spray or plug-in diffuser for your cat which can help too. We are more than happy to keep you updated by telephone/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.

Do I need to bring my cats food with me?

We feed the cats staying with us Royal Canin 32 bit. We do not recommend bringing your cat’s food, beds, blankets, toys, treats, item of your clothing or brush for your pets. Once their unit is opened and they are free to roam around, they never go back into their units and therefore never use the items from home you have supplied.

Do you cater for cats on special diets?

No…we do not.

Do we need to bring our cat/s own bedding scratch post etc to the cattery?

We provide all the essential items for your cat to use and so there is no requirement for you to provide anything. We do not recommend bringing your cat’s food, beds, blankets, toys, treats, item of your clothing or brush for your pets. Once their unit is opened and they are free to roam around, they never go back into their units and therefore never use the items from home you have supplied.

What vaccinations does my cat need to have?

Regulations stipulate that all cats boarding in a cattery must have a valid certificate for cat flu (feline herpesvirus and feline calcivirus) and feline enteritis (feline panleukopenia virus). Some vets also use additional vaccinations against feline chlamydiosis and feline leukaemia virus. These additional vaccinations is essential for cattery boarding as the cats will have contact with other cats during their stay. Prior to check in (you can bring it with you) we’ll need a copy of your up to date vet records with proof of vaccination for Rabies & Distemper(FVRCP). We also check vet records to ensure all cats are spayed/neutered if over the age of 6 months. Should your cat present with sneezing, runny eyes or wheezing at check in you will not be permitted admittance. For obvious reasons we can not expose our other guests to a possible respiratory virus. Please be considerate of our other boarders & our business – if you think you’re cat has any of the aforementioned symptoms, board with your vet or in-home pet sitter. Vaccinations should have been done at least two weeks before arrival at the cattery. If they are done less than a week there is a risk that your cat’s immunity levels may be low and they may not be fully protected against infection. We regret that we will not accept any cat into the cattery if they have never been vaccinated.

What happens if my cat/s is taken ill during a stay at your cattery?

We always take full contact details of your cat’s vet at the time of booking just in case anything happens while you are away. We also request as much detail as possible of any past and current medical conditions. In the event of any illness we always make every effort to contact you to keep you informed of what is happening. If your cat is ill we prefer where possible to take the cat to his/ her usual vet. This is because the vet has the full medical history particularly in long term conditions and also because we know you have full faith in the vet you have chosen. We are happy to take the cat to the vet if required and to administer any medicines that have been prescribed. Our own local vet is also on hand to attend any emergency at the cattery if needed.

I have two/three cats. Can they all share a unit together?

Many families have more than two cats. Our units are large enough to cater for two cats. If you have more than two, we can accommodate the third (and fourth!) in the unit next door.

Will you refuse service to anyone?

Yes. We allow only neutered/spayed cats into our facility. Intact cats have a tendency to mark their territory which would make for an unclean environment. Should your cat be dangerous or unusually aggressive we’d also recommend you use an in home pet care service. Extreme neglect cases are reported to the proper authorities immediately. (i.e. Should your pet suffer from ailments or wounds blatantly untreated or malnourished). For obvious reasons, we can not board any cats with signs of a contagious conditions (sneezing, running eyes, etc.)

What if my cat needs medicine?

We are not vets and we do not administer medication. We do not give injections or board diabetic cats.

What about long-term boarding?

We will discuss a discount for boarding longer than a month.

How do I make a reservation?

You can send us a whatsapp message on 078 859 6091 / 082 340 5321 with the dates you need so we can check availability. You will need to fill out our reservation forms prior to your arrival to our cat hotel. Accommodation will only be guaranteed once paperwork is submitted and approved.

What about appointments?

All pick up and drop offs are by appointment only. We do limit our appointment hours as our number one priority is caring for the cats in our care. You may schedule an appointment: Monday-Friday 9am-4:00pm, Saturday 9am-2pm. We do not take appointments after hours. We do not open on Sundays and We are closed for appointments on all major holidays.

How and when do I pay?

We accept EFT payment only. The boarding rate is charged PER DAY regardless of the time of arrival which ends at 12 noon the following day i.e. a late checkout time after 12pm is a new day and will be charged for. Payment is due 2 days before you drop off your cat.

Where are you located?

We are located in Kensington, 7 minutes away from Eastgate Shopping Centre. Due to us living on-site, our address is only given to those with appointments.

Will my cats interact with other cats?

Yes they will, Our Cattery is structured along the lines of freedom of movement for all residents once they have become acclimatized to their new surroundings.

What food will my cat be fed? And how often?

Royal Canin 32 premium cat food is available for all residents at various points all around the Cattery 24 hours a day.

How should I transport my cat?

Please ensure you use a proper pet carrier. We are happy to store it for you during your holiday so it’s ready for you at collection time. Remember to mark it clearly with your full name. Please do not bring your cat to our cattery in a cardboard box or carry your pet in your arms just in case they accidentally escape.

My cat prefers it’s own bed. Can I bring it?

We do not recommend bringing your cat’s food, beds, blankets, toys, treats, item of your clothing or brush for your pets. Once their unit is opened and they are free to roam around, they never go back into their units and therefore never use the items from home you have supplied.

What if I am delayed or I want to extend my holiday?

Please contact us as soon as possible if you decide to enjoy a few extra days vacation. In all cases we will do our best to accommodate your cat for the additional time you are away but, of course, this will be subject to availability. Any additional fees will be charged upon collection of your cat.

My cat has never stayed in a cat hotel before. Should I be worried?

Cats are very adaptable by nature and in the majority of cases they settle very quickly to their new surroundings. As long as they have a comfy bed, good food, water and lots of love they are perfectly happy. We take pride in being able to make your cat’s stay in the hotel as comfortable and as happy as possible.

What if I have an aggressive cat or my cat has problems with strangers?

If your cat has problems with aggression, we would appreciate honesty. It does not mean that we will not board your cat but we would like to meet your pet and see if we get along. If your cat is aggressive towards strangers, we can possibly work together to help him/her feel comfortable in our presence, prior to boarding. In case, we are not made aware of your cats’ aggressive behaviours and he/she attacks us, we will have no choice but to find alternative accommodation at your expense.

What is there for my cat to do?

We want all our guests to thoroughly enjoy their vacation with us. A soft bed, delicious food and five star service is all part of the package but we also believe that play time and chalet enrichment is important too! A range of specialist cat toys are regularly made available to our guests to ensure your pet enjoys an exciting and fun filled holiday!

Can I stay with my cat while they settle in?

We do not encourage it as it will only get your cat agitated.

My cat only uses the out of doors as a litter box. Will he adapt to the litter box you provide?

Yes. We have never had a cat have any trouble with this. They understand right away.

Why have you chosen cat boarding as a vocation?

When we wanted somewhere for our cats to holiday in a safe, stress free and fun environment with caring, empathetic people who have an innate understanding and love for cats, we were encouraged to set up a cattery and boarding facility in Kensington, Johannesburg. A seed was sown, and the idea of offering a safe, secure, modern, luxury Hotel for cats to stay while their Mum and Dad are away from home, was born. We wanted our Hotel to offer a personal service, and in order that we can get to know our guests and be able to adapt to their individual needs we decided to give a calm and relaxing environment, a real cat holiday haven. We established our boarding cattery in Kensington, based on our love of cats. We found a need for a cat hotel and cat boarding facilities than the usual “cage” that is typically offered at boarding catteries in johannesburg. There is a great need for responsible pet care professionals. We love what we do now, not many working people can say that!