Cat Chat Feline Forum

We have just had a rocky patch with a suspected FIP with our cat. He has been cleared of this which is a huge relief but the vet says they still cannot explain his high protein and his enlarged lymph nodes although his fever has gone. They recommend another set of bloods in a months time.
However we were planning a big holiday in 3 weeks, which we have been holding off booking. I am very protective over my cats...too much so and I think this is a major down side on my part and worry too much whilst away about them on any holiday! The cattery initially said they couldn't take a cat with FIP (understandably) but now he is clear she still needs peace of mind from our vet..understandably too. He also has a weepy eye which the vets have not been able to identify a problem with either and aren't worried about but the cattery might?? Our neighbour has offered to look after our chickens and when we said about the cat problem and potential cattery issues she offered to look after them as well. I am a little nervous booking/going away too soon after all of this. Yesterday I thought we would have to put him down! He is well in himself but not sure if a holiday is a good idea atm and I am concerned if we take the cat over on the day of our holiday she may find something she is not happy with then we are stuck? Should we be going away, should we be thinking about a cattery or should they stay at home with our neighbour popping in? Chickens and cats is quite a lot to deal with although she would not need to come in every day for the cats as they have a feeder. Grany has only just started to go out but by the time we go will be OK out at night. Difficult decisions....

The last major holiday I had was our honeymoon 16 years ago, and that was only for 6 nights, fortunately both myself and my husband are just as happy only having the odd night away.

My suggestion would be to have a long chat with the cattery owner and try and get them to talk to your vet. Hopefully that would set everything straight and you would know where you stand and can then arrange things accordingly. I know the cattery my parents used had an isolation pen where if there was any problem a cat could be put where there would be no contact with the other cats in residence, if the cattery you are using has one it might be an option and provide peace of mind all round.

I personally would have thought the cattery would be the better bet, unless your neighbour was willing to pop in at least twice a day and make sure the cats are alright. if the worst happened and he needed vet treatment a good cattery would make sure he was seen and any medication given. If this happened with your neighbour looking after them it would add a lot of responsibility onto them.

I don't want to seem pessimistic and I really hope that there is nothing else wrong with him, but I do feel you have to think about worse possible scenarios in this situation.

I think we are certainly going to book at the last minute as he has only just come home. I think it has been a stressful few days for us all. He also is a little pooey today. He has been from time to time but on the whole OK but I have been upping his whiskas/felix wet food intake a little for hydration purposes when he had his fever. The vet did not say he was a bit pooey in the vets but today he is so will try and get his diet sorted a little and play it by ear. Today seems a strange day with him as I am treading on eggshells a little with him. I am alternating a little dry food. Do you think dry food may be better for him atm? He does drink OK whereas I never see Gemo drinking.

Update,...the cattery is fine about Grany now although the refuge do not vaccinate against leukemia so he needs to go to the vet before the holiday to have this done.
Still not sure if we book or not. His health does remain a concern although he seems OK in himself. These things can change at the last minute. My husband thinks we should sit tight for now and keep an eye on him and plan something for next year. I am not sure but know we will not get a chance to go away for a few months after this. I do agree the cattery is the best option for him but worry in case he is ill just before we go.Not sure what would happen then? Maybe I am worrying too much about him? I do think I care too much sometimes over our cats.

We have decided to book a holiday. Teh only dilemma I have is whether to ahve one or two rooms for the cats at the cattery? Gemo is fine now with Grany, however she does make it known she is boss and does hiss at Grany if he goes too close. They have never fought it has just been a slight hiss. Obviously Grany does not want to play with Gemo as he is a little confused by her atm however if I can book a double room at the cattery do you think it would stress Grany too much of I book them in together? If not I can try and book two single rooms.

I think in your position I would go for two separate pens. Can you arrange for them to be adjacent, so Grany and Gemo can see each other?

Will try. Over here they tend to have more than one cat in each room during busy times. I am waiting for a response. I think so and at least they can see each other.

bear in mind they can't be fed separately if they share - my local cattery refused to let Trigger and Tiffany share as they knew from experience he ate twice as fast as her, so would get one and a half times as much

I think I'd opt for the cattery and separate pens, in your shoes. Good luck.

Yes, just heard back. She cannot guarantee the two pens as she only has 6 indoors and normally in France cats share a room. I don't like this idea, but she is good. Normally our cats share a room between themselves without any other cats so not keen on this. Our only option is to house them both together or Gemo, our exisiting cat shares with others and Grany has his own.The only issue is very occasionally Gemo hisses at Grany. Yet the next minute they kiss each other on the nose and eat together and share each others beds although never sleep together. I was hoping the sharing of a room will do them good?

emmab wrote:Yes, just heard back. She cannot guarantee the two pens as she only has 6 indoors and normally in France cats share a room. I don't like this idea, but she is good. Normally our cats share a room between themselves without any other cats so not keen on this. Our only option is to house them both together or Gemo, our exisiting cat shares with others and Grany has his own.The only issue is very occasionally Gemo hisses at Grany. Yet the next minute they kiss each other on the nose and eat together and share each others beds although never sleep together. I was hoping the sharing of a room will do them good?

So your cat could be sharing a room with someone else's cat?

No it won't unless we stipulate it is OK. She houses cats together when the owners are happy.mShe knows we don't accpet this. Normally they have their own.

Blimey, I wouldn't be happy with that at all! There are certainly some odd practices in France. Do you have to show proof of flea and worm treatments when they go in?

She asks when they were done but yes anyone can say what they like! The pens are sneezeproof etc but tbh if your cat is in with another then what's the point. When in France! I have to say that the vaccinations are checked with a fine tooth comb.

At least the vaccs are checked, but they could still come back with other things.

Well heaven forbid if another cat did go in with a virus and it was undisclosed. However this could also happen in the UK. We used some great catteries in the UK too and they only asked for worming and flea treatment dates. There is no proof with those after all.Anyway, off topic a little anyway.

Well our neigbour has offered to collect Grany from the cattery if he is unwell. I am so undecided on this holiday. I am fine with once he is there, it is making sure he is well enough before and on the day!