Cat Sitter vs Cattery: Which Is Right for Your Cat?
Every cat owner faces this decision eventually: when you go away, does your cat go to a cattery, or does someone come to them? Having cared for hundreds of cats across South Manchester, we’ll be upfront that we sit on one side of this debate — but here’s a genuinely fair look at both options.
The case for a cattery
Catteries have real strengths. Your cat is supervised on site, usually with staff around for much of the day. Good catteries are licensed and inspected. And if your cat has a serious medical condition that needs monitoring throughout the day, a cattery near a vet — or the vet’s own boarding — can be the sensible choice.
The downsides are the ones your cat notices. There’s the car journey (rarely a cat’s favourite activity), an unfamiliar pen, the sound and smell of strange cats a few feet away, and the loss of everything familiar. Confident, adaptable cats often cope fine. Shy cats, elderly cats, and cats who’ve never left home can find it genuinely distressing — many owners know the “sulk” or the hunger strike that follows a cattery stay.
The case for a cat sitter
Cats are territorial animals. Their home isn’t just where they live — it’s the centre of their security. With in-home visits:
- No travel, no cage, no strange smells. Your cat sleeps in their usual spots and keeps their usual routine.
- One-to-one attention. A visit is entirely about your cat — feeding, litter, play, and fuss on their terms.
- Your home is safer too. Daily visits mean post comes in, curtains move, lights go on and off, and someone responsible has eyes on your property. An occupied-looking home is a real deterrent.
- Multi-cat friendly. Catteries charge per cat. Home visits cover the household — with us, up to three cats are included at £16 per visit.
The honest downside: your cat is alone between visits. For most healthy adult cats that’s completely fine — they sleep most of the day anyway. For kittens, some seniors, or cats on frequent medication, we recommend two visits a day rather than ruling out home care.
Which cats suit which option?
A cat sitter is usually better for: nervous or shy cats, rescue cats, seniors who dislike change, multi-cat households, indoor cats with settled routines, and cats who’ve disliked catteries before.
A cattery may suit: cats needing round-the-clock supervision for medical reasons, and homes where daily access isn’t possible (for example, building work while you’re away).
What about asking a neighbour?
It’s the traditional option, and for a weekend it can work. But neighbours and friends are doing you a favour — visits get squeezed, signs of illness get missed, and if something goes wrong they may not know what to do. A professional sitter is insured, DBS checked, experienced in spotting when something’s off, and accountable to you with an update after every visit. Ours come with a photo, every single time.
Making the choice
If you’re weighing this up for a trip from Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington or nearby, the best first step is a free meet and greet — you can meet us, your cat can size us up, and you can decide with no obligation. Send an enquiry with your dates and we’ll take it from there.
Need a cat sitter in South Manchester?
Wendy covers Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington, Whalley Range, Fallowfield and surrounding areas. Professional, insured, and DBS checked.