Cats truly are creatures of habit, which is something that we certainly do love about them – but when it comes to going on holiday, this can mean that breaking their routine and leaving them in a new environment can be quite traumatic for them.

This is why, when booking a stay in a Windsor cattery, that you do all you can to prepare them for the day that they’re going to be left with strangers. No one wants to go on holiday thinking that they’ve left their beloved pet at home stressed out and unhappy, but this really doesn’t have to be the case – all it takes is just a little bit of time and effort, and you and your cat will be just fine.

A few days before you go away, leave your pet carrier in your cat’s favourite room so they can get used to seeing it and smelling it, and won’t be so upset about having to go in it later on. It might also be a good idea to put some unwashed clothing of yours in the carrier with the cat so they feel reassured and as though they’re in a familiar environment, particularly important when they’re at the actual cattery itself.

Another way of making your cat feel happier and secure is to use an artificial pheromone spray, which mimics the scent in your animal’s facial glands and helps make them feel more secure.

Packing them up with their own toys, bedding and scratching post is also a good idea so they have familiar items in the cattery with them. But do first check with the cattery you’ve chosen before you bring these items with you, although the majority of boarding kennels should be able to accommodate this for you.

Keep your cat in the house the night before they’re due to go to the cattery so you don’t have to deal with all the stress of trying to find a cat that simply doesn’t want to be found. Put some newspaper in the carrier when going in the car, rather than bedding, in case your cat has an accident and never have a cat loose in the car when driving as this is very dangerous and could also invalidate your car insurance.