For new clients or guests, evidence of vaccination must be presented to the satisfaction of Woodend Cattery staff before your booking is confirmed.

Our diligence is to ensure that your cat has the best possible protection for entering an enclosed environment with other cats present. Our policy may differ from that as recommended by your own veterinarian.

It is preferable that we see a complete vaccination history. This can be pictures of your cat's book or a medical history emailed to us from your vet, or you can call in to the cattery with your vaccination book.

Contact our team if you require clarification, Cattery bookings will NOT be confirmed until we have received the required documentation. Please also advise if you no longer wish to continue with your booking. 

Kittens: 

Require a primary course of 2 shots 2-4 weeks apart with the final vaccination given no earlier than 12 weeks of age. 

We recommend kittens between the ages of 4 and 6 months receive an addition booster at least 7 days prior to entry to the cattery. 

Kittens older than 6 months, who have received a primary course, need to have a booster (traditionally given at 12 months but best practice now recommends bringing forward to 6 months) at least 7 days prior to entry to the cattery. 

Adult cats with unknown history or incomplete vaccination history, or it has been more than 3 years since their last vaccination: 

Must have one vaccination within 1 - 3 months but at least 7 days prior to their admission date. It is recommended for best protection that these cats receive a booster 2-3 weeks later and at least 7 days prior to their admission date.

Your cat must then be receiving annual vaccinations or every 3 years with the most recent having been done within the last 12 months (preferably within the last 3 months). 

Adult cats with documented primary course and receiving vaccinations every 1 - 3 years:

One vaccination within the last 12 months, preferably given within 3 months prior to cattery visit.

Drop off and collection times are 8-10am and 4-6pm daily (Including Public Holidays).

Outside these hours by arrangement only.

We encourage you to bring items that will remind your cat of home to help her settle. Please ensure bedding is clean.

No. In accordance with our infection control policies, we are unable to accept raw food. We recommend preparing your cat for a change in diet by slowly introducing a new food as a suitable alternative. Our staff are here to help with any concerns you may have.

No. Each unit is self-contained to specifically house a cat or cats from one household. To maintain hygiene and infection control standards, your cat will get individual attention but no interaction with animals outside of their family. All of our units are glass-fronted, so she will be able to see other cats. We can provide visual barriers for nervous guests.

Often cats that arrive stressed take longer to settle in. Ensure you have everything you need to be prepared in advance so you are not rushing to get your cat in her carrier and in the car.

Invest the time in getting your cat used to car travel, covering her carrier with a blanket and using synthetic feline facial pheromone sprays such as Feliway can help.

Your cat’s carrier should be a safe space for her, so leave it in a place at home where she can explore it at her own leisure. Secure the carrier in the car to minimise bumping and rattling. If your cat is prone to anxiety, let our staff know so that we can arrange her Unit as best as we can to accommodate her needs.

Ensure yourself plenty of time to arrive. Ticking off that list of things to before going away can be stressful and your cat will notice!

There will be paperwork to fill out, we recommend coming prepared with alternate emergency contact and any relevant medical history if your cat is on medication.

Please go to reception where a staff member will meet you and check your little one in. We have space to store carriers and belongings.

It is preferable that vaccinations are carried out by your own veterinarian prior to admission to the cattery.

If that is not possible or your cat is here for an extended stay, we are happy to arrange for vaccination (extra charges for vaccination consult will apply).

It is preferable that your cat is regularly treated to prevent parasites, especially as she is going into an enclosed environment. Talk with our staff if you have questions or if your cat’s treatment regime has lapsed. Any cat found to have parasites at or after admission will be treated at extra cost.

Our trained staff will escort your cat to emergency services at Rangiora Vet Centre, Emergency Vet Hospital or Christchurch After Hours.

You or your alternate contact will be notified and conferred with should such an event occur.

If your cat is close to her expecting date or you are unsure, we do not recommend boarding her.

Provided your kitten has completed their primary vaccination course in accordance with our protocols.

Refer to the first FAQ above: ‘What vaccinations are required’ for detailed information.

It is preferable that we use Rangiora Vet Centre services to ensure the most prompt action in treating your cat. However, if you are able to arrange collection by a third party to transport your cat to your preferred clinic, we are happy to accommodate. Please talk with our staff about arranging the best emergency plan for you and your cat.

General housekeeping and feeding are carried out twice daily, where litter boxes are cleaned out and all cats provided with fresh food and water in clean bowls. Medications are administered as often as required.

We can! Please ensure we have the preferred email address on your admission form to send updates to.