Catterman’s Top Ten List
1) Who are the folks that look after my cat(s)?
Kirsten – Animals have been a central part of her life since she was a little girl. She has been involved in many aspects of animal rescue including fostering kittens. A graduate of York University she has gained many hands on skills over the past 12 years. She is married and the proud mom of two daughters ages 13 and 10 and 2 fur babies: 1 cat named and Brighton and 1 dog named Stella.
Jess – A former Oakville and Milton Humane Society animal care attendant. Jess has had experience with ALL kinds of animals including those that don’t live in your home: elephants, reindeer, camels, ponies and very big cats – Cheetahs! (she worked at African Lions Safari). A graduate of the University of Guelph, while she was in school, she also volunteered at the animal care service right on campus! Jess has two special kitties of her own named Kona and Dexter.
Kylie- Kylie has been working with Cats’ Castle on and off since she was 12 years old nearly 10 years ago! When she went off to the University of Guelph, she took the opportunity to work at the Guelph Humane Society, and as a veterinary assistant in a vet clinic. After graduation Kylie gained experience with some more out of the ordinary animals like lemurs, porcupines and even Kangaroos with Hands On Exotics! She loves all things furry, but has a special fur baby in her life named Safari!
2) How much out time does my cat have daily?
This number depends on the number of cats boarding. What we can tell you is that your cat will have an opportunity for out time EVERY day when we do our feeding and cleaning. We have whiteboards in all our rooms at The Castle and the upper level of The Guesthouse. These boards help us track and rotate cats/cat families in the cattery. Each of our 7 rooms has a lucky cat/family of cats out overnight.
3) How secure is your Castle?
Our Castle is very secure. There are many doors to freedom. Escape artists have no chance here at The Castle.
4) How do you keep The Castle so clean and healthy for my cat(s)?
We use veterinary cleaning products to thoroughly disinfect. A hepa filter/air exchanger in the house and state of the art fan system in the barn ensures a constant exchange of fresh air. Cleanliness is our forte and we are proud of it!
5) How can I tell if my cat is enjoying the time away from home?
Please check our weekly photo session to see your kitty at The Castle. Call or email and check in anytime and we can give you a report. Please allow your sweetie a day or two to settle in for a true and accurate report. Yes… your family or friends may come in and visit anytime during our hours.
6) Will you brush my cat/play with my cat/snuggle my cat?
Yes, yes and yes!! It all depends on your individual cat(s). They are all different and we get to know pretty fast what your kitty’s likes and dislikes are. Our goal is to ensure they are happy, healthy, pampered and stress free. We want them to go home to their family as they came. Please keep in mind though, that we are not a grooming facility, and while we are happy to brush your kitty, it will be a leisurely experience opposed to a deep groom.
7) Will my cats intermingle with other cats?/My cat doesn’t like other cats!
Our guests do not intermingle with other cats. One cat or a family of cats are out in one of our six rooms at any given time. In most rooms, cats do not have to look at other cats in their suite. We set it up this way with your cats comfort in mind (some of our more social guests enjoy the other guests and we have suites to suit).
8) How long have you boarded cats? On the same note, what’s the longest stay a kitty has stayed with you?
We have been boarding kitties since 2001. We have had the unique pleasure of having one of our special guests stay with us for 2 years! Long term boarding is one of our specialties. Our creative use of space ensures no guest will feel isolated, alone or stressed.
9) If my kitty goes to the vet when boarding with you, how is that handled?
We go over contact information when we check you in – you provide us with how to reach you or a decision maker. If we feel your cat requires observation or medical attention, we will take your cat to the vet. Whenever possible we take your cat to its own vet if open and “local”. The vet is in contact with you/decision maker direct in regards to payment + how to proceed.
10) I know some boarding facilities in town charge each day or part thereof. How do you count the days you charge for?
We charge you for the day you drop off regardless of the time. There is no charge on the pick up day if you pick up before noon. Please note WE ARE NOT OPEN SUNDAY AM.
P.S
Our Heritage Guesthouse – totally revamped and modern – a cattery paradise!!!
Our 800 square foot Guesthouse overlooks Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The amount of floor space is massive. This huge area allows for cats to open up into a full run and play session – great fun for siblings!!! We have 7 feet cat trees that allow cats to lounge, hide or play in. We offer many perching places and guests can recline in a chair – much like home!
A huge secure patio door sets the scene for all kinds of wildlife for our guests to enjoy: deer, coyotes, wild turkeys, bunnies, chipmunks, hawks and may types of vibrant birds that flock to Bronte Provincial Park. We have resident woodpeckers that are often seen pecking away nearby.
Our Guesthouse accommodation is designed so all of our suites face outwards. Cats from different families do not see each other when they are snug in their suites. Our fresh air exchange here is fabulous – a fan system that pulls in a continuous flow of fresh air for the cats.