FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
We understand that leaving your feline friend in someone else’s care can raise numerous questions and concerns. To ensure clarity and peace of mind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive FAQ section addressing various aspects of our services, accommodations, and your cat’s well-being during their stay with us. Explore our FAQs to find answers to common queries, allowing you to make informed decisions and understand how we cater to your cat’s comfort and happiness while you’re away.
We are crazy about cats and can't get enough of them. The link between cat owners and their cats is very strong. Every time you leave them behind to go somewhere else, it breaks your heart. That's why we created Dame Calico's as a loving, safe, secure, modern, luxury Cat Hotel for cats to stay in while their parents are away. We wanted a place that would give us personalised service in a calm and relaxing setting, other than the standard "cage" that is usually offered at boarding catteries. We wanted it to be a real cat vacation haven, a home away from home. We opened Dame Calico's because we love and care about cats so much. We adore cats!
Yes, you will feel less stressed if you know where your cat will stay.
Yes. A lot of our indoor cats stay with us and are very happy and at home at Dame Calico's. The inner section keeps them as warm as they are used to at home, and the outdoor section gives them another choice if they want to go exploring.
Yes. The room for our cats is big enough for them to eat, sleep, pee, and poop. Every day, we spend time with all of the cats and can give them toys and other things to play with to keep them interested. Kitties who want to be outside all the time can use the catwalks to get to the outdoor magical garden at any time.
There are a lot of people who have never used a cat hotel before because they have never found one they liked. We get a lot of "first timers", from young cats to older cats. With the right care and attention, they usually do very well. A lot of people find us through "word of mouth," and internet. There are many reasons why people need to use a cat hotel, and we are always happy to talk to customers about their specific needs.
Dame Calico's Cat Hotel has a secure outdoor magical garden that can be reached by closed and secure catwalks. This way, your cat can freely roam the area. They can be on the patio outside without actually being outside.
The cats that stay with us eat vet-approved dry food. For your cats' comfort, we will feed them at the same times every day.
We don't provide the food as part of the fee. For cats that need a special diet, you will need to bring food that is already made and enough for their stay plus one day.
We always pay extra attention to kitties and make sure they have lots to do. Most of the time, they settle down really fast.
We give the cats warm blankets and pillows, and the floor in the cat room is heated.
If your cat needs it, we use a spray that calms them down. We're happy to call or text you as often as you need to keep you up to date. We can make sure your cat is comfortable and happy more easily if we know what they like, don't like, and do each day. Different cats have different characters, so they will all settle down in their own way. Some cats are brave and will feel at home right away, even if they've never been away from home before.
It's not necessary for you to bring anything to Dame Calico's because we have everything your cat needs here. However, we do suggest that you bring your cats' beds, blankets, toys, treats, a piece of your clothing, or a brush for them to use. They will feel more at ease with familiar smells around them.
Cats that stay at a cattery are required by law to have current certificates for feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus, and feline calcivirus if they want to stay there. Some vets also give extra shots to protect against feline chlamydiosis and feline leukemia virus. The shots should have been given at least one month (30 days) before coming to Dame Calico's. We'll need a copy of your most recent veterinary records and proof that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies and distemper (FVRCP) before you can check in. You can bring this with you. Vet records are also checked to make sure that all cats over 6 months old have been fixed or neutered. If you don't do them for more than a month, your cat's defence may not be as strong, and they may not be fully safe against getting sick. We are sorry, but the Dame Calico's Cat Hotel will not let any cats stay there who have never been vaccinated. If your cat is coughing, has runny eyes, or wheezes when you check in, you will not be allowed to enter. It's clear that we can't risk giving our other guests a lung bug. Please be kind to our other boarders and our business. If you think your cat has any of the above signs, please have them board with your vet or a pet sitter who comes to your home.
When you book, we always get the full contact information for your cat's vet in case something goes wrong while you're away. We also want to know as much as possible about any medical problems you have had or are having now or in the past. If your cat gets sick, we will always do our best to get in touch with you and let you know what's going on. When your cat is sick, we'd rather take it to its regular vet if we can. This is because the vet knows the whole medical background, which is important for long-term conditions, and we know you trust the vet you picked. The vet bills will be your responsibility. We're happy to take the cat to the vet if it needs to go and give it any medicine that was prescribed. Our own neighbourhood vet is also on call at Dame Calico's in case of an emergency.
A lot of people have more than two cats. We made sure that our cat room can fit up to six cats from the same family. We don't think that caring means sharing, so we can only take care of one family's cats at a time.
Yes. We only let cats into our facility that have been fixed or neutered. Cats that are still whole like to mark their territory, which would make the area dirty and germy. A home pet care service is better for cats that are not vaccinated and also something you should use if your cat is dangerous or acts aggressively. Also, we don't let any cats in that show symptoms of a disease that can spread (like coughing, watery eyes, etc.).
We're not vets, and we don't give out medicine. Not only do we not give shots, but we also do not take in cats that have diabetes or kidney problems.
We will talk about a deal for staying for more than one month.
Yes. This has never been hard for a cat. They get it right away.
You can fill out our booking forms. We'll confirm the dates with you and send you a bill for the money that's due. You won't be promised a place to stay until all of the necessary paperwork is turned in, accepted, and paid for.
You can only pick up or drop off kitties by making an appointment. You can make an arrangement for drop-offs every day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pick-ups can happen between 15:00 and 18:00. After 18:00, we don't take appointments.
We only take EFT payments. The daily rate for boarding is paid no matter what time the kitties arrive or are picked up. During busy times, like December/January and March/April, you need to pay the full amount due 15 days before you check in your cat(s). During the off-season, you need to pay the full amount due 5 days before you bring your cat(s) to stay.
They won't, though. Dame Calico's Cat Hotel is only meant to hold one family's cats at a time so that the cats can move around freely once they're used to their new home. It's like a home away from home, and the cats will be free to roam the large cat room and the secure garden cage.
Make sure you use the right kind of pet carrier. It will be ready for you when it's time to pick it up after your holiday cat stays with us. Don't forget to write your full name on it. We ask that you do not bring your cat to Dame Calico's in a plastic box or carry your pet in your arms, in case they get out and hurt themselves.
You are welcome to bring your cat's food, beds, blankets, toys, treats, clothes, or a brush for your kitties. They will feel more at ease with familiar smells around them.
If you decide to take a few extra days off, please let us know as soon as possible. We will always do our best to take care of your cat during the extra time you are away, but this will depend on our availability. Any extra fees will be charged as soon as the number of extra days is confirmed, and they must be paid for right away (EFT).
Cats are naturally very flexible, and most of the time they get used to their new home very quickly. They are happy as long as they have a soft bed, good food, water, and lots of love. We're proud to be able to make sure that your cat has the best time possible at the Dame Calico's Cat Hotel.
We would appreciate it if you told us beforehand if your cat has anger issues. We will still board your cat, but we'd like to meet it first and see if we get along. If you cat is scared of strangers, we might be able to help him or her feel comfortable around us before we board them. Unfortunately, if you don't tell us about your cat's aggressive behaviour and it attacks us, we will have to ask you to find another place to stay immediately.
We want all of our guests to have a great time on vacation with us. There is a soft bed, tasty food, and five-star service, but we also think it's important to have time to play. A variety of cat toys are always available for our guests to make sure their pets have a fun and exciting vacation.
You are welcome to stay with your cat(s) for an hour to help them get used to the new place, but you don't have to.
