There are two catteries at Barkimber, basically we call them the indoor cattery and the outdoor cattery. Facilities offered are the same for both; the outdoor cattery is open only in the summer months from June through to September, although accommodation is totally undercover. Which cattery you select is down to personal preference and the personality of the cat; the elderly are sometimes happier indoors where it is cosier. The extroverts of the cat world are happy to be in the outdoor runs where they can gaze over the fields and watch the cows grazing if they wish to do so.
There are two sizes of cat kennels available, single size and the larger ones which will accommodate two or three cats from the same family.
Cat kennels are built on two levels, a higher sleeping area reached by ladder; this contains carpet, plastic bed, and a bean bag. All beds contain a piece of top quality green-back or gold-back “vet-bed” (fluffy white sheepskin style bedding). Clean fresh bedding is provided for every new arrival, and this is changed frequently during your pets stay. This bedding is warm, comfortable and hypoallergenic and it washes and dries with ease. You are more than welcome to bring in some of your cats own bedding if you think it will help during the “settling in” period. In the outdoor cattery, each cat is provided with an insulated igloo instead of a plastic bed.
On the lower level there is a litter tray and play area.
All meals for every cat are made up individually, and we stock a good range of the premium quality tinned and dry food. If your cat is fed a prescription diet which we are unable to purchase, or in the unlikely event that we do not stock something that will tempt him, you are more than welcome to bring in your pets own diet. No extra charge is made for feeding own diets, as all meals are being made individually anyway, and we are more than happy to do this for your cats wellbeing.
All animals should be fit and healthy when admitted into the kennels. Because of our considerable experience we are able to continue administering any medications prescribed by your vet. No extra charge is made for this. A medical history is taken at the time of arrival, and we are happy to liaise with your own vet, or ask our own veterinary practice, Drove Veterinary Hospital, to do so should any problems arise.
Every animal is fully insured while in residence, a veterinary surgeon will be called should your cat's health give any cause for concern. We always ask you to leave a contact telephone number in case of emergency; if you are not contactable then an alternative number of someone who can speak for you is acceptable.
No cat is accepted into the cattery without proof of full vaccination status. Your pet's vaccination certificate should be brought with you and this will be returned to you once the details have been entered on to our admittance form.
The management of Barkimber Kennels reserve the right to refuse admission to any pet whose condition could constitute a health hazard to other pets or staff, or when its own health would appear to be in jeopardy.
We encourage you to come and view our facilities; you will be given a guided tour, everything will be explained in detail, and you can see the relaxed way that our cat residents settle in their temporary homes. Also come and see our photo gallery, Kayleigh our head kennel girl has spent her free time photographing many of our regulars.
No appointment is needed to view, all we ask is that you let us complete our morning and evening tasks for the comfort of the animals; viewing then – anytime between 10am and 3.30pm Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 1.30pm on Sunday.
