Common questions about Catnip Condos:

I've called Catnip Condos but no-one answered:
I might be busy with a cat. I might be mowing the lawn. I might not be home. I try to take care of "outside things" and have a social life when there are no cats here, so if we're empty, I might be out. Either way, leave a message and I will get back to you. If you don't get a return call within 12 hours, please call again. My voice mail is not always reliable. Sometimes I get the messages right away, sometimes we don't get them for days, sometimes not at all, so please try again.
(I've tried a home answering machine but my cats kept stepping on buttons and erasing them, or knocking it off shelves and such which either broke the thing, shut it off, knocked the tape out, etc. Something about hearing voices on that thing just seemed to make it a real challenge for them.)

Medical services:

What happens if my cat needs to go to a Vet?
If something happens that requires medical attention, we take your cat to the vet. Part of the paperwork you fill out, gives us permission to make medical decisions in your absence. We will certainly do our best to contact you first. We discuss this with you thoroughly at intake. We SUGGEST everyone leave a credit card number and instructions with your veterinarian. We REQUIRE clients who will be unreachable by phone, or out of the US, or who have a cat who is over the age of 14 to leave a credit card number with their vets, have some sort of agreement with their vet for medical treatment in case of emergency or leave us the name of someone who will cover the expense of veterinary treatment or take your cat to the vet if necessary. If we have to take your cat to the vet there is a $5 fee to cover the gas if we go to our vet.

What vet do the cats go to?
That depends on you. You have the right to choose what vet you want to have treat your cat. However, that isn't always the best thing for your cat. If your vet is 40 miles away and your cat needs emergency treatment, then I wouldn't recommend it. In that kind of situation it is better to have someone close and available to get your kitty treated as soon as possible. We work closely here with Armstrong Veterinary Clinic, and we hope that you give us permission to take your cat there in an emergency. They have been wonderful to us at Catnip Condos, helping us to make sure our set up is the best for cats. They were our advisors for all our furniture and any materials used around the cats to make sure that everything is safe and cat friendly. Armstrong Vet Clinic also donated the large windows used in our condos, and the cats love them. Feel free to check them out at www.armstrongvet.net.

My cat is diabetic and needs to have periodic vet checks. Can you do that?
If you cat needs a non-emergency vet visit with their own vet while here at Catnip Condos, we can certainly accomodate you. We do charge for it, depending on distance, to cover our time and gas.

What shots do you require?
We have looked into the issue of vaccinations, and we have found that there is a great deal of controversy and not much consensus on the subject. We decided that the best we can do is take a conservative position. Therefore, we require proof or a call from your vet concerning the following:

Your cat must be current on the Rabies vaccine (1 or 3 year variety)
Your cat must have a FVRCP every 3 years minimum
Your cat must have a FeLV (Leukemia) shot every 3 years.
We will waive these vaccination requirements for an inside only cat whose family and vet do not wish him or her to have this vaccine.
We do require that the cat has been tested for leukemia/aids
as we need to know if your cat is positive in order to protect our other guests.

Generally, we will follow the recommendations of your vet concerning the shots your cat needs. Some vets are of the opinion that older cats have built up sufficient anitbodies from 10 or more years of shots, and no longer need annual vaccinations. Some cats are very allergic to the vaccines and for health reasons cannot be vaccinated. Some vets question the need for rabies for indoor only cats, despite state law. For boarding we feel that the FVRCP is the most important. Remember, any rules for your cat are also the rules for the other cats that will be sharing the facilities.

What medical services for cats do you provide?
We are good at giving pills, shots (including insulin), eye and ear ointments, and subcutaneous fluids. There might be a slight charge for more complicated medical services and the charge will most likely be based on how well the cat cooperates.

How do you handle fleas at Catnip Condos?
We request that our clients use a flea control product, for example "Frontline" or "Advantage" on on their cat a week before they come to Catnip Condos. Even inside only cats may need protection from fleas that catch a ride on clothing. We haven't ever had a flea problem here and we certainly don't want to start now.

Questions about the everyday schedule

Does Catnip Condos let other peoples cats out in the Cat Family room with my cat?
Never. Each kitty guest gets to spend time wandering about, but each in turn. Cat behavior can be pretty unpredictable and we don't want anything to happen to your cat or anyone elses..

How often will you let my cat out of his room?
That depends on how many cats we have staying here. I make sure each cat has a chance to get out - the longer a cat is going to be staying, the more important it is that he get time and attention. If I am working out there at night I will let one of the kitties out to help me with laundry or to sit and watch TV with me. I will also often let cats explore the other kitty rooms if they are empty. Environmental enrichment is very important to a cat being happy, so we try to keep things interesting, even if it means a little extra cleaning.

Can I choose the room I like best for my cat?
Yes and no. We try to accommodate our client's requests for a specific room,
just as we try to put returning kitties back in the rooms that they were comfortable in on a previous visit. However, with a limited number of rooms, someone else could already have that room reserved. Sometimes we move cats AFTER their arrival if they don't seem comfortable with their accomodations.

Sometimes the previous cat in the room reserved for your cat, doesn't go home on time (airport snowed in or something) so your cat would have to stay in another room until his opens up. Each room is different, so we do our best to match up the cat's personality with the room. You know your cat better than anyone, so will know which room is most likely to make him happy, so that room would be the first choice.

How long can I board my cat?
This varies by the age and temperament of the cat, but about four months is about as long as is good for the cat.

Do you take any other animals besides cats?
Sometimes we do. Unfortunately, we can't take dogs, or any other animal who's scent or noise would bother the cats. We can take bunnies, guinea pigs, ferrets, fish, rodents and reptiles. We keep them in one of the cat rooms, inside their cages or tanks. Since each room has a screen door, our feline guests will enjoy watching them. If you think your non-cat pet would be traumatized by being cat TV you might consider alternative care just in case there are cats here while your pet is a guest.

Litter boxes:

My cat does not use a litter box, but goes outside. Is that a problem?
No problem. Cats understand litter boxes and use them instinctually. They will automatically use a litter box if a nice clean one is there.

Can I bring my own litter box and litter?
We can provide a box and litter, but having their own cat box and own litter brand will make your cat more comfortable. We do require a clumping litter, litter pearls, or one of the litters like feline pine, and NOT a non-clumping litter due to the high cost and limitations of our trash pickup here though. We use feline pine or scoopable clay here.

How often are litter boxes cleaned?
I do litter boxes first thing in the morning and again at night. More as needed. Older cats and diabetic cats need it more often. Highly fragrant cats get immediate attention.

Feeding:

I don't want my cat's diet changed, can you feed her the way I do?
Sure, just give us your instructions and bring your cat's special food along. We will post your feeding directions on your cat's door.

Do you recommend that we bring our cat's food?
We require that supply their food. It just isn't possible for me to have every brand and type of cat food on hand here. A few cats are the "I will eat anything, anywhere" types, but most are very particular about what they want to eat. Since cats are slow to eat normally in new situations, we watch their intake and output, very carefully for the first couple days that they are here. We don't want to worry that they are not eating because they are getting Salmon Entree instead of Salmon Dinner, for example. Cats can be allergic to certain foods so it is better that they eat what they normally do. For these reasons we don't want to change their diet or eating habits, so it is a good idea for our guests to come with their normal foods. Some people bring along treats like shrimp, deli turkey, ham baby food, and that is fine too.

Does Catnip Condos serve special meals on holidays?
Yes, Kitties like holidays too. With the permission of the cat's family, we serve turkey or whatever I'm having for my holiday on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and so forth. Cats enjoy holiday treats.
Besides, if I'm cooking a turkey and they have to smell that all day it's only fair that they get some. We have even had people bring along things that their cats are fond of, for us to cook them for their cats as holiday treats. One of our clients brings salmon steak for the holidays for us to cook for her cats while they are here.

Visits/Deposits/Reservations:

I want to see Catnip Condos before I board my cat. How do I arrange that?
We encourage a preboarding visit. You should carefully check out anywhere that you would leave your pet. You don't want to wait till you drop off the cat an hour before you catch a plane, only to find that it is a place you don't want to leave kitty. Visit, ask questions, make sure you trust us to take care of your cat, fill out the paperwork -all this makes the drop off easier on the day of your departure. Just call me at 715-268-7077 and we will arrange a time for you to stop by.

If I get back into town, can I visit my cat while she is being boarded?
Of course you can. We love to have people visit their cats.
Just call. You can also arrange to have one of your friends or family stop by and check on your cat.

Why is everything done by appointment at Catnip Condos? Why can't I just drop in and drop off my cat whenever I want?
First of all, I need to be able to give you my undivided attention for about 15-20 minutes when you are dropping off your cat. I need to get clear information from you so I can provide the best possible care for your cat. You need to get focused attention from me so you can leave your kitty feeling comfortable. Imagine two clients arriving at the same time, both with planes to catch. It doesn't work. Same for picking up your cat. I will need time to gather up your cat's belongings, wash anything that needs it, etc.
Second, calling before coming here also protects the cats that are here. I don't want traffic in and out of the cat room unless I am there to make sure that there are no cats roaming the cat family area that could possibly sneak out the door. I want to make sure that cats are back in their rooms when people are coming and going. This needs to be a calm and quiet environment, and I don't want anyone's cat being frightened when someone comes unexpectedly with 4 small children in tow.

Third, I might not be here. I do try to limit my abscences while I have cat clients staying here, but I do occasionally have to leave the house -go to the grocery store, or run a cat to the vet - and although I am very seldom gone for very long, I do have a life.

What if someone opens the door while my cat is wandering? Can he get lost?
We ask that people call before coming here so that we have time to put your cat safely back in his room. That way we don't have to worry about that sort of thing. The door to the cat area opens into the closed stairway area and that opens into the garage and we keep that closed as a backup safety zone any time someone comes. Even if your cat gets through the stairway door I might have a hard time catching him in the garage, but he will be safe till I do.

How do you count the days you charge for?
When you drop off your cat on Monday at 8 AM and pick him up by bedtime on Tuesday, that is considered one day. If you drop the cat off Monday morning and pick him up Friday, that is a 4 day charge, not 5 days like at many kennels. We don't have set checkout times like motels either. As long as you arrange things with us before hand, we figure it all works out. Just make sure you let us know before you come, or arrange the time beforehand.

Do you require a deposit to hold a reservation?
Not at this time. Deposits are a nuisance for both of us. We are seeing how things work without deposits. Please help us be successful at this by letting us know the minute you know you won't need our services, so we can give the room to someone else. If we have too many instances of empty rooms because of people cancelling at the last minute, or not showing up, we may have to start with deposits somewhere down the line, but we are hoping to avoid that.

How early do I need to call to get a reservation?
Most of the year there isn't a real problem with getting a room. However, the holidays (Especially Christmas and Thanksgiving) get real busy, and the summer time can get busy as well. Call early if you can.