ABOUT US
Caring for Cats for over 21 years
Catlins is a fully licensed cattery which has built up a loyal customer base over more than 21 years. It enjoys a very pleasant open aspect in beautiful Essex countryside, situated just east of Colchester near Elmstead Market. The accommodation is designed in the chalet style, with large outdoor runs for the cats to enjoy.
With our wealth of expertise and experience you can enjoy your time away in the knowledge that your cat is safe, secure and comfortable in our care. Should you require further information please don’t hesitate to contact us, or come by for a visit and a chat. Please remember to bring your up-to-date vaccination card on every occasion.
Catlins is a family run business, originally started by Linda Rawlings, but now run by her daughter-in-law Emma since Linda took her well-earned retirement in early 2015. That said, Linda does still like to maintain an interest and she enjoys being able to see both long-running customers and new customers and their cats!
Emma is supported by a dedicated team of staff who are all passionate about cats and do their very best to give your cat or cats a real “home from home” in our peaceful rural setting.
DETAILS
Boarding at Catlins
Your cat or cats will enjoy a wonderful stay whilst resting at Catlins, enjoying views of the surrounding greenery year-round.
Individual or shared boarding is available, with access to both indoor and outdoor areas for each of our visitors.
During the colder times, the cattery is always heated to ensure maximum comfort for our little guests.
| Prices Per Day (FROM 1st April 2024) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| one cat | two cats (sharing) | three cats (sharing) | four cats (sharing) | |
| £14.50 | £22.00
(or £27.00 in extra large double) |
£29.50
|
£39.50 | |
Our new rates will apply from 1st April 2024 onwards, reflecting the ever rising cost in cat food, cat litter & waste removal as well as energy and to enable us to continue to pay our wonderful workers fairly.
Our opening hours (Mon-Fri) are 8am – 1pm and in Summer we can open – by appointment only – from 4:30pm – 6pm.
On Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays we are open from 8am – 12noon.
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day are charged at 1.5 times the daily rate.
Please ensure your cat has a full and up-to-date vaccination against Feline Enteritis and Cat Flu and bring the certificates with you when checking in. If it is your first time immunising your cat the full vaccination course takes 4 weeks: 2 vaccinations 3 weeks apart and a final week for the immunity to take effect. The vaccinations also require an annual top-up jab. Please ask your vet for details.
Prescription medication can be administered with your permission, and we reserve the right to seek veterinary advice and treatment as is necessary during your cat’s stay. Our fees are charged per day and are payable on collection.
Payment Methods: We can take payment via a variety of methods: card payment on site; cash payment on site; payment by bank transfer prior to collection (please ask for our bank details when you drop off your cat with us); or if necessary by cheque (our least favourite option these days, but still available!)
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations of 7 days or less are charged at 25% of the booking cost (the 25% deposit paid). Cancellations of 5 days or less are charged at 100% of the booking cost.
Other Terms & Conditions: the cat’s owners shall accept all responsibility for any veterinary fees and prescribed medication incurred in the duration of the booking period, this includes flea and worm treatment that may need to be administered in the event of fleas or worms being found.
If you have any questions please see our FAQ or contact us and we will provide any extra information you require.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the best time to drop my cat(s) to the cattery?
Regardless of your time of travel, it is always best to get your cat(s) into the cattery first thing. This way they are much less likely to go wandering & although you may think keeping them home for as long as possible is the kindest thing it’s not true, they know they are going somewhere so it’s best to bring them in so we can get them settled into their holiday home.
Will my cat(s) be checked on a regular basis?
Absolutely YES. We make daily recorded observations to check whether your cats are eating, drinking, using the litter tray, whether they need a nice groom, whether their eyes need to be cleaned, whether they need extra toys or a change of toys & generally keeping a close eye on their wellbeing. Cats are fed to customer specification but at least twice per day. We love to groom, play & cuddle with your cats if they are happy to let us.
Will I be able to see pictures of my cat or have an update on how they are doing?
Yes, we are happy to send Whatsapp pictures/videos and messages as well as including pictures of your furry friends on our Instagram page @catlinscattery & Catlins Cattery Facebook page.
Am I able to come and look around the cattery before I book?
You are welcome to come and look around during our morning opening hours, 8am-1pm Mon – Fri & 8am-12pm Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays. There is no need to book an appointment although if you would like to book a specific time please do just contact Emma who will arrange this for you. It is always best to see our lovely grounds, cosy warm bedrooms and happy guests with your own eyes. You will also get to meet the lovely cat ladies who will be caring for your precious furry friends.
Does my cat need to be vaccinated to stay at Catlins Cattery?
Yes, it is vital that your cat is up to date with vaccinations before coming to stay. Please do ensure that cats are vaccinated at least 3 weeks prior to their stay. Please also remember to bring their up to date vaccination record with you, we will keep hold of this for the duration of their stay.
Does my cat need to be up to date with Flea & Worm treatment?
Yes, it is also vital to ensure your cat is up to date with these treatments ideally 5 days prior to boarding. This is to protect not only your own cat but also all of our other guests. If your cat is here for a longer stay or if their flea & worm due date falls during their stay, we are happy to administer this for you if you bring their usual treatment along.
My cat has medication, are you able to administer this?
Yes. At Catlins we do not charge extra to administer medications as we believe this is part of the daily care routine. All cats with medication are recorded on a medication chart so we are all aware of the type of medicine & dosage. Medications are kept in a sealed, cat proof, named box to keep your cat safe.
Can I bring my cat’s own bedding?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring along any bedding, toys, grooming tools that your cat is familiar with. We will make a note of any own bedding & toys so that are safely returned on pick-up. If, however, you would like to travel light, we do have a large supply of comfy bedding, toys and grooming tools, all of which are deep cleaned & disinfected after every use.
Do you provide food?
Yes, we have a huge supply of different food, we only use pouches, not tinned food, but we do recycle our pouches via a school scheme in an attempt to be more eco-friendly. We stock Whiskas, Felix, Felix as Good as It Looks, Felix As Good as It Looks Senior, Felix Kitten, Gormet Perle, Iams Delights, Iams Delights Kitten. We also stock a large range of quality dried food such as Iams, Purina One, Burgess and Lifelong. We also have a plentiful supply of chicken and fish which can be steamed or poached. If your cat prefers a different food than the above or if they are on a vet/breed specific diet you are welcome to bring their food along. We supply feeding and water bowls as these are deep cleaned on a daily basis.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
PHOTO GALLERY
Cattery & Grounds
Here is a small gallery of photos taken in and around Catlins Cattery. Click on the thumbnails to see bigger versions of the photos. We hope they give you a feel for the place – but it’s no substitute for visiting us and taking a good look around for yourself. We are always pleased to show potential new customers around the runs and the grounds here at Catlins.
Our Guests
We also have a few photos of some of our lovely guests enjoying their stay with us. Click on the thumbnails to see bigger versions of the photos. If you would like to look around the runs yourself, please contact us, as we are always happy to show potential new customers around.
TESTIMONIALS
Paul & Sue Armstrong
“We’ve been using Catlins for over 10 years now and we’ve always been delighted with the care and attention our cats get when they stay. Our cats particularly love the extra grooming they get on their ‘holidays’!”
Amanda Reynolds
“Really friendly service, and it’s obvious that all the staff genuinely care about the cats in their care.”
Bradley (aged 12) and Murphy the Cat (aged 8)
“Catlins Cattery – The 5 star Hotel for Cats!!
Catlins is such a lovely and relaxed place. Whenever you go there you always get a very warm greeting by one of the team (which could be…human, feline or canine).
The runs for the cats are fabulous, they have a day area and a crate or chair to sit on so they can look out over the pond and garden. Each run has a separate sleeping area for the cats with a wall mounted heater – so they will be as warm as you are wherever their owners are on holiday.
All of our family cats have been going to Catlins since before I was born, and our current moggy (Murphy) loves it and is always waiting at his door whenever feeding time is due!
Take your cat to Catlins, they will love it!!!!!”
Fi Mason
“I have been bringing my various feline friends to Catlins for their holidays since 2003 and I have nothing but positive things to say about it. The cats have always been extremely well cared and catered for, given lots of love and attention, with the runs kept scrupulously clean and comfortable. If there was a Trip Advisor for cats, mine would definitely be rating Catlins a five star resort. Delighted to see the family business continue and to know that when I’m away, my best friends are in safe hands! Thank you.”
M P
They look after our cat very well and they’re all such friendly people. We’ve recommended them to friends and family who have been pleased as well.
D G
Emma and the girls were brilliant with my seven cats. They were so relaxed and happy after there weeks stay at Catlins. They had all put on a little weight and were well looked after.
The girls played with them, cuddled and groomed them and most of all listened to all there individual likes and dislikes with food. They had warm blankets in their beds with heaters for chilly evenings. Emma took time to understood there personalities.
We spoke at length twice before the holiday and Emma sent some pictures whilst we were away. I collected them and Emma called me after we were home to make sure we were happy too. Great customer service. A real home from home. Five stars. See you again.
J N
In my opinion this is the best cattery in Colchester. Emma and her team of dedicated staff are wonderful. The love and commitment they give to their furry guests is 1st class. If we couldn’t get our precious cat in this cattery we wouldn’t go on holiday. Simples! Book with complete confidence… your cat will love it and be spoilt rotten! PS the grounds are beautiful too.
For a full listing of all our Google reviews click HERE