Cats form strong bonds with their owners, but their emotions work differently from humans. When you leave your cat in a cattery, she may feel stressed or confused, but cats don’t hold grudges like people do. Instead, they react based on their immediate experiences.
This article explores whether cats truly “forgive,” how they adapt to cattery stays, and steps to rebuild trust after reuniting.
How Cats React to Cattery Stays
1. Initial Stress Responses
Most cats show stress during their first days in a cattery:
Hiding: Avoiding contact with staff or other cats.
Reduced appetite: Skipping meals due to anxiety.
Excessive grooming: Licking fur until bald patches form.
A 2023 University of Lincoln study found 68% of cats displayed these behaviors within 48 hours of entering a cattery.
2. Adjustment Period
After 3–7 days, many cats adapt by:
Exploring: Sniffing new spaces and toys.
Bonding: Interacting gently with caregivers.
Resuming routines: Eating, sleeping, and using litter boxes normally.
At “Whisker Haven” cattery in York, 85% of cats began playing with feather wands by day 5.
3. Post-Return Behavior
When you bring your cat home, she may:
Ignore you: Sitting across the room instead of cuddling.
Act clingy: Following you everywhere for reassurance.
Vocalize more: Meowing to express confusion or demand attention.
A Bengal cat named Luna stared at her owner for 10 minutes after returning home, then slowly approached for head rubs.
Will Cat Forgive For Being Put In a Cattery?
1. How Cats Process Experiences
Cats have short-term memories (up to 16 hours) for routine events but remember negative experiences longer. Key factors affecting “forgiveness”:
Your bond: Cats with secure attachments recover faster.
Cattery quality: Stressful facilities cause lasting anxiety.
Reunion approach: Forced cuddling vs. giving space.
A 2022 study in Animals journal showed cats resumed normal behavior 3x faster when owners followed recommended reunion protocols.
2. Signs Your Cat Has “Forgiven” You
Look for these positive signals:
Slow blinking: A cat’s way of saying “I trust you.”
Kneading: Pressing paws on you while purring.
Shared grooming: Licking your hand or hair.
Playfulness: Bringing toys or initiating games.
At “Purrfect Care” clinic, vets consider cats fully adjusted when they sleep belly-up in their usual spots.
3. When Forgiveness Takes Longer
Some cats need extra time if:
They’re seniors: Older cats adapt slower to change.
The cattery stay was traumatic: Poor conditions or loud dogs nearby.
You’ve done this repeatedly: Multiple separations weaken trust.
A rescued Persian named Snowball hid under beds for 2 weeks after a bad cattery experience but eventually resumed cuddling.
6 Steps to Rebuild Trust After a Cattery Stay
1. Give Immediate Space
Avoid crowding: Let your cat approach you first.
Use soft voices: Speak gently but don’t force interaction.
Respect hiding spots: Don’t drag her out from under furniture.
Example: After a 10-day cattery stay, owner Mark ignored his cat for the first hour home, resulting in quicker reconciliation.
2. Recreate Familiar Routines
Feed at usual times: Use the same bowls and food.
Play favorite games: Reintroduce beloved toys like crinkle balls.
Restore scent markers: Avoid washing your cat’s bedding for a week.
A survey by Catster found 92% of cats resumed eating normally when owners maintained pre-cattery schedules.
3. Use Calming Tools
Pheromone diffusers: Feliway mimics cats’ natural “happy” signals.
Soft music: Classical or cat-specific tracks reduce stress.
Interactive feeders: Puzzle toys distract from anxiety.
“Calm Cats Rescue” in Brighton reports a 40% faster adjustment rate using these tools.
4. Gradual Re-bonding Activities
Short petting sessions: Start with 2-minute chin scratches.
Treat trails: Lead your cat to you with her favorite snacks.
Scent swapping: Sleep with a towel, then place it in her bed.
Maine Coon owner Emma regained her cat’s trust by hand-feeding grilled chicken daily.
5. Monitor Health Closely
Stress can cause:
UTIs: Look for frequent litter box trips.
Hairballs: More than 1–2 weekly warrants a vet visit.
Overgrooming: Check for red skin or bald patches.
The British Veterinary Association recommends check-ups within a week of cattery returns.
6. Prevent Future Stress
Practice short separations: Leave for 1–2 hours weekly.
Improve the cattery experience: Bring familiar toys next time.
Consider alternatives: Pet sitters or cat-friendly hotels.
When to Seek Professional Help
1. Warning Signs
Contact a vet or behaviorist if your cat:
Hisses or swats: Aggression lasting over 72 hours.
Stops grooming: Matted fur or bad odor develops.
Refuses food/water: For more than 24 hours.
Persian cat Mimi needed anti-anxiety medication after 3 weeks of post-cattery hiding.
2. Behavioral Therapy Options
Desensitization training: Slowly reintroduce carrier/car rides.
Clicker training: Build positive associations with your presence.
Environmental changes: Add vertical spaces like cat trees.
“Feline Minds” clinic in London offers a 6-week “Trust Rebuild” program with 89% success rates.
3. Medical Interventions
Anti-anxiety drugs: Like fluoxetine for extreme cases.
CBD oil: Some vets recommend pet-safe cannabidiol.
Herbal remedies: Valerian or chamomile supplements.
Always consult a vet before using medications.
Conclusion
Most cats fully recover from cattery stays within 1–4 weeks. By respecting their space, maintaining routines, and using stress-reduction tools, you’ll likely rebuild your bond. Remember: cats live in the moment. With love and care, your feline friend will forgive—and forget.
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