You’re going away, and you don’t know whether to pick a cat sitter or a cattery (cat hotel). How do you choose? With this guide, we will list the pros and cons of each.
Each cat is different and has their own personality, which plays a role in choosing the best service.
What is a cattery?
A cattery, also known as a cat hotel, is an establishment that specialises in boarding for cats. These are purpose-built and must receive certification from the local council authority to operate. Some catteries offer the very basics, while others are more luxurious, similar to actual hotels.
What’s a cat sitter?
A cat sitter is a professional who visits the cat’s home one or more times a day to care for the cats while their guardians are away. This has a couple of advantages:
- Your cat stays home, in a familiar environment.
- It’s less traumatic for them as they don’t have to be transported to a cattery.
- They will be less stressed as they won’t be sharing territory and interacting with unfamiliar cats.
Wave and Whisker offers boutique cat sitting services for cat guardians within a 30-minute drive of Reigate, Surrey. We’re different from other cat-sitting services in some ways:
- We meet you and your cats before booking, free of charge and with no obligation.
- We visit at least once a day, depending on your and your cats’ needs.
- We use technology to deliver daily updates so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
- We offer complimentary home security and care services for even further peace of mind.
Choosing the right service for your cat
Your cats’ personality, needs, and behaviour are important factors in determining the best approach.
Cat sitters will make for better companions to your cats, if your cats:
- Dislike travelling and hide when they see or even hear their cat carrier.
- Are independent.
- Are territorial and get upset at the sight (or smell) of unfamiliar cats.
- Love their home and its comfort, meaning they spend many days hiding after arriving in a new place.
- Have access to the great outdoors through a cat flap.
If your cat gets very anxious when they’re alone because they are used to having company for most of the day, then a cattery might be a better option.
Why choose Wave and Whisker?
- Your cats stay home: since we come to you, your cats will stay in their happy place, where they feel safest. No more running after them and being hissed at for bringing the carrier out, nor feeling immense guilt on your trip to the cat hotel.
- Convenience: we fit our visits around your schedule and travel times, so you don’t have to worry about drop-off and pick-up times, which are typically the day before and the day after travelling. If your return is delayed, we extend our visits until you’re back home safely.
- Security and home care: because we visit every day, and, on most bookings, multiple times a day, the home has a lived-in presence which deters any criminals from having any ideas. We bring in the mail, take out the rubbish, water any plants, and look after your home.
- Medication: unfortunately, cats can be turned away from catteries if they require medication, as staff won’t be trained to administer it. If your gorgeous kitties require regular medication to keep them healthy and safe, this is a consideration too. Wave and Whisker sitters are trained to administer a wide range of medications.
- Costs: despite our premium and personalised service, Wave and Whisker offer competitive rates. Below is a quick breakdown, correct as of December 2025.
- Wave and Whisker, for one to three cats:
- One visit a day: £15
- Two visits a day: £30
- Catteries (based around Reigate):
- Cattery A:
- One cat: £16 a day
- Two cats: £25 a day
- Three cats: £35 a day
- Cattery B:
- One cat: £18 a day
- Two cats: £28 a day
- Three cats: £36 a day
- Cattery C:
- One cat: £17 a day
- Two cats: £24 a day
- Three cats: £35 a day
- Cattery A:
- Wave and Whisker, for one to three cats:
How to make a booking?
To book your initial meeting, get in touch!
