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

How to make a booking?

To book your initial meeting, get in touch!

Whether that is due to work commitments, a family holiday, or an emergency trip, we know that you will miss your pets and will want the best care for them. Which is why we want you and your kitty to be as prepared as possible during their time without you, be it at a cat hotel or cattery, a cat-sitting service, or with family and friends.

Below are some considerations.

While many cats are very independent and aloof, no cat should ever be left alone for more than 24 hours maximum. Not only do they need human interaction and affection, but they also require practical things like fresh food and water, as well as someone to clean their litter trays. These rules differ for kittens and elderly/sick cats, who will need more care and attention, so they should generally not be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time. Keep this in mind when choosing where your pet will be staying and who will look after them.

Before leaving your pet in anyone else’s care, it is now a legal requirement that they be microchipped and that the details be up to date. Always make sure that your cat has all the required vaccines and that you have completed any deworming and de-fleaing treatments. If needed, schedule a grooming appointment for your pet if they require a claw or fur trim.

Include a few of your own clothes when taking your cat out of the home, so that they have something that reminds them of it while you are away.

If you have chosen a cat-sitting service or asked family or friends to look after your cat in your own home, we recommend that your cat and the sitter meet before you leave for your trip. Hopefully, this will signal to your furry friend that this new person can be trusted.

Before leaving, make sure your home is cat-proofed; the last thing you want is for your cat to get stuck, stressed, or injured. Also, consider leaving a cat-calming diffuser or plugin if you have anxious cats. Install them at least a week before you leave, to give them the time to take effect.

Make sure the people looking after your cat have your vet’s contact information and any other contact information needed to reach you at your new location. In addition, you should also provide the contact details of someone that the cat carer can contact in case of an emergency. This can be a family member or a trusted neighbour. Remember to brief your emergency contact on the situation, and always leave them with a spare key to your home.

Lastly, make sure to stock up on the items that your pet will need for the full duration of your holiday. Most catteries can offer a variety of popular wet and dry cat food brands; however, if your cat is a fussy eater or has special dietary needs, it’s best to ensure you provide the correct food. If your cat is being looked after at home, make sure you have enough of their normal food, milk, treats, and cat litter during your absence.

All that’s left to do is pack your bag, give some see-you-soon cuddles to your kitty, and enjoy your trip.