Dear Customer
At Highland Cats Country Retreat our aim is to provide you with complete reassurance that whilst you are away from home your cats will be enjoying a truly relaxing holiday here, with us. Safe and well cared for.
We are a small dedicated team, all cat owners ourselves (past and present) providing a level of care that we would want for our own cats -as well as complying with (and exceeding) industry best practice. From providing the high quality food, litter and bedding, in large bright suites, to making sure the cats enjoy plenty of interaction,if they want it, with our Purrdate sessions (or the option to add in even more Purrdate minutes) we do everything in our power to make sure their stay is the best possible.. We respect each cat as an individual.
We have three different sizes of accommodation – suite, king suite and top pad – so please book as early as possible, especially in school holidays, to request the space you want. We provide written confirmation of your booking ( to ensure that all details are double checked in advance) as well as wee reminders 4 weeks and then 5 days before arrival and then again the day before departure.
We always welcome feedback (and appreciate your reviews) and if you can’t find an answer to a question on our website then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The team @ Highland Cats
Dear Cat Guest,
Are you looking for that exclusive, quiet, upmarket holiday destination in the country, with the space and comfort to unwind in true comfort? And with lots to see and do ? Then welcome to Highland Cats. We have 20 very individual apartments , of three sizes, spread across 5 different cosy buildings surrounding our house.
Each suite is spacious and light, with lots of hidey/ sleeping/ sitting areas as well as places to climb and scratch and a view of the birds in the garden from the window. All are furnished with a choice of beds and lots of comfy, freshly laundered bedding/ rugs. Each also has a mini bar, different types of toys, a massage brush and of course, an en-suite giant tray with luxury quality clumping litter- scooped 4 times a day!
Our friendly team who will take care of your every need and give you lots of attention. This includes your daily Purr Date ( or more for longer stays or if your human adds in our Extra Purrdate Packs) as part of our 8 visits a day. They will also serve you breakfast and dinner of our quality food (though please bring your own if you are on a special diet or want to stick to what you know) and treats at other times including a fresh treat at bed time :-).
We can’t think of anything we haven’t got covered for that 5 star relaxing, luxury holiday- so do come and give us a try 🙂
Hope to see you soon.
The team @ Highland Cats
At Highland Cats we normally allocate our Suites to single cats and our King Suites to 2 cats (or more) sharing a space. However we do occasionally use our larger suites for 1 cat if an upgrade is requested or 2 cats sharing if, for example in the winter/ quieter times/ shorter stays, we feel it is in the interest of the cats.
SUITES are spacious light and well furnished.
The KING SUITES are at least 50% bigger than our suites and accommodate up to 4 cats (from one family) sharing, with ease.
And TOP PAD is 50% bigger again and perfect for 4-5 cats sharing
But why be restricted? Just ask us about availability and options for upgrading from a a Suite to a King Suite to the Top Pad and look forward to getting those legs stretched.. 
even further… Or, then again , perhaps the enjoyment is in finding even more spaces to have a snooze.
We are a small team that work very closely together to provide the best holiday experience possible to our feline guests and their humans.
We have a details up in reception where you can see which of us is on duty when you arrive.
In our experience it is much easier for a cat to settle in to the cattery if they arrive during our morning reception – particularly if they are new or arriving during the winter months. It gives them time to settle and take in their surroundings and meet our team throughout the day and so, if possible, we always recommend the use of our morning reception for arrival.
We pride ourselves in the amount of time we organise in to the day to spend with our guests. And as well as increasing the amount and frequency of our time through our standard purrdates it is lovely that we develop an even closer bond with them the longer they stay and the more they settle and know us.
However there are cats that just love even attention and for them we offer the option to add in extra minutes of time whether for playing, light grooming, stroking, talking or just being there. We call these our “Extra Purrdate Packs”
We sell these extra minutes in packages of 30 minutes and you can order as many packs as you like . You then leave it with us to add in these minutes in the way that best suits the needs and likes of your cat(s) and our team. These minutes will either be given at different times or may be added on to existing purrdates to make them longer. Normally the packs are paid for at the end of a stay so you don’t pay for any more time than we give.
Our cancellation policy is straightforward, making it easy to understand what will happen if you have to, unfortunately, cancel or cut short your holiday plans once a booking has been confirmed.
Obviously cancellation policies are not very exciting subjects but our policy is designed to balance a number of factors so making it fair to those cancelling, to those looking for space and to us as a business.
There is no penalty for cancelling a booking 6 days or more ahead of boarding commencing. Monies already paid are refunded by a cheque, popped in the post, immediately
Cancellations made 5 days or less in advance of boarding incur a cancellation charge . This charge is equivalent to the cost of the first 5 days of boarding with any balance of the advance payment credited against a future booking, which must commence within 12 months, or forfeited after this period.
Early departures will be treated in the same way such that 5 days from the new date of departure will still be liable before any balance is credited.
For bookings of less than 5 days, or with less than 5 days remaining after an early departure, there is no refund for changes 5 days or less before boarding
Amendments can be made at any time to a booking but, if considered by us as substantial, will be subject to the 5 day policy. Amendments that give rise to extra costs are always liable.
24 January – 25 February 2020 inclusive
Highland Cats closes once a year to allow our hard working team to relax and take their own holidays. After 11 months of working up to a 7 day week it is the least we can do.
Obviously we apologise for any inconvenience caused. But based on our experience we know this is the time that causes our guests the least inconvenience.
Payment is preferred by bank transfer.
Cooperative Bank
a/c 68435727
s/c 08-92-50
Cash is the alternative and is particularly useful for late bookings.
Regretfully we no longer accept cheques nor do we have card facilities
If you have any concerns about paying by Bank Transfer or Cash then please feel free to contact us to discuss alternative options.
Please remember that cats using catteries MUST have evidence of current annual vaccinations.
These vaccinations must have been given, by the vet, AT LEAST 2 weeks ahead of boarding, if they are due to be renewed. It is your responsibility to let the vet know that your cat will be boarding so that the vet can ensure your cat receives the most appropriate vaccine.
Sadly this morning we got to 5 days before her holiday before one of our new customers discovered her cat’s vaccinations were out of date and she was having to start the programme again. And that means 3 weeks before the cat is wholly vaccinated plus 2 weeks wait after application. We were so sorry not to be able to board her cat for her
It was really hard having to apologise that we were unable to take her cat. But this requirement is part of our (and other catteries) license conditions.
If vaccinations are due to expire once a cat is already boarding then that is acceptable for short stays.
Our website now allows availability to be checked by our customers and, if ready to do so, make a request for a booking.
If for any reason the checker shows “no availability, please do call/ text/ e-mail us to check on availability the old fashioned way. And we continue to welcome enquiries and bookings by phone etc if you prefer not to use the website option.
There is also guidance on which dates in the future are getting booked up on our Highland Cats Facebook page
As part of our 8 visits a day to our guests we offer our PURRDATES…. our version of “speed dating” for cats, one to one, in their suites.
These sessions are 3 – 5 minutes long (this may not sound a lot but it is a good amount of time when our attention is completely focussed on your cat) chatting to them, stroking, gently playing and generally fitting in with their mood. Most cats love it and those that aren’t interested in our company seem to put up with us sitting at a distance chatting to them and building their confidence in us.
The first PURRDATE begins on Day 2 of the holiday and usually takes place mid-morning, after we have finished all the tasks for the morning and everyone is fed and suites cleaned.
From Day 6 of a stay an extra PURRDATE is included either at lunchtime, afternoon or evening
And a third PURRDATE, every day, is added in for longer stay guests further in to their stay.
All PURRDATES are included in our daily boarding rate.
BUT there is also the option to ask for additional minutes to be added in to the day, for a small extra charge. This option is called “EXTRA ENRICHMENT”
Our reception hours haven’t been set, by chance.
We have analysed the times of arrivals and departures over the past few years and set them to coincide with the most popular times that people requested. We were keen to find times that suit both our human customers as well as our feline guests and we also need to ensure that there is always someone trained in our reception process and familiar with your cat (especially if they are departing) available to welcome you and show you and your cat to their accommodation.
Mornings
7 days a week between 9 – 10 am.
The mornings are certainly the most popular times, and rightly so. The mornings ensure it is far easier to plan for the cat not doing a vanishing act, forgetting to return home or making you feel like a complete killjoy for keeping them locked in all day pending arrival at the cattery. We are also keen to encourage new customers to book in in the morning so that their cat gets to know us during the day before “lights out” in the evening .
Afternoon
6 days a week between 4.30 – 5.30 pm (closed Saturday)
We are not open on a Saturday afternoon as this is the time least requested by our customers and therefore the least inconvenient time we can find to have a welcome change of pace for the cattery owner and team :-). This closure applies to appointments as well.
On other days though we will try to assist and accommodate reasonable requests for arrival out of hours. Please always contact us, in advance, to find out what is possible.
We ask our customers to respect our hours and not to turn up unannounced or to come to our reception door out of hours without prior agreement. You would put us in a very awkward position.
It has to be said though that our reception hours are not the same as our working hours, by any means, and you will find we are often at the end of a phone, email or text 14 hours a day – ready and willing to help you plan for those all important feline holiday times!
As a peaceful cattery where our guests can relax and unwind we do limit our arrivals and departures to certain times of the day. This structure also ensures that we can spend quality time looking after our guests .
Obviously there are times whether due to change in plans or light or heavy traffic arrivals and departures may be early or running late. In both circumstances please don’t hesitate to phone ahead and let us know.
We always ask though, that if you arrive outside of our normal reception time, that you plan just to wait in the car with your cat until we come and find you. And we will do so, as soon as we are able. It is hard for our family if they find customers standing outside the house, waiting, outside of normal hours.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to have a volunteer “cat cuddler”.
Mary joins us 4 days a week in the mornings….. and we are very happy to hear from someone else who would like to be a cat cuddler on the other days of the week. Perhaps retired, fit and young at heart with a love of cats sums up the ideal candidate.
This was a fab idea we borrowed from a cattery down in England ,as we thought it a great addition to the many services we already offer at Highland Cats.
Our cat cuddler though is very much part of our team (even down to wearing a uniform) and works very carefully within our strict processes and methodologies. But being a volunteer, solely focused on playing with our guests, she has the added advantage of having more time to relax and enjoy our guests and for our guests to relax and enjoy (even more) playtime or cuddles with her. Even more than we could possibly fit in to an already full day without our cuddler. The jury is out on whether it is Mary or the cats that enjoy the experience more.
We are always delighted to hear from you if you have a wee bit of time and interested in this kind of opportunity (and able to drive)…..and happy fitting in to our team at any time of the year.
Food is so important when you are staying at an all inclusive holiday venue.
And so we like to offer our guests quality food – and a change of menu – at breakfast and dinner time.
We firstly like to know whether our guests are meat or fish eaters by preference – or whether either option is welcome.
Breakfast is then a choice of either/ or both Sheba foil trays or pouches (wet) and Purina Proplan kibble (dry).
Dinner is a choice of either/ or both of a high end Felix pouch (Doubly Delicious) (wet) and Science Plan kibble (dry).
All in fresh bowls for each meal.
We obviously monitor likes and dislikes and will adapt the menus based accordingly
We are more than happy to serve our guests their own food. Some cats are more creatures of habit than others and a change of food may not be to their liking. And some may be on special diets.
Our choice of food is always high quality and for this reason we never choose to feed coloured kibbles nor offer an open ended menu 9as that can lead to food being stored too long).
Not all cats like to travel on a full tummy so as well as water we always ensure they have a bowl of food available on arrival so that they can skip their breakfast or dinner before travel.
Likewise we prefer to err on the side of not feeding our guests immediately before departure in the afternoon.
We provide a lot of toys for our guests either as part of the furnishings or adding them in and swapping them around (after careful cleaning) as needed. Our aim is to provide constant stimulation/ enrichment. And as we know cats attention spans with some toys can be quite short.
That said we are always happy for our guests to bring toys from home but they must be toys that you are happy to leave your cat with unsupervised and that should exclude toys with strings and feathers.
We also prefer to know when one of our guests has a dislike or a need to avoid a particular type of toy.
All our guests enjoy our comings and goings, which is just as well as we are in seeing them at least 8 times a day – three times across the course of the morning, twice at lunchtime, twice in the afternoon and once in the evening. And in the middle of all this active whirl there is always plenty of time for our guests to spend their own time just quietly snoozing or watching the natural world go by, from their window.
At Highland Cats we are always delighted to welcome cats for any length of stay.
However there are a few important aspects of short stay bookings that we would like to share.
Clearly the most stressful part of any cattery visit is the arrival and departure – the journey is not any different in the cat’s mind to being bundled in to the box to head off to the vets. Which obviously may not have very happy associations, no matter how nice the vet is.
So, we always encourage our guests to give themselves the time, if they can, to unwind and relax in to their comfy surroundings before the journey home and or onward destination is contemplated. Based on experience (and reports from other catteries) a minimum stay should normally be at least 3 days, 2 nights, if at all possible.
This minimum stay recommendation relates even more pertinently to cats making their first visit to a cattery. In order to let the cat settle and know that the cattery is a relaxing place and the people they are meeting can be trusted, we always strongly advise new customers against putting their cat in for a very short period of a day or two “to try it out” or “see how they get on”. No cattery could really give honest feedback on how a cat is doing based on only a night. Personally we don’t think it is fair to the cat to put them through the stress of travel for one night for a stay in a strange place, if it can be avoided. Obviously there may be time when there is no choice but a wee stay in a cattery is a good part of learning for a young cat so that emergencies don’t result in extra stress for cat.. or human.
Our minimum charge reflects this thinking. The cost is equivalent to 3 full days in the suite of choice (5 in the peak school holidays) but there is no restriction on the cat staying the whole of this time if circumstances dictate otherwise. However there is another reason for this minimum charge. As a business that takes great pride in the quality of the people we employ, the amount of bedding and toys we provide, the quality of litter and size of the tray provided and the amount of time we spend with our guests and the depth of our cleaning regime between guests, our minimum charge must necessarily reflect the economies of keeping the cattery viable.
In line with other small businesses we ensure that we are looking after our data records correctly. This is our current operational policy.
Lights out now signals the arrival of a tasty “fresh morsel”. And the surprise is that our guests never know whether it is going to be a bit of poached chicken, fresh ham, tinned tuna, fresh fish or some Lick-e-Lix.
Nice to have a bit of a treat and a surprise on holiday 🙂
At Highland Cats we are always doing our bit to reduce our impact on the environment. This affects our choice in terms of:
In addition to our commitment to providing the best quality litter (“Worlds Best” biodegradable clumping litter mixed with Siria), and the largest of litter trays (doubled up for extra stability when needed), we also scoop and remove any little offerings FOUR times a day.
We believe it can’t really get much better than that for keeping our guests (and their neighbours) ultra comfortable when it comes to holiday en-suite facilities.
We have had a mouse invasion (of the laser variety) at Highland Cats.
One has taken up residence in each of our suites and they are ready to play 
The cattery has the best of both worlds in terms of location.
We are in lovely countryside, on the banks of the Caledonian canal on the western outskirts of Inverness. And yet we are actually less than 3 miles from the very centre of Inverness.
However using a SatNav to find us comes with problems as our postcode covers a large area and you will normally find yourself in the right area but on the wrong side of the A82.
Our turning is left off the A82 coming from Inverness followed by a gentle descent down the road, passing the hotel and keeping left down to the turning circle.
Comfortable bedding is a must.
And then there all these shelves and chairs to lounge on.
So with that in mind we provide a wide range of bedding (there are at least two types of bed in each suite) and shelf rugs (for the different shelves and chair provided).
Just how much we provide can be illustrated in the photo of a pile of folded rugs and blankets just picked fresh this morning from our linen cupboard and on their way to make up one of our Suites ready for the arrival of a single guest tomorrow. Obviously we provide even more for two cats sharing.
And guests are always welcome to bring their own bed to add in or substitute if they prefer.
Cats can sleep as much as 16 hours a day, and older cats spend even more time at rest — as much as 20 hours a day. That sleeping habit is a result of the cat’s evolution, nutritional habits, and physiology. In the wild, cats have to hunt in 
order to eat, and the stalking, chasing, and killing of prey burns a lot of energy. Sleeping helps cats conserve energy between meals.
Of the time cats spend sleeping, about three quarters of it is snoozing. In that state, cats can get all the rest they need, but they’re still alert enough to awaken at a moment’s notice. You can tell when a cat is in light sleep because their ears will twitch and rotate toward noises and their eyes will be open a tiny bit. Even when they’re sitting upright, cats can slip into that dozing mode. (Source: Catster)
01463 715118 / 07545 241885
