Cat Know-How

Understanding Your Cat

Explore the Nelson Cat Hotel blog for expert tips on feline care, boarding advice, and updates from our family-run, vet-guided cattery in Nelson.

Black and white cat stretching out its front paws on the floor of a white cat condo

3 min read

Long-Term Cat Boarding: Hospital Stays, Seasonal Work and Sailing

Away for weeks or months for treatment, seasonal work or sailing? How long-term cat boarding works, with 20% off stays of 4 weeks or more.

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Tabby cat lying in a white cat condo and looking up, with a black cat resting behind

3 min read

Moving to Nelson with a Cat: From Overseas or Across NZ

Relocating to Nelson Tasman with your cat? Import rules, quarantine, the Cook Strait ferry and where your cat can stay while the new home gets ready.

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Hand stroking the head of a tabby cat resting on a grey blanket in a cat condo

2 min read

Going Overseas for Summer? Planning for Your Cat

Off to Australia or the UK for Christmas? Why most cats are better off staying home, when to book a cattery and how to plan a long summer trip.

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Grey shorthaired cat in a cat condo looking up calmly while a hand gently cups its chin

4 min read

Is It an Emergency? Signs Your Cat Needs a Vet Now

The cat emergency signs that can't wait until morning, two quick checks you can do at home, and how to get an unwell or injured cat to the vet safely.

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Grey cat standing on a cat tree and looking out of a window in a bright playroom with yellow chairs and wall shelves

4 min read

Cat Vaccinations in New Zealand: F3, Boosters and Boarding

What the F3 vaccine protects against, when kittens and adult cats need it, how often boosters are due and why catteries ask for it two weeks ahead.

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Fluffy grey and white longhaired cat with a thick ruff sitting on a shelf in a cat condo

4 min read

Spring Shedding: How to Help Your Cat Through Moulting Season

Why cats shed more in spring, how to brush a moulting cat, how to reduce hairballs, and which coat changes are worth a chat with your vet.

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A tabby cat and a white cat sitting side by side on a windowsill

4 min read

Should Your Cats Board Together? A Guide for Multi-Cat Families

Should your cats share cattery accommodation? Learn how to recognise a bonded pair, when separate spaces may be safer, and what to tell the cattery.

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Grey tabby cat lying on the seat of a wooden chair

4 min read

How to Choose the Best Cattery in Nelson: 8 Questions to Ask

Looking for the best cattery in Nelson? Use these practical questions to compare cat boarding options, from space and hygiene to routines, play and emergency care.

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Cat tree with a hideaway box and scratching posts in a bright room

2 min read

How to Reduce Stress for a Nervous Cat During Boarding

Practical ways to reduce stress for a nervous cat during boarding, including routine, hiding spaces, handling and choosing a quieter cattery.

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Black and white longhaired cat licking its nose beside a food bowl in a cat condo

2 min read

How Much Does Cat Boarding Cost in Nelson?

Cat boarding in Nelson: NZ$35 per day for the first cat and NZ$24.50 per day for each additional cat, with accommodation and play tailored to each cat.

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Tabby cat peeking out of its condo bed while a hand gently strokes its head

2 min read

What Happens if Your Cat Gets Sick While Boarding?

Learn what should happen if your cat gets sick while boarding, including monitoring, owner contact, emergency details and veterinary support.

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Black and white cat with a pink collar being gently held in a cat condo

2 min read

Can a Cattery Give Your Cat Medication?

Can a cattery give your cat medication? Learn what to prepare, what to ask, and how medication can be managed during cat boarding in Nelson.

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Bright playroom with cat trees, climbing shelves and chairs

2 min read

How to Prepare Your Cat for a Cattery Stay in Nelson

Practical tips for preparing your cat for a cattery stay in Nelson, including food, medication, transport, routines and reducing stress.

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Black and white longhaired cat stretched out on its back in a cat condo

2 min read

Boarding an Elderly or Special-Needs Cat: What to Consider

What to consider when boarding an elderly or special-needs cat, including routine, medication, stress, mobility and veterinary support in Nelson.

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Tabby cat resting on a soft blue blanket in a condo bed, with a black cat curled up behind it

4 min read

Signs Your Cat Is Unwell: What to Watch For

Cats hide illness well. The quiet changes worth noticing, the signs that need a vet the same day, and simple habits that help you spot problems early.

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White and tabby cat closing its eyes while someone scratches under its chin

3 min read

A Practical Cat Care Routine: Daily, Weekly and Yearly

A simple cat care routine: what to do every day, week and year, how to make your home safer, and how to plan for your cat in an emergency.

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Tabby and white cat perched on a tree branch against a blue sky

3 min read

Cat Enrichment: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cat Happy and Busy

Cat enrichment made simple: the five things every cat needs, easy play and feeding ideas, and how to set up your home for an indoor or outdoor cat.

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Grey longhaired cat eating dry food from a white bowl

4 min read

Cat Nutrition Basics: What and How Much to Feed Your Cat

What cats need from their food, wet versus dry, how much to feed, why water matters and how to keep your cat at a healthy weight.

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Black and white cat resting its front paws on a ledge in front of a green wall

3 min read

Cat Behaviour Explained: What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You

Tail up, slow blinks, kneading and sudden bites: what common cat behaviours mean, how to read body language, and when a change needs a vet.

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Grey cat with folded ears wearing round mirrored sunglasses

3 min read

How Cats Sense the World: Eyes, Ears, Nose and Whiskers

How cats see in dim light, hear sounds we can't, taste without sweetness and use their whiskers up close, and what that means for everyday care.

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