The Cattery

Basic Cattery Planning - Isolation

In setting up the cattery, it is wise to plan an isolation area. New cats coming into the cattery, cats returning from shows, and sick cats can be confined here to avoid the risk of contaminating the entire cattery.

Ideally, this area should be on a different heating and cooling system from the rest of the house. For most breeders, however, this is not feasible. A spare room or bathroom will often be the solution.

This should be outfitted like any other areas, but special care should be exercised when this space is being used.

Always attend to isolated cats last and make sure the water and food dishes and litter box are kept separate. This is easily done by marking them with fingernail polish. Spray your clothes and shoes (especially soles) and wash your hands before handling any other cat. If your fears are realized and the cat in isolation is seriously ill, you should repaint the area before using it again.

A leukemia isolation is handled much the same way. This virus, however, is not airborne. FeLV is fragile outside the cat, unlike many upper respiratory viruses, and can live only about three days under optimum conditions. Once it dries or comes in contact with disinfectants, it is killed. Special care must be used to see no other cat shares this cat's food, water and litter pans, as these are the principle paths of infection.

In case an epidemic hits the cattery, isolate and treat all infected animals. When the situation subsides, the most effective way to stop the "bug" from lingering is to entirely repaint the cattery and seal in the infection. This is more effective than any disinfectant ever produced.

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