About Our Cattery
Where is Giliitts Cattery located?
Giliitts Cattery is based in 7 Sunbird Lane, Gillitts, KwaZulu-Natal, and is easily accessible for cat owners in Hillcrest, Kloof, and the greater Durban area.
What makes your cattery different?
Thirty-plus years in this business, and honestly, we probably speak cat by now. Every guest gets their own private, escape-proof suite, quiet, calm, and entirely their own. From inside, they look out over a green garden where birds and butterflies keep things interesting, while proper roofing keeps the rain firmly on the outside. Scratching posts, warm beds, and carpeted floors make it feel more like a home than a hotel. It’s all backed by care that’s genuinely personal, from us to your cat to you.
What type of environment do you provide?
Peaceful, secure, and properly looked after. Clean spaces, minimal noise, green gardens to gaze at, eco-friendly litter, and people who care about getting the details right. It all adds up to an environment that lets your cat’s natural routine carry on undisturbed.
Do you only board cats?
Just cats, always. Keeping it exclusively feline means we can build an environment made entirely around them, without the stress that other animals can bring into the mix.
Is your cattery suitable for long stays?
Yes. Our setup and care approach are designed to support both short and extended stays, with a focus on keeping cats comfortable over time.
Do you accommodate special requests?
It is. Whether it’s a long weekend or a long holiday, our setup and care approach are built to keep cats settled and comfortable, however long they’re with us.
What are your operating hours?
We are open for drop-offs and collections on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and closed on weekends and public holidays.
Drop-off and collection times:
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Fridays (extended hours):
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Do you accept cats on Sundays or public holidays?
No, Gillitts Cattery is closed for admissions and collections on Sundays and public holidays.
What if I’m running late for pick-up?
Late check-outs may mean an extra day’s fee, and depend on availability. We can’t always promise a suite stays free while we wait, so your cat may need a short stint in their carrier until you arrive.
Can someone else collect my cat for me?
Yes, just WhatsApp us in advance so we know exactly who’s coming to collect, and make sure they’re clued up on our hours and policies too. If you need your cat ready and waiting in their carrier for a set pickup time, give us 48 hours’ notice so we can have everything sorted without a hitch.
Booking & Requirements
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. We recommend booking early, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods, as spaces fill quickly.
During peak periods, such as December, we encourage booking two months in advance of your intended reservation. These bookings will only be accepted once a 50% deposit is paid.
Can I visit before booking?
Yes, you may WhatsApp us at 0824874196 to schedule a viewing appointment.
Before doing so, we ask that you review all our FAQs and booking page to see if any of your concerns have already been answered.
What paperwork do i need to bring?
Vet card
Sterilization certificate/tipped ears
FIV/FeLV negative test
Vaccination should be completed at least 14 days prior to check-in date
Must my cat be sterilized before visiting?
Cats above 8 months of age displaying signs of sexual maturity must be sterilized
Must my cat be treated for fleas and worms before visiting?
Cats must be free of parasites. You are required to provide a pipette of spot-on parasite treatment at check-in.
How do I book?
You can book by contacting us via phone, WhatsApp on 082 487 4176, or email hello@gillittscattery.co.za. We’re happy to answer questions and help you plan your cat’s stay.
What if I need to cancel or amend my reservation?
Please contact us via WhatsApp us at 0824874176 for modifications or cancellations pertaining to your reservation. Your request must be received at least 48 hours prior to boarding beginning.
Please also review our policies regarding modifications and cancellations below before contacting us or making a booking at Gillitts Boarding Cattery:
Reservations made for lodging during December are strictly non-refundable.
Modifications to reservations during non-peak season can be made free of charge, subject to cabin availability.
What vaccinations does my cat need?
Every guest needs a valid FVRCP vaccination that covers their entire stay, sorted at least 14 days before arrival. Kittens over 8 weeks need at least one covering shot. Grown-up cats need the full course, or blood test proving they’ve got the antibodies to match. Can’t vaccinate for medical reasons? A vet’s note confirming they’re fit to board works just as well.
Do you make exceptions to these health requirements?
Sometimes, yes. If vaccination isn’t medically possible, or your cat’s recently bounced back from illness, infection, or parasites, a written vet’s note can stand in for our usual requirements.
Are the rules different for senior cats?
A little. Cats over 12 count as senior citizens here. If your vet recommends skipping booster shots at this age that is completely acceptable.
Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my booking?
Yes, and here’s why: suites go fast. Bookings are first-come, first-served, so a deposit is what actually locks yours in (we’ll confirm the amount when you book). The rest of the balance is settled at check-in, once your cat has officially claimed their suite.
Could you turn my cat away at check-in?
It’s rare, but yes, if the right paperwork isn’t there, health requirements aren’t met, or a cat arrives feeling feisty and shows aggressive behaviour, we may need to decline. The same goes for owners: if you arrive intoxicated, behave in a rude or unruly manner, or make it difficult for our team to do their job safely, we reserve the right to turn the booking away too.
During Your Cat’s Stay
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How do you keep cats stress-free during boarding?
Consistency is the secret. Familiar routines, a quiet space, and even familiar scents from home all help your cat settle in faster. From there, it’s about knowing them as an individual, because every cat has their own comfort level, and we care for them accordingly.
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How often are cats checked?
At least twice a day, every day. We’re watching that they’re eating, drinking, and settling well, with a close eye kept on behaviour and general wellbeing throughout.
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Can you handle shy or anxious cats?
All the time. Shy, sensitive, a little wary of the world, we’ve seen it all and we know how to work with it. Gentle, minimal interaction and plenty of time and space lets them settle in on their own terms.
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Do cats interact with each other?
No, each cat gets their own private suite, unless they’re from the same household. Keeping everyone separate keeps things calm and safe for all.
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What do you feed the cats?
We provide Hill’s Science Diet™ cat food, with the option for owners to bring their cat’s preferred food to maintain routine and comfort during their stay.
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Will I receive updates during my cat’s stay?
Yes, we’re happy to send WhatsApp updates for peace of mind, particularly for longer stays or first-time boarders. Depending on business, this may be limited to once a week.
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What happens if my cat falls ill during their stay?
We’re on it straight away, contacting you immediately and arranging a trip to your preferred vet. Can’t reach you? We’ll follow the medical instructions from your booking form
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Can we bring frozen and cooked meals for our cats?
We do have freezer facilities for the storage of frozen cat meals. However, we ask that the meals be provided in separately portioned-sized containers so that we can distribute them with ease. Additionally, please ensure that the package is labeled with your cat’s name and feeding instructions.
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What if my cat’s on medication?
Bring it along with clear instructions. We’ll administer it exactly as directed, though medical outcomes during boarding aren’t something we can be held responsible for.
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What should I pack?
Please bring:
– A favourite toy/small blanket (optional)
– A grooming brush (optional)
– Cat carrier
– A pipette of cat flea treatment
– Individually packed & labelled meals (Only for frozen food)Each wet meal must be labelled in the following format along with a set of written feeding instructions:
a. Name of Cat
b. Date & Time (e.g. 13/5/2022, Lunch)
Who do I ask if I have questions?
Call or WhatsApp us anytime on 082 487 4176. We love talking about cats almost as much as we love looking after them.