--- title: Cattery vs Cat Sitter, Side by Side | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/compare/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter-compare/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Cattery vs cat sitter # Cattery vs cat sitter A cat sitter lets your cat stay in its own territory, and a cattery offers a dedicated space, set hours and shared costs for several cats. At Happy Paws a cat is $35 a night, and a second cat sharing a condo is $30, on the 2026 rate sheet. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Cats are creatures of habit, and both options can work. This page sets them next to each other so you can match the choice to your cat. ## The comparison | Question | Cat sitter | Cattery at Happy Paws | | --- | --- | --- | | Where your cat is | At home | An individual four-level tower | | Litter and bedding | Yours | Own litter box and cozy blanket for each cat | | Play | What your home has | A cat tree and cat houses | | Cost | Set by each sitter | $35 a night, $30 for each additional cat sharing (2026 rates) | | Medications | Ask the sitter | Given at no extra charge | | Meeting first | A meet-and-greet | A tour, 9 to 11 AM or 2 to 4 PM, no appointment | ## A sitter fits when - Your cat is distressed by car rides and new places - The trip is short and someone can come at the right times - You want plants, mail and the house looked after too ## A cattery fits when - You are away longer and want a facility with set hours - Your cat takes daily medication and you want it handled reliably - Your household has more than one cat, since sharing lowers the price of the second - You are traveling during a holiday when sitters are scarce ## Getting a cat ready for a cattery Bring a carrier and current rabies and FVRCP records; the cat must be at least 16 weeks old. Tell staff your cat's habits, and you may send one familiar blanket or toy but not the favorite. Read [boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) and [how long can cats be left alone](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-long-can-cats-be-left-alone/). ## Cost over a longer trip For a week, one cat in the cattery is seven nights at $35, and two cats sharing a condo are seven nights at $65 for the pair, on the 2026 rates. Day care visits are $25 a day. Food and medications are included, so the nightly rate is the whole bill apart from optional extras like a bath. The [stay cost estimator](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/stay-cost-estimator/) adds up your dates. ## Questions for any option - Who will care for my cat, and how often? - What happens if my cat stops eating or is unwell? - How is medication handled? - May I see the space first? ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) - [Happy Paws Kennels: touring the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Happy Paws Kennels: vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Cat boarding vs a cat sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter/) - [What is a cattery?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/) - [Two or more cats](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/multi-cat-stays/) - [2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) - [Kennel boarding vs an in-home sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-in-home-sitter/) ## Read next - [Country kennel vs a city pet hotel](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/country-kennel-vs-city-pet-hotel/) - [Kennel boarding vs an in-home sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-in-home-sitter/) - [Board or bring your dog on the trip?](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/boarding-vs-taking-your-dog/) - [Day care vs a dog walker](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/day-care-vs-dog-walker/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is a cattery or a cat sitter better? It depends on your cat and your trip. A sitter suits a cat who dislikes travel; a cattery suits longer trips and multi-cat homes. ### How much is the cattery? $35 a night for one cat, $30 for each additional cat sharing a condo, on the 2026 rate sheet. ### Can I tour the cattery? Yes, every day 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, no appointment. ### Does the cattery give medicine? Yes, at no extra charge.