--- title: Boarding a Cat for the First Time | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/ 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/) - Boarding a cat for the first time # Boarding a cat for the first time For a first cattery stay, bring a secure carrier, current rabies and FVRCP records, your cat's usual food and a blanket that smells like home. Expect a quiet first day, since cats often hide at first and settle over a day or two. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A first stay is mostly about preparation. The steps below are short and take away most of the guesswork. ## Two weeks before Check that your cat is 16 weeks or older and has current rabies and FVRCP vaccines, good through your pick-up day. The FVRCP vaccine protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Upload the records to your online account, email them or bring a copy. Fill in the boarding agreement once; you can download it, or ask for it by email. See [which vaccines a cat needs for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/cat-vaccines-for-boarding/). ## Get the carrier ready International Cat Care says a carrier works best when it is a normal, comfortable part of home: leave it out with the door open, put treats and a familiar-smelling blanket inside, and let the cat walk in on his own. A top-opening carrier makes handling easier. Read [choosing and using a cat carrier](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/) for more. ## What to pack Bring the carrier and little else. The cattery supplies a litter box and a blanket per cat, and house food is free: canned pate and chicken-and-rice kibble. If your cat eats something special, bring it in the original bag with amounts written in cups, teaspoons or tablespoons. Mark belongings with your name. One familiar blanket is plenty; a favorite toy is best left at home in case it is lost. ## The first day A cat in a new place often hides, sleeps and eats lightly on the first day. This is normal. Each cat has an individual four-level tower with its own box, so there is always somewhere to climb and somewhere to retreat. Hold off on worry unless your cat is not eating for a day or more; see [cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/). Check-out is by 11:30 AM. Afternoon pick-up, 2:00 to 5:00 PM, adds half of the nightly fee of $35 on the 2026 rates. ## At home again Open the carrier in a quiet room and let your cat come out on his own. Offer water and a small meal. Many cats sleep a lot the first day. The guide on [bringing your cat home](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) covers the next 48 hours. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [International Cat Care, traveling with your cat](https://icatcare.org/articles/traveling-with-your-cat) ### 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/) - [Which vaccines does a cat need for boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/cat-vaccines-for-boarding/) - [Choosing and using a cat carrier](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/) - [Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/) - [Bringing your cat home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) ## Your first-stay timeline Drop-off date - Pick your drop-off date to see your first-stay timeline. [Ask about these dates](#book-form) ## Read next - [Cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/) - [Choosing and using a cat carrier](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/) - [Traveling with a cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/) - [Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) - [Senior cats and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/senior-cats-and-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/) - [What is a cattery?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/) - [Cat condos & towers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/) 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/). ### Will my cat be scared? Most cats are cautious on the first day. They usually relax over a day or two. ### Do I need to bring a litter box? No. Each cat has its own litter box and a blanket. ### Is there an age minimum? Cats must be at least 16 weeks old and have all the recommended vaccines for their age before the first day.