--- title: Bringing Your Cat Home After Boarding | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/ 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/) - Bringing your cat home after boarding # Bringing your cat home after boarding Open the carrier in a quiet room, offer fresh water and a small meal, and let your cat come out on his own time. Expect extra sleep and some clinginess for a day or two, and call your vet if he refuses food for 24 to 48 hours. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Your cat has been somewhere new, and he has noticed every smell. The first evening back is about calm and routine. ## The first hour Carry the carrier to a quiet room, close the door, and open the carrier without pulling your cat out. International Cat Care advises never forcing a cat out of the carrier. Put fresh water and the litter box in view. Skip visitors and loud noise. Many cats sniff every corner, then eat and sleep. ## Food and water Offer a small portion of the usual food. Cats may eat less or more than usual for a day. If your cat ate the cattery's house food, canned pate and chicken-and-rice kibble, his regular food back at home is fine, and gradual mixing is easy if you want to. Keep an eye on stool and litter habits. The guide on [a cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/) covers when to worry. ## Smells and other pets Your cat comes home smelling of other cats and a different place. A resident cat may react with hissing or avoidance. Keep the cats apart for a short time if needed, and let the smell fade. A quick wipe with a soft cloth and a bit of time often helps. Feed the cats at their own spots, with plenty of resources for each one. ## Watch for a few days Sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, lethargy, diarrhea or vomiting call for a note to your vet. Cats can pick up a respiratory bug at any busy place, which is why rabies and FVRCP vaccines are required at Happy Paws. See [cat colds and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) and [signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/). If you have questions about your cat's stay, call 707-678-6600. ## If you have other pets Give each pet a separate meal spot and keep the returning cat in a closed room for a few hours. Swap bedding between the room and the rest of the house so smells mix slowly. Dogs should be calm and leashed or held back for the first meeting. If your resident cat is jumpy, a short separation is easier than a fight. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [International Cat Care, traveling with your cat](https://icatcare.org/articles/traveling-with-your-cat) - [Cornell Feline Health Center, respiratory infections](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/respiratory-infections) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 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 not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) - [Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) - [Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) ## Read next - [Cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/) - [Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/) - [Long-term cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/long-term-cat-boarding/) - [Rabbit care while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/rabbit-care-while-you-travel/) - [Bird care while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-care-while-you-travel/) - [Guinea pigs while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-care-while-you-travel/) - [What to pack for a small pet's stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/) - [Cage-free boarding and indoor/outdoor runs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cage-free-and-indoor-outdoor-runs/) 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/). ### How long until my cat seems normal? Many cats are back to normal within a day or two. ### Is it normal for my cat to be clingy? Yes, extra attention for a day is common. ### Should I bathe my cat? Cats seldom need a bath after boarding. Ask your vet if you have a concern.