This is a fair comparison. Both options work. The best choice depends on your cat, not on a rule.
Side by side
The table lists how the two options differ:
| Point | Cat sitter | Cattery |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Your home | A dedicated cat space |
| Routine | Home routine, visits at set times | Daily care, a fixed schedule |
| Other cats | None unless you have several | Vaccine-checked guests, individual condos |
| Medication | Depends on the sitter | Happy Paws gives it at no extra charge |
| Price | Per visit, varies | Per night, $35 for one cat on the 2026 rates |
Who tends to prefer a sitter
Cats that hide from visitors but love their own territory sometimes do fine with brief daily visits, especially for a short trip. A cat that is shy about new places may stay calmer at home. If you have houseplants, mail and a feeder that works, a sitter also covers the house. The risks to weigh are missed visits and no one watching for a change between visits.
Who tends to prefer a cattery
Cats that need medication on time, older cats that benefit from a person seeing them often, and owners who want a back-up plan all lean toward boarding. The cattery's rules help: rabies and FVRCP vaccines are required for every cat. Each cat has an individual four-level condo, a litter box and a blanket, with a cat tree and cat houses available for play. Cornell's Feline Health Center notes that respiratory infections spread fastest in crowded settings, which is why vaccine checks and individual spaces matter.
Cost and practical details
A week at Happy Paws for one cat is 7 x $35 = $245; a second cat sharing the condo is $30 a night. Meals are included, and you can bring your own food at no charge. Tours run daily from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment, so you can see the cat area before you book. For more, read leaving your cat for a week and how long cats can be left alone.
A quick way to decide
Write down three things: how your cat reacts to visitors, whether he takes medication, and how long you will be gone. A confident cat on a short trip with no medication is a candidate for a sitter. A cat that hides from strangers might actually prefer a quiet, separate space where only staff come and go. A longer trip, or any health condition, tilts toward daily professional care. If you are torn, a one-night trial of either option is cheap information.