--- title: Cattery or Cat Sitter? How to Decide | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter/ 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/) - Cat boarding vs a cat sitter # Cat boarding vs a cat sitter A cat sitter keeps a calm cat in a familiar home, while a cattery offers daily care, vaccine rules and a purpose-built space. Pick the one that matches your cat's temperament, health and the length of your trip. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/leaving-a-cat-for-a-week/) and [how long cats can be left alone](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-long-can-cats-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. ### 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/) - [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) ### 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 - [Cattery vs cat sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/compare/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter-compare/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) - [How much does cat boarding cost?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/how-much-does-cat-boarding-cost/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Kennel or pet sitter? An honest comparison](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-vs-pet-sitter/) ## Read next - [Boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) - [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/) 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 sitter always cheaper? Not always. Per-visit fees, extra visits and holiday surcharges can add up. Compare the total for your dates. ### Which is better for a shy cat? Some shy cats prefer home, others settle well in a quiet individual condo. A tour helps you judge. ### Can I try the cattery first? Yes. A short stay shows how your cat responds. Call 707-678-6600.