--- title: Litter, Food and Familiar Smells for a Boarding Cat url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-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/) - Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat # Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat Happy Paws supplies each cat a litter box and a blanket, and house food is free, so you can bring only your carrier. A familiar blanket and your cat's usual food, in the original bag, help him settle. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Three things shape how fast a cat adjusts: what he eats, where he goes to the toilet and what he smells. Here is how to cover all three. ## Food House food for cats is free: canned pate and a chicken-and-rice kibble. Your own food is welcome at no charge. Bring it in the original bag, enough for the whole stay plus a little extra, with amounts written in cups, teaspoons or tablespoons. There is no need to pre-portion. Tell the staff about allergies and prescription diets. Do not change food right before the trip; a new diet plus a new place doubles the upset. ## Litter Each cat has an individual litter box in the condo. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines say cats are particular about litter: many prefer a fine-grained, unscented kind, and a clean box matters. If your cat is fussy, tell the staff what he uses. A cat that avoids a box in a new place is a sign to note, not a behavior problem. The guide on [signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) lists what else to watch. ## Familiar smells Smell is how a cat reads a place. Bring a small blanket or towel that smells like home, such as one from your cat's usual bed, and avoid washing it right before. Keep toys to a minimum. A blanket is supplied by the cattery, and yours adds comfort. International Cat Care advises familiar-smelling bedding in carriers for the same reason. ## Packing summary Bring the carrier, the food in its bag, any medication with a written schedule and one familiar blanket. Mark everything with your name. Call 707-678-6600 if your cat eats a prescription diet or needs a special setup. Read [boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) and [what to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/). ## Treats and extras A small tub of treats is fine if you want the staff to use them for encouragement; tell them how many your cat usually gets. Skip catnip toys that overstimulate shy cats, and skip anything that can be swallowed. If your cat needs a particular dish shape because of a flat face or whisker sensitivity, bring the dish and say why. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAFP/ISFM environmental needs guidelines for cats](https://catvets.com/environmental-needs) - [International Cat Care, traveling with your cat](https://icatcare.org/articles/traveling-with-your-cat) - [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 - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [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/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Food and treats](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/food/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Dog hotel, pet resort or kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-hotel-vs-kennel/) - [What to look for on a kennel tour](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/what-to-look-for-on-a-kennel-tour/) 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/). ### Do I need to bring litter? No. Each cat has a litter box. Tell the staff if your cat is picky about litter. ### Is cat food included? Yes. House food is free, and your own food is welcome at no charge. ### Should I wash the blanket first? Not right before. The home smell is the point.