--- title: Senior Cats and Boarding | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/senior-cats-and-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/) - Senior cats and boarding # Senior cats and boarding An older cat can board well when his health is stable, his medications and routine are written down, and he has an easy-to-reach bed and litter box. Talk to your vet before the trip, and tour the cattery so you can judge the space yourself. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Age is not a barrier by itself. What matters is how the individual cat is doing, and how much a change of place will cost him. ## Start with your vet Older cats commonly deal with kidney disease, arthritis, an overactive thyroid and dental pain, and several of these show up as eating, drinking or litter-box changes. A recent checkup tells you whether travel is a reasonable choice. Ask your vet about stress, appetite and medication timing, and get a clear summary of any treatment. The boarding agreement also asks you to record health conditions, age-related concerns and your wishes if the kennel cannot reach you. ## What helps an older cat The AAFP and International Society of Feline Medicine guidelines say cats need places to hide, to perch, to eat and drink away from litter, and a predictable routine. Each cat at Happy Paws has an individual four-level tower with its own litter box and a blanket. For a stiff cat, the lower levels are easier to reach than the top. Bring a familiar blanket and the same food in its original bag. ## Medication and feeding The kennel gives medications at no extra charge. Write the name, dose, time and how your cat takes it, and bring more than enough. Let the staff know about special diets and appetite quirks; the rate sheet includes special feedings in the nightly price. A senior cat may eat little in a new place, so read [cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/) and call your vet if he skips food for 24 to 48 hours. ## The practical side The 2026 rate is $35 a night for one cat. Check-out is by 11:30 AM, with afternoon pick-up charged half a night. If your cat has complex needs, a tour is the best way to decide: tours run daily from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment. Consider a short trial before a long trip. See [boarding a senior cat](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/senior-cat-boarding/) for the service page, and [boarding a cat on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAFP/ISFM environmental needs guidelines for cats](https://catvets.com/environmental-needs) - [Cornell Feline Health Center, health topics](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics) - [Happy Paws Kennels boarding agreement (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 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 - [Boarding a senior cat](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/senior-cat-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Medications at no charge](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/medications-included/) ## Read next - [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/) - [Boarding two cats together](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/multi-cat-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) - [Bringing your cat home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) - [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/) 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 old is a senior cat? Cats are usually called seniors somewhere around 10 to 11 years old. Your vet can tell you where your cat falls. ### Does Happy Paws take old cats? Yes. Cats of any age that are 16 weeks or older with current vaccines are accepted. Talk to a manager if your cat has special needs. ### Will my senior cat be stressed? Some are, some settle easily. A tour and a short first stay help.