The word sounds old-fashioned, but the idea is simple: a safe, clean place for a cat while you are away. This guide explains what to look for.
What makes a good cattery
Cats need vertical space, hiding places and quiet. The AAFP and International Society of Feline Medicine guidelines list the basics of a healthy cat environment: a safe place, separate spots for food, water and litter, play and predictable human contact. California law adds that a permanent enclosure for a cat must include an elevated platform appropriate to the cat's size. A cattery that meets these basics gives cats the best chance of settling in.
The Happy Paws cattery
Each cat has an individual four-level tower with its own litter box and blanket. A cat tree and cat houses add room to play and hide. Vaccines are required: rabies and FVRCP, good through the stay, and cats must be 16 weeks or older. House food is free, with canned pate and chicken-and-rice kibble, and you can bring your own at no charge. The 2026 rate is $35 a night for one cat and $30 for each additional cat sharing a condo.
Things you can check yourself
Visit during tour hours, 9 to 11 AM or 2 to 4 PM any day, with no appointment. Look at the cleanliness, the sound level and the space each cat has. Ask how medications are handled, how vaccines are checked and what the daily routine is. California requires facilities that board four or more pets to give owners written details about drop-off times, enclosure square footage and observation practices.
Cattery versus other options
A cattery is different from a dog kennel run and from a sitter's visit. If you want more detail on the space, read cat condos and towers. To compare the choices, see cat boarding vs a cat sitter. For the service page, go to cat boarding.
Questions worth asking
Ask how often cats are checked each day, what vaccines are required, how medication is handled, what happens if a cat gets sick and how owners are contacted. California's boarding law expects written policies on care, disease control and emergencies, so a good cattery has answers ready. You can ask the same questions at Happy Paws by phone at 707-678-6600 or during a tour.