--- title: What Is a Cattery? A Plain-English Guide url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/ 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/) - What is a cattery? # What is a cattery? A cattery is a facility that boards cats, with spaces designed for cats rather than dogs. At Happy Paws Kennels in Dixon, each cat has an individual four-level tower, called a condo, with its own litter box and blanket. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/). To compare the choices, see [cat boarding vs a cat sitter](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-boarding-vs-cat-sitter/). For the service page, go to [cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/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. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAFP/ISFM environmental needs guidelines for cats](https://catvets.com/environmental-needs) - [California Health and Safety Code 122380-122388, pet boarding facilities](https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ca-pet-boarding-facilities-chapter-11-pet-boarding-facilities) - [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/) ### 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](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/cattery/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Cat condos & towers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) - [Boarding a cat for the first time](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-cat-for-the-first-time/) ## Read next - [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/) - [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/) 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 cattery the same as a cat hotel? People use both words. What matters is the space, the care and the vaccine rules. ### Do cats share a space? Cats from one household can share a condo at the reduced rate. Others have their own. ### Can I tour the cattery? Yes, every day from 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, no appointment needed.