Where are you located?
Our address is 7, 4th Street, Linden, Johannesburg. We are centrally located, so you don't have to travel far with your cats in the car and in their carriers. See the map.
What vaccinations do you require?
All cats must have up-to-date vaccinations before being admitted, and we need a copy of the vaccination certificate before a booking is confirmed. Rabies is a legal requirement in South Africa, and the F3 vaccine covers feline parvovirus, calicivirus and herpesvirus. Both must have been given within the last 12 months. WhatsApp a photo of the card or email it to admin@thecathotel.co.za. Check your dates with the vaccination date checker.
Is your staff on site overnight?
Yes. The hotel is owner-managed and the owner lives on site with her family. Our cleaning staff also live on site, and part-time students spend time with the cats and send updates to owners.
Can cats from different families share a villa?
No. Cats from the same family can share a villa; cats from different families never do. It keeps stress and the spread of illness down.
How can I make my cat more comfortable with the carrier?
Take it slowly and reward calm behaviour. Leave the carrier open in a favourite room with familiar bedding or toys. Put treats near it, then inside it. Practise closing the door for short periods, then take short trips. Stay calm yourself, because cats pick up on your mood, and be patient and consistent.
What should I bring?
Your cat's favourite toy, enough food for the whole stay, and an item of your clothing or a favourite blanket. Please bring your cat in a carrier. Our packing list has the full checklist.
Will my cat hate me or ever forgive me?
If your cat has never been away from you, the first day can be a little stressful. Once they realise the villa is a safe, comfortable space, usually within a day or two, they settle into their new routine. Then the holiday begins.
What are your business hours, and why aren't you open all day?
Check-ins, check-outs, visits and viewings are on weekdays from 9 to 11am and 4 to 5pm, Saturdays from 9 to 11am and Sundays from 4 to 5pm. Keeping these hours short lets our team focus on the guests. Drop-off or collection outside these hours can usually be arranged if you ask in advance.
How do I book, and is there a deposit?
Register on our booking system, complete your cat's details, upload the vaccination card and request your dates. You'll get an email to approve, and a 50% deposit secures your booking. See how to book.
Is a cattery better than a kennel for cats?
For most cats, yes. A cattery is built only for cats and boards no dogs, and our villas give each family its own space with gardens, ledges and heating, rather than a kennel row. Read what a cat hotel is, and how it differs from kennels.
What is a cat hotel?
A cat hotel is a cats-only boarding facility where each cat, or each family of cats, gets its own private room or villa instead of a cage, run or kennel. Read the full guide.
How do I choose a cat hotel or cattery?
Choose a cats-only cattery with many recent, detailed Google reviews, private villas that are never shared with cats from other families, a strict vaccination policy, heating in winter and someone on site at night, and visit before you book. See our checklist.
Is there a cat hotel near me in Johannesburg?
The Cat Hotel is in Linden, central to Randburg, Northcliff, Emmarentia, Parkhurst, Greenside, Rosebank and Sandton, about 7 to 20 minutes' drive from most of northern Johannesburg. See the map and drive times.
Planning a first stay?
Our cat parent tools help with packing, vaccinations and costs.