Why The Cat Hotel Is the Best Choice for Your Cat in Johannesburg

In short: The Cat Hotel in Linden is a family-run, cats-only cat hotel in central Johannesburg. Every family gets its own private indoor or garden villa, cats from different families never share, the villas are heated in winter, the owner lives on site, and cat parents rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 237 Google reviews.

We are obviously biased. So instead of telling you we are the best, here is how we measure up against the checklist we recommend in how to choose a cat hotel. Judge for yourself, then come and see us.

Cats only, and cats never share with strangers

We board cats and nothing else: no dogs are ever boarded, and the cattery is self-contained, so no other animals can get in. Each family gets its own villa. Cats from the same home can stay together, but cats from different families never share a villa, a litter tray or a food bowl. It is the most important thing you can do to keep stress and illness down, and it is not negotiable here.

Private villas instead of cages or runs

We started with traditional concrete runs and replaced them with villas and gardens planted with cat-friendly plants. There are four types:

Deluxe Garden Villas: on stilts, with a hidden loft, a patio and the biggest private garden. Up to 5 cats.
Deluxe Indoor Villa: a roomy indoor suite with levels, ledges and a loft. Up to 5 cats.
Standard Garden Villa: a private villa that opens onto its own garden. 1 to 2 cats.
Standard Indoor Villa: calm, warm and quiet, ideal for indoor cats and shy first-timers. 1 to 2 cats.

Every villa has a scratcher on the patio and plenty of places to climb and hide. Not sure which suits your cat? Try the villa matchmaker in our cat parent tools.

4.9 stars from 237 Google reviews

Reviews are the best evidence you have of how a cattery treats cats, and we are proud of ours: 4.9 out of 5 from 237 cat parents on Google. Read them on our reviews page or on Google, and look at what people describe: cats who settled quickly, ate well and came home calm.

Family-run, with someone on site day and night

The Cat Hotel is owner-managed, and the owner lives on site with her family. Our cleaning staff live on site too, and part-time students spend time with the cats and send updates to owners. Someone is always close by, including at night.

Warm in winter, calm all year

Highveld winter nights get cold. Panel heaters are available in every villa on request, and run at night. Doors have a cut-out so garden villa guests can still come and go 24/7. Calming music plays all day, and the gardens have grass, shrubs, birdsong and the sound of running water.

The little things, done properly

Borehole water, filtered by reverse osmosis and remineralised.
Dust-free, grass-based clumping litter that is kind to paws and noses. Read how we chose it.
Your cat eats its own food, so there are no sudden diet changes.
One-on-one attention and exercise time every day.

Strict on vaccinations, for every guest's sake

Every cat needs current rabies and F3 vaccinations, given within the last 12 months, before a booking is confirmed. Because we check every card, your cat is protected from the cats around it. See our vaccination requirements.

A cat hotel near you, in central Johannesburg

We are at 7, 4th Street, Linden, in Randburg, so the drive is short from most of northern Johannesburg: about 7 minutes from Northcliff, 8 from Randburg and Emmarentia, 10 from Parkhurst and Greenside, 15 from Rosebank, 20 from Sandton and 25 from Fourways outside peak traffic. A shorter trip in the carrier means a calmer cat on arrival. Get directions.

Clear prices

Rates are per villa, per night, and depend on the villa and how many cats share it: from R195 for one cat in a Standard Indoor Villa to R470 for five cats in a Deluxe villa. A 50% deposit secures your booking. See all cat boarding rates or use the stay cost estimator.

Is there anything we are not right for?

Honesty helps you choose. We only take cats, so if you need a place for your dog too, we cannot help with that. Check-ins and collections happen during set visiting hours (weekdays 9 to 11am and 4 to 5pm, Saturdays 9 to 11am and Sundays 4 to 5pm) so the team can focus on the guests, although other times can usually be arranged if you ask in advance. And school holidays fill up quickly, so it pays to book early.

See it before you book

We would rather you saw the villas for yourself. Book a viewing, watch the video tour on our homepage, or go straight to booking a stay.

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Cat Hotel in Johannesburg?

The Cat Hotel is at 7, 4th Street, Linden, Johannesburg, 2195. It is central to Randburg, Northcliff, Emmarentia, Parkhurst, Greenside, Rosebank and Sandton.

Is The Cat Hotel a cattery or a kennel?

It is a cats-only cattery and boutique cat hotel. It does not board dogs, and every family of cats gets its own private villa.

How much does The Cat Hotel cost per night?

Rates are per villa, per night, from R195 for one cat in a Standard Indoor Villa up to R470 for five cats in a Deluxe villa. A 50% deposit secures the booking.

Can I visit The Cat Hotel before booking?

Yes. Viewings are by appointment during visiting hours: weekdays 9 to 11am and 4 to 5pm, Saturdays 9 to 11am and Sundays 4 to 5pm.

How do I book a stay at The Cat Hotel?

Register on our booking system, add your cat's details, upload the vaccination card and request your dates. You will receive an email to approve, and a 50% deposit secures the booking.