Tips For Staying In A Hotel With Your Cat

If you love traveling and cats, why not combine the two? Traveling with a cat can be so fun and help build a long lasting, trusting relationship together. But traveling with a cat can also add stress. There are so many things to think you, such as pet friendly accommodation, bringing all their stuff, and making sure they are safe and cared for. And surprisingly, pet friendly accommodation is not always the easiest to find. Many hotels, air b&b’s, or other rental properties have a “no pet” policy. And once you find one, how do you get your cat to feel at home there? When staying in a hotel with your cat, you want to make sure they feel at ease and have all that they need on a daily basis. You want to try to change as little as possible of their normal routine so they can focus on adjusting to the new setting.

How To Find Pet Friendly Hotels:

A quick google search is probably the best way to find pet friendly hotels or rentals at your destination. On air b&b, you can check the pets allowed button to filter out any options that are not pet friendly. Having pet designated rooms are becoming more popular with hotels, but it is always best to search for their pet policy on their website or call the place and ask someone. Some websites also have lists of pet friendly options, such as Go Pet Friendly. There are also smartphone apps like BringFido that can help.

Know The Pet Policy:

If the hotel allows pets, be sure to check the details of their policy. It should be listed on their website, but a phone call to double check with a person is never a bad idea. Here are some examples of things you might see:

• Most places will include a “pet fee”. Many times, this is nonrefundable.
• Your pet may need to be secured in a crate or out of the room when housekeeping or maintenance needs to enter.
• Some places may have weight or breed restrictions.
• You may need to have a copy of your pets vet records or vaccines to show they are up to date.
• Some hotels may not allow you to leave your pet unattended in the room. Others may, but require you to have them in a crate if they are ever alone.
• You will be financially responsible for any damage your pet makes, including the furniture or carpets.
• If you get noise complaints from neighbors, they may have the right to either switch your room or have you find other arrangements for your pet.

This list is not all inclusive, and you should make sure you look up the rules for the specific place you are staying to make sure you comply with their requirements.

What To Bring:

There is some extra stuff you need to bring when staying in a hotel with your cat. A new environment can be stressful, so you want to make sure you have some familiar items for your cat. Try to change as little as possible of their typical routine to minimize stress. Here are some things to bring with you to the hotel:

• Their normal food, water, and bowls. And don’t forget the treats too.
• Litterbox and litter. Don’t forget the scooper and waste bags!
• A bed, blanket, or sweater for them to sleep on.
• A scratching post (if your cat uses one) to prevent them from using the hotel furniture.
• Carrier/backpack for transporting them in and out of the hotel/car.
• Harness and leash
• Some favorite toys. If your cat enjoys food puzzles, that would be a great idea to bring.

Cat Proof The Room:

When you first get to your room, before you let them out to explore, do a check for any hazards. You know your cat best, so make sure you remove anything that they may potentially get into. Some things to consider are the electric cords/wires, plants, curtains, small spaces, or furniture they may scratch. Check out our article on How To Help Your Cat Feel Safe In New Places for some more tips!

Give Your Cat Time To Explore:

Cats are curious. Let them explore the room at their own pace. Once the room is safe, you can let them out of their carrier. Stay in the room with them and watch them but let them do their own thing. Be close by in case they find any hazards you did not catch. They may need some time to feel comfortable. Show them where their litterbox is so they know where to go when the time comes. You can also offer them some treats or food to help them settle into the new place.

Conclusion:

Traveling with your cat should be fun and rewarding, but it is not always easy. We hope this post helps you the next time you are staying in a hotel with your cat. There are quite a few things to consider and bring. You want to be as prepared as possible. Good luck on your future travel plans and have fun!