Don’t feel like leaving your cat behind when embarking on an adventure? The good news is they’re travel-friendly, thanks to their small, compact size and low-maintenance nature. Plus, the presence of your feline companion can make your travel photos a hundred percent better!
Traveling with your cat can be a fulfilling experience, not only for them but also for you as their “human”. However, it can also come with its own unique set of challenges — including your choice of accommodation. Next to making sure the hotel ticks all of the boxes in your travel plan, it’s imperative to ensure that your furbaby is comfortable and safe too.
From what to pack, to making special requests for anxious cats, here are some hotel tips for cat owners to help make the experience as stress-free as possible.
1. Research cat-friendly hotels
Pet-friendly hotels are on the rise — thanks to the significant increase in guests who consider their pets as family and take them on holiday. Though the trend constantly expands, you can still come across hotels that aren’t that welcoming to our four-legged companions. This hotel in Cork, for instance, takes pride in their luxurious leisure and business stays but only permits guide dogs on premises.
So what makes a hotel genuinely pet-friendly? Aside from free access to pets, these properties may have the following features:
- Dedicated outdoor space
- Pet-friendly beach, park, and other natural spaces
- Room with a small balcony
- Welcome pet kit that includes water bowl, kennel, snacks, and toys
2. Check the hotel policies
Next to ensuring your cat can stay with you, understand the hotel’s pet policies. Ask about any additional fees or requirements. Some hotels may have restrictions on pet size or breed, while others may require additional fees or deposits. Some hotels also have specific rules or guidelines for traveling with cats, such as requirements for carriers or leash laws.
In many cases, extended-stay hotels usually have the best pet policies as they’re designed for families with long-term visits. They may also have a full kitchen, access to laundry facilities, and bigger spaces.
3. Bring items your cat is accustomed to
Cats are territorial creatures who spend lots of time setting up their territory. Unlike dogs, cats tend to be sensitive to changes in their environment and may have a harder time adapting.
To help them feel more at ease in their new space, pack a few familiar items they’ve released their pheromones into. These include your cat’s bedding, blanket, favourite toys, feeding bowls, and litter box. Additionally, ensure the hotel room has access to natural light and fresh air to keep your cat comfortable and happy.
4. Pick the right hotel room and location
Take your little companion’s welfare into consideration when choosing the right hotel room. Your best bet is a room that’s away from elevators, high-traffic areas, and other potential sources of noise. You may also request a room on the ground floor for easier access to the outdoors.
Another important consideration is how your cat can move around comfortably without destroying anything. You don’t need to upgrade to a bigger space. Instead, you may request a room with less furniture. Additionally, consider avoiding places with carpets and leather furniture too.
5. Catproof your hotel room
Good news? Your cat is unlikely to pee on the bed, couch, or carpet. Bad news? They might scratch them with their sharp claws. That’s why you have to take the time “catproofing” the room before relaxing.
- Check the hotel’s online photos for anything your cat will be tempted to destroy.
- Ensure the windows and balcony doors are firmly shut
- Ask the hotel staff to get rid of any unnecessary furniture that your cat might scratch or knock over. Remove glass and other breakable decorations
- Don’t leave the curtain strings hanging
- Consider purchasing a pheromone diffuser or playing calming music for cats
- Put blankets over anything your cat might be tempted to scratch.
6. Keep your cat contained
Obviously, you don’t want to leave your feline companion behind, no matter how cosy your hotel is. Whether it’s a traditional cage or a dedicated bag with holes, make sure to use a carrier to transport your furbaby. This will keep your cat safe and secure and prevent them from running away in unfamiliar surroundings. Additionally, you may invest in trackers for added peace of mind.
The same goes for keeping your cat contained inside the hotel room to prevent them from escaping or getting into any trouble. Just make sure their carrier is well-ventilated, sturdy, and large enough for your cat to move around comfortably.
7. Clean up after your cat
One of the perks of having a cat is they can be easily trained to clean up after themselves but they still need a little help to stay tidy. Bring a litter box, extra litter, a mat, pet wipes, and an ample supply of waste bags with you. If you’re planning to stay for a couple of days, clean the litter box regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
8. Request a room away from other animals
If you’re staying in a pet-friendly hotel, chances are that other guests have also brought their furry buddies. If possible, request a room that is away from other animals, especially from guests with dogs, to avoid potential conflicts
9. Be considerate of other humans
Sad as it may seem, not everyone is a cat person. Some people may be allergic to cats while others are just uncomfortable around them. That said, keep your cat under control at all times. Keep noise levels down and make sure to follow any additional rules or regulations.
By following these hotel tips for cat owners, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for both you and your little buddy. With a little preparation and consideration, traveling with your cat can be a wonderful experience that strengthens your bond and creates lasting memories.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited writer who loves exploring the great outdoors. She loves traveling, eating, taking food and streetscape photographs, and simply enjoying new experiences and writing about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Hotel Isaacs Cork.
