How to Bring Your Cat to a Hotel (Updated for 2024)

This is Molly, the cat that owns Kathy, and I have a gripe: dogs get all the fun and excitement of going out to places. I’m not even sure if I want to go where they go but these four walls and windows get boring sometimes and I don’t always like having to sniff the air through a screen. I’m not even going to get into the fact that I can’t chase a bird.

Anyway, the other night Kathy was on the phone with a friend of hers talking about things and from what I gathered her friend had taken the family (including the dog) on a trip. Kathy never takes me or my brother on trips. She has gone away for a few days and left us food in our bowls and extra water. The only trips we get to take are to the vet… yuck!

Guess what? Cats are allowed in hotels too. You just have to ask. It’s not as common for people to travel with their cats but some do. I don’t know if I’d like spending hours in a car in that horrible carrier but I may like checking out a new place. I’m not shy. I’m not scared. My brother on the other hand…

So I’m posting tips for you humans on what to do when staying in a hotel with your feline.

Do Most Hotel Chains Allow Cats?

Most hotel chains have specific pet policies, and while many are accommodating of dogs, fewer may explicitly welcome cats. It varies significantly between different chains and individual hotels within those chains. Typically, larger hotel chains might have more standardized pet policies that could include cats, but it’s always best to check directly with the hotel before booking.

Some chains that are known for being pet-friendly may offer amenities for pets, but the inclusion of cats can depend on the location and management’s discretion. When planning your stay, it’s advisable to consult the hotel’s website or contact them directly to confirm their pet policy regarding cats.

6 Tips To Make Your Stay In A Hotel Easy With A Cat

When making the reservation ask if they allow cats and what the policies and terms are regarding extra fees, rules, and so on. Is there a way the cleaning staff will know to not enter the room and let the cat out accidentally?

When booking your stay, it’s essential to ask the hotel directly about their policies on accommodating cats. Clarify any additional fees, rules, and specific room availability for pets. Ensure that you also discuss how the hotel communicates with their cleaning staff regarding pets in the room. This helps prevent any accidental escapes by making sure staff are aware not to open the door carelessly. Confirming these details beforehand will make your trip with your cat as smooth and stress-free as possible.

When you get settled into your room, let your cat out in the bathroom first. It’s a small enough space that your cat can explore and listen, smell, and become familiar with the new place without hiding behind a dresser or under the bed. New places can be a little scary… but like I said, I’m scared of nothing! No, really.

Once you arrive and settle into your hotel room, start by letting your cat explore the bathroom. This smaller, confined space is perfect for your cat to safely get acquainted with the new environment. They can take their time to listen, smell, and understand the surroundings without the risk of them hiding in less accessible spots like behind furniture. Introducing your cat to a new place can be intimidating for them, but gradually expanding their exploration area can make the transition less stressful and more controlled.

Leave the carrier out with the door open. It’s the one place cats will know is “safe” and can retreat into if something startles them.

Keep the carrier accessible in the hotel room with the door left open. This familiar item from home acts as a secure retreat for your cat, providing a sense of safety in the unfamiliar environment. By allowing your cat to enter and exit the carrier at will, it remains a reliable sanctuary they can return to whenever they feel overwhelmed or startled. This setup helps reduce stress and makes the overall hotel experience more comfortable for your cat.

When going out, you may want to leave the cat in the bathroom with food, water, the litter box, and the carrier. It’s also a good idea to use the same ones you are using at home. The things that are more familiar to us, the better we feel. Some of us also relax faster if there’s something of our humans too with us like a sweatshirt we can snuggle up with. It lets us know that things are stable even if the environment is new.

When you need to step out of your hotel room, consider setting up a comfortable space for your cat in the bathroom. Equip it with their usual food, water, litter box, and an open carrier. Using the same items from home can significantly ease their anxiety by providing familiar comforts in a new environment. Additionally, leaving an item with your scent, like a sweatshirt, can further soothe and reassure your cat. This familiar smell helps them feel secure and connected to you, reinforcing stability despite the unfamiliar surroundings.

Make sure we have our collar and tags on at all times and please make sure we are wearing cat collars that can break off if we get caught on something. We freak out as it is when we’re stuck in a box, hook our claw in the rug, or lost. Being stuck by our throats definitely is terrifying.

Bring our doctor records. Sometimes we may eat something we shouldn’t and get ill on vacation. It’s important to have our medical history at your fingertips for the emergency vet (blech). If you have one of those fancy smartphones, you can often load .pdfs on it or email them to yourself. Also, the hotel may request a copy of these records to make sure we’re up to date with vaccines and not spreading sickness to other cats who may staying in the hotel.

Carry a digital copy of your cat’s medical records when traveling. This includes vaccination history and any relevant health information, which can be crucial in case of an emergency or if your cat becomes ill during your stay. Most smartphones allow you to store documents like PDFs, or you can email them to yourself for easy access. Additionally, some hotels require proof of vaccinations to ensure the health and safety of all pet guests, so having these records readily available can also facilitate your check-in process.

There are some cats (like my wimpy brother) who won’t enjoy taking vacations. If that’s the case, then yes, leave them home and make arrangements to ensure they are cared for.

Wrapping Up

Traveling with your cat can be a delightful experience if you plan carefully and consider their comfort and safety at every step. From ensuring their familiarity with the space to maintaining their routine and utilizing calming aids, each detail helps in making the hotel stay as stress-free as possible for your feline friend. By preparing in advance and considering your cat’s needs, you can enjoy your trip together, exploring new places and creating happy memories. So, the next time you plan a getaway, think about taking your whiskered companion along. With the right preparations, it could turn into an adventure that’s enjoyable for both of you.

Happy travels!

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