If you have a beloved feline companion at home and are considering traveling, you may wonder if your cats are allowed in hotels. Cats are allowed in some hotels, but you’ll probably need to do some research to find one that welcomes your feline companion. Many hotels that allow pets charge extra for four-legged companions. However, traveling with a cat often requires additional work and planning, as you’ll need to consider items like food and litter box access when making traveling arrangements.
How to Find Cat-Friendly Hotels
Finding hotels that are happy to accept cats is possible, but the process can be challenging. Make sure to reach out to any hotel you’re considering to confirm their pet policy before making a reservation, as some “pet-friendly” hotels don’t welcome cats. Ensure you’re clear on any fees the hotel charges before booking. It’s best to check several hotels on your route to ensure they accept cats.
Additional Fees
Some charge a set fee per night, and others hit pet parents with cleaning fees and deposits. If you’re traveling with more than one cat, confirm that the establishment you’re considering welcomes guests with multiple feline companions. And make sure you understand whether your cat can stay in your room unaccompanied while you’re out and about.
Cat-Friendly Chains
Several hotel chains welcome cats, including Kimpton, Loews, Marriott, Drury Hotels, Best Western, and several Hilton brand hotels. Large chains such as Kimpton, Hilton, and Marriott have cat-friendly hotels in Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and South America.
Kimpton hotels can be found in popular tourist destinations worldwide, and many don’t charge extra for up to two feline companions. Best Westerns are often good choices if you’re traveling by car in the US.
These large corporate hotels allow their managers to set and limit pet policies, so call ahead to confirm that the specific location you’re interested in allows cats. Speak directly with the front desk at the location you’re considering to minimize the chances of miscommunication.
If you’re willing to do a bit of leg work, you can sometimes find cozy local establishments that welcome cats. It’s often possible to find hostels and hotels, particularly in Asia and Europe, that are happy to have feline guests.
- Kimpton
- Hilton
- Loews
- Marriott
- Drury Hotels
- Best Western
The 4 Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy When Staying at a Hotel
The 4 Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy When Staying at a HotelWhile finding a place for you and your cat to stay when you’re traveling can be a challenge, there are a few other things to consider if you’re planning to hit the road with your feline companion, including meals and the litter box situation.
1. Meals
Cats are generally creatures of habit, often becoming stressed due to environmental and schedule changes. Even cats that are mostly content to be around their humans can suffer anxiety when faced with the non-stop uncertainty of traveling.
Cats are notorious for disliking changes to their food or mealtime routines. Maintaining consistency can go a long way toward preventing your companion from becoming too anxious.
Introduce your pet to their traveling food and water bowls well ahead of time so your cat has less to adjust to when on the road. Collapsible dishes take up little space and are easy to pack and unpack for your pet’s meals. Take your pet’s favorite food with you, as there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find the brand and flavor your buddy prefers while on the road. Some establishments have food and water bowls available on-site for kitties to use.
2. Litter Boxes and Bathroom Breaks
Your cat will need a place to go to the bathroom while you’re on the road. Most healthy cats can go for around 24 hours without peeing or pooping, although it’s not ideal for pets to go that long without an opportunity to relieve themselves. There are a few ways to handle the litter box situation, from bringing a portable box to using a disposable product.
Portable litter boxes are often good choices if you’re driving and planning on being away from home for more than a few days. They’re often sturdier and more comfortable for pets, as you can select a model that’s reasonably similar to their regular litter box. Sturdy choices with secure lids keep litter from scattering all over your hotel room, and units with handles are easy to carry if you have lots of luggage.
Disposable litter boxes are often made of sturdy cardboard, and you can even find covered models that give cats a bit of privacy. Double-check to make sure you have a way to carry and clean whatever product you select. Ensure you have liners if required to prevent accidental leaks. Don’t forget a poop scoop; some disposable choices come complete with litter, throw-away scoops, and waterproof liners.
Take plenty of poop bags with you so you can clean your pet’s litter and dispose of it without leaving it in your room. Some hotels have litter boxes and scratching posts for your cat to use.
3. Harness and a Door Hanger
Consider getting your cat accustomed to wearing a harness before embarking on your adventures. Cats generally don’t enjoy environmental changes, so your buddy may not be their best self while adjusting to travel-related routine variations.
Because cats often attempt to return home when feeling unsettled, keeping your pet safe and secure until you reach your destination is a must. Harnesses are generally better choices for keeping kitties safe, as they prevent cats from wiggling away but don’t put pressure on their necks.
Put your cat in the bathroom or keep them safely restrained with a leash and harness before opening the door to your room to prevent escapes. If your cat is a serious door darter, consider bringing along a “Kitty Inside” door hanger to notify anyone who needs to enter in an emergency of your cat’s presence.
4. Famous Hotel With Cats
There are several hotels around the world with resident cats. The Algonquin Hotel in New York City has had cats since the 1920s. Female Algonquin cats are traditionally named Matilda, and male kitties are called Hamlet. The hotel’s current cat is an orange and white tom adopted from the Bidawee Animal Shelter in 2017. Le Bristol, an upscale property in Paris, has had a Birman cat in residence for over a decade.
Conclusion
Cats are allowed in many hotels around the world. Kimpton and Loews’s hotels are quite welcoming to cats, but you’ll still need to contact the individual property you’re considering to confirm they accept feline guests. Many “pet-friendly” hotels are only open to canine companions even when their websites suggest otherwise, so reach out directly to the front desk to confirm that your cat will be welcome.
Make sure you’re clear on any additional fees, including deposits and cleaning charges you may incur. Don’t forget to pack food, bowls, treats, and your buddy’s litter box to keep your companion happy while on the road.
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Featured Image Credit: Robert Hale, Shutterstock
How to Find Cat-Friendly Hotels
