It is a pleasure to think about a relaxing trip after a long week of work, but then if your cat won’t stay home alone, you may start wondering: Can you bring cats into hotels?
Generally, cats are not permitted in hotels. However, certain hotel chains do permit cats, service animals, and other general pets with proper supervision. Most hotels charge a fee in order for your cat to stay.
Unfortunately, “pet-friendly” is sometimes confused with “dog-friendly.” Always check with the hotel or anywhere you plan to stay to ensure that cats are permitted. To know in detail if cats are allowed in hotels or if hotels charge for bringing pets along with you, read this blog.
Why Are Dogs Allowed in Hotels But Cats Aren’t
Many times, a pet-friendly hotel often happens to be only dog-friendly. One of the most likely causes for this is the cat’s urine. It has a powerful odor that is difficult to get rid of from carpets, beds, and furniture.
Hotels are undoubtedly concerned that a cat will scratch or claw furnishings to mark its territory. While it’s disappointing that so few hotels will accept cats, it’s easy to understand why from a commercial standpoint.
Will My Cat Be Safe In A Hotel Room
Pet-friendly hotels often take care of pets’ needs and try to make the pets’ visit as safe and comfortable as possible. Even though your cat is an experienced traveler, it’s a good thing to ensure she’s secure and comfortable while she’s away from home.
Ensure your bedroom has a hangtag or note you can post on your door to inform hotel employees about the cat’s arrival before you settle down. It is essential to keep a note of the nearby veterinary doctors in case any unwanted situation arises.
Can Cats Get Anxious in Hotel Rooms
Even minor changes in their environment might cause stress in cats. For some cats, the arrival of a new animal or a new human guest might be stressful. They may become agitated, hide for an extended time, or change their food and disposal habits.
Going to a completely new area and to an entirely new hotel can get your cat anxious, especially if it is her first time. You need to make the trip as comfortable for your cat as possible by adhering to her routine schedule.
How to Make Your Hotel Room Cat-Friendly
To make your hotel room cat-friendly, first, double-check that all windows and terrace doors are securely shut. Request that any items or decorations that your kitty might use to polish its claws be removed by hotel workers, or you can clip his claws prior to traveling to prevent them from causing harm.
When housekeeping is cleaning your bedroom, you will have to secure your cat if she is skittish around strangers.
Choose a secure area for the kitty’s toilet and show her how to get there. Setting your kitty in the litter box and allowing it to sense the litter under its toes will assist it in later finding it. Consider using a litter mat to protect the floors from any accidents that may occur.
Even an adventurous cat may become agitated in an unfamiliar indoor environment, so a soothing collar may be beneficial. Consider bringing some of your favorite bedding or comfort things from home.
Even when traveling, cats want stimulation and playing. A tent or toy tunnel is an excellent travel option. The Hide and Sneak tunnel, for example, is foldable and provides your cat with a place to play. It’s a far better option than hiding beneath the bed.
Do Hotels Charge For Cats
Yes, hotels do charge for cats.
Cats, just like other pets, are subject to additional costs at many hotels, lodges, and other establishments. Some are more costly than others, while others do not impose any additional costs at all.
Know what is expected before you book, so you’re not caught off guard when the bill arrives at the end of your visit.
Do Hotels Provide Clean-Up Services For Your Pets
Some hotels do provide clean-up services for your pets, at a cost, of course. Housekeeping will clean your room when you leave, but you really should not abandon an unclean litter box for them to clean. Being a cat parent, you would not want to offer hotels or other establishments any reason to reconsider their cat-friendly policies.
Tipping the cleaning crew is customary in most situations, but it is essential if you are traveling with a pet. Even if you do everything you can to tidy up after your cat, there will still be some additional waste as a result of her existence. Your cat will almost certainly leave some mess behind, whether it’s scattered litter or cat hair strewn over the room. Show your housekeeping gratitude with a tip to be a good traveling kitty steward.
What To Do If Your Hotel Doesn’t Allow Pets
If your hotel doesn’t allow pets, you should respect their policy and not try to sneak your cat into the hotel. If your cat gets anxious when left alone or gets stressed, you can try writing a request letter to the hotel explaining why you can’t leave your cat alone. If the hotel is considerate about your request, you can bring your cat along; if not, then you can find a shelter for a few days.
You can also ask any of your family members or friends who are happy to keep your cat company while you enjoy your vacation.
Which Hotels Allow Cats
Although not all hotels allow cats (or pets in general), there are a few chain that do allow them. Have a look below to see which hotels allow cats along with fees and other policy information:
| Best Western | $30/day or $150/week | Advance notice required to ensure a pet-friendly room is available |
| La Quinta | $20 – $40/day | Limitations in states such as NY, TX, CA, and KY. Maximum 2 pets per room restriction. |
| Motel 6 | $0 | 2 pets per room maximum. |
| Super 8 | $5 – $20/night | Advance notice encouraged |
| Hilton | $35 – $75/night | Pet policy varies per location and is not universal |
| Drury Inn | $35/night | Limit of pet weight to no more than 80 pounds. |
| Marriot | $5 – $100/night | $5 pet fee and an additional $50 one-time cleaning fee |
There are also other hotels that allow cats, however it varies by location. The prices and policies are also slightly different. This includes things such as if your cat is allowed to roam out in public areas, if a trainer is required, and cleaning fees:
- Four Seasons
- Raddison
- Affinia Hotels
- Travelodge
- Kimpton
As with any hotel, reach out to the individual property to see which pet policies they are following.
Things To Consider
Pets and hotel rules are always tricky. So, before you try to bring your cat in, here are a few things to consider:
Checking Pet Policy Before Booking a Room
Coming to your hotel only to be refused entry because cats are not permitted is the last thing you want to face. Prepare ahead of time and check the hotel’s pet policy that you will be staying at. It is better to confirm with the management on call to ask if cats are welcome at their establishment specifically.
Don’t Make the Assumption That All Hotel Chains Have the Same Rule
Different policies apply to different locations within a hotel network. Hotel groups can have various policies for each property they control because of local rules that they need to abide by.
The most important piece of advice we can provide you is never to assume. Calling a hotel to inquire and check takes only a few minutes. It will save you a good deal of time second-guessing information that may be obsolete on the internet. Imagine showing there with your cat in a carrier only to be denied entry.
My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!
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