At a cat inn, refraining from using perfumes or products with strong scents will be considerate of not only the cats but also the people who eat, take hot springs, and use the common areas. Rather than assuming that the cat will definitely dislike a particular scent, think of it as a preparation that won’t increase the stimulation.
- Things to reduce before departure
- Do not bring essential oils and aromas
- Don’t let the cat smell the container
- Consideration for other guests and meals
- Smells from other animals on clothes
- Prioritize the rules of the accommodation even after smoking
- Check before departure
- Alternative actions guests can take
- If you have added fragrance
- Summary
- Reference materials
Things to reduce before departure
- Perfume, body mist
- Strongly scented hair styling products
- Essential oil, aroma spray
- Strongly scented hand cream
- Fragrance added to clothing and bedding
You don’t have to change all your regular hygiene products. Avoid adding new scents and reduce the amount used.
No need to switch to multiple fragrance-free products on the day of your trip. Rather than trying something that doesn’t suit your skin, try making adjustments that are practical, such as not adding perfume or spraying strongly scented products in the guest room.
Do not bring essential oils and aromas
Do not apply essential oils to cats, make them lick them, or diffuse them with a diffuser. Please do not judge whether or not the product is safe for cats and the environment just by looking at the labels “natural” and “for pets.”
The supplies that give your guest room the scent you want will remain with the next guest and equipment. Even if cats are not allowed in the room, we will not use it without permission from the inn.
Don’t let the cat smell the container
To check the cat’s reaction, do not bring perfume or cosmetic containers close to the cat’s nose. Do not let the cat lick your hands after you apply a product, and wash your hands before interacting with the cat.
We do not spray perfumes or aromas in the guest room, and we do not use deodorants other than those provided in the accommodation.
If you use necessary items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, or topical medicine, do not let the cat touch them until they are dry, and close the container and store them away. Even after the product dries, do not let the cat lick the application area. Manage medically necessary products according to your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions. Do not guess whether the ingredients are safe; if the cat may have accidentally licked the product, tell the staff its name.
Consideration for other guests and meals
Smells tend to linger in dining rooms, hot springs, and small common areas, and can affect some people’s health. In addition to keeping your distance from cats, keep the environment of the entire inn discreet.
Do not reapply perfume immediately before entering a hot spring or bathhouse, and do not use sprays in the changing room. Prioritize the introduction of shared spaces without adding scents before meals.
Smells from other animals on clothes
You don’t have to completely eliminate cat or dog odors in your home, but make sure you have clean clothes and don’t bring in used pet supplies. If the resident cat sniffs your clothes, watch without reaching out to touch it.
Prioritize the rules of the accommodation even after smoking
If the accommodation has instructions regarding smoking areas, changing clothes, and deodorization, please follow them. Instead of layering on strong deodorant sprays to eliminate smoke and odors, wash your hands and control your clothing. Please be sure to abide by the no smoking and fire regulations in the guest room.
Check before departure
- Leave perfume and aroma products at home
- Store necessary topical medicines and insect repellent in a tightly closed place.
- Do not add strong scented clothing sprays on the day
- Wash your hands before interacting with cats and don’t reapply hand cream.
- Do not use fragrances or deodorizing products other than those provided at the accommodation in the guest room.
Alternative actions guests can take
| Items for everyday use | Alternatives for everyday use |
|---|---|
| Perfume | Do not use it; choose fragrance-free grooming products |
| Strong fabric softener | Prepare washed clothes with a weak scent |
| Essential oils/aroma | Do not bring in or spread in the guest room |
| Scented hand cream | Do not use before touching cats |
| Deodorizing spray | Check with staff about accommodation equipment and cleaning methods |
Rather than medically determining that each product is ‘harmful to cats,’ we will instead take action to avoid bringing unnecessary scents into our accommodations. If symptoms or poisoning are suspected, the judgment of the host and veterinarian takes precedence.
If you have added fragrance
Do not allow the cat to smell it and refrain from touching it. Please do not try to remove it by applying another spray in the guest room, and consult the staff about ventilation and cleaning. We will not chase the cat even if it leaves due to its scent.
Summary
The basics of etiquette at Nekoyado are not to completely eliminate scents, but to avoid introducing new strong stimuli. Avoid unauthorized fragrances and deodorizers, and clean your hands before touching them.
Please also see List of things to bring to Nekoyado.
Note: Give priority to the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist when using external medicines that are necessary for your health, and make sure that the cat does not come into contact with them.
Reference materials
Note: October 10, 2026: Clarified that cats must not lick topical products even after they dry, and added a primary reference. The original information review date (August 23, 2026) is retained.
