An inn where a resident cat comes to visit the guest room is a special experience for cat lovers. On the other hand, the guest room is full of things that are dangerous to cats and things that guests don’t want to lose.
Cat visits are not a guaranteed service. Listen to the rules of the hostel, and first create a room where both you and the cat can stay safely without interfering with the cat’s choice of entering and exiting.
- Things to check when checking in
- Clean up before the cat comes
- Do not open doors and windows at your own discretion.
- Don’t block the exit even if someone comes in.
- When riding on a bed or luggage
- Do not feed other people
- Photos prioritize the safety of the room
- Always check your whereabouts before going to bed
- Confirmation before going out/checking out
- Summary
- Reference materials
Things to check when checking in
The structure of guest-room visits differs depending on the inn. First, please confirm the following with the staff.
- Guest room and time slots where cats can enter
- Can I open the door and wait?
- Handling the door when going to bed or going out
- How to contact the inn when you need the cat to leave your room
- Rules for food, treats, toys, and cuddles
- Contact information if the cat behaves badly or breaks things
Even if you read the article “Cats may come to the guest room”, the operation may have changed. Please prioritize the information for the day.
Clean up before the cat comes
If you move the luggage after the cat enters, you may startle it or force it into the gap. Store the following items first.
- Medicines, supplements, tobacco
- Human food including chocolate, onions, etc.
- Rubber bands, thread, hair ties, earphones, charging cables
- Cosmetics, perfumes, aroma products
- Small items such as accessories, keys, SD cards, etc.
- Plastic bags, paper bags, open suitcases
Close your bag and check the bathroom and trash can. If the cat may have licked or swallowed something, don’t just check on it yourself; report it to the hotel staff immediately.
Do not open doors and windows at your own discretion.
Be sure to check with your hostel if you can open the guest room door and wait for the cat. Fire doors in hallways, entrances, windows, screen doors, and balconies can be potential escape routes.
While the cat is indoors, share the cat’s location with all your companions before operating the door. Even if the windows and screens are closed, don’t touch them unless you know they are meant for cats.
Don’t block the exit even if someone comes in.
When the cat enters the room, do not sit in front of the entrance, but leave a path for the cat to return to. Avoid touching them, picking them up, or surrounding them while taking pictures.
Watch while the cat sniffs around the room. When it approaches, read the signs you can touch and signs you want to be gentle with your whole body, and don’t touch it for too long at a time.
When riding on a bed or luggage
If the inn allows cats to use the bed, follow the instructions and don’t force them to get off. If you have a problem, please do not chase it away with treats or your hands, but consult a staff member.
If you don’t want your belongings to get on top of your belongings, it’s best to put them away before the cat arrives. Rather than trying to solve the problem by scolding the cat, try to prevent it by adjusting the environment.
Do not feed other people
Cats may target late night snacks and drinks in the guest room. Cats won’t share human food even if they want to. Cat treats provided by the hostel may also have a set number of times and a set number of treats for cats.
Close containers when eating and clean up spills immediately. If the cat ingests the food, please leave the packaging showing the food name and quantity and notify the staff.
Photos prioritize the safety of the room
Do not use a flash or move the cat to the window or bed. To create a good composition, check with your hostel before closing the door or using sounds or objects to guide the eye.
When you concentrate on taking pictures, your attention to the door and accessories will decrease. Even if you have someone with you, each person will check the entrances and exits, rather than someone else being responsible for managing the cat. For more information, please see Photography etiquette at cat accommodation.
Always check your whereabouts before going to bed
Check with the inn if you can leave the cat in the guest room and sleep. Even if it is allowed, check inside the futon, under the bed, in storage, in the bathroom, and behind the curtains to see if there is a place where the cat can be trapped.
It’s a good idea to ask the inn staff before you go to bed how to contact the cat in case you want to let the cat out in the middle of the night. Avoid making decisions on your own, such as picking up the cat and taking it out into the hallway or leading it to an unfamiliar room.
Confirmation before going out/checking out
Do not go out or check out while the cat is indoors. If you cannot find it, please do not move your luggage or bedding roughly and contact the staff.
Please check the following before departure.
- Cat not in guest room
- Not in a bag or suitcase
- Cat’s collar is not caught on personal items.
- Informed the hotel of the possibility of accidental ingestion or damage.
- Do not lead the cat into the hallway or outside.
Summary
Preparing to enjoy guest-room visits doesn’t start with calling the cat, it starts with making the room safe. Store small items and food, treat entrances and exits as directed by the inn, and leave an escape route for the resident cat. Check your whereabouts before going to bed and leaving the room. This basic principle protects the cat’s free visitation.
Please also use 10 Questions to Ask Before Booking to check the target rooms and plans for guest-room visits in advance.
Reference materials
- AAHA/AAFP: Behavior and Environmental Needs
- 2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines
- Cats Protection: Spotting signs of cat stress
Note: If the cat ingests a dangerous substance, is injured, or cannot be found in the room, please contact the inn staff immediately.
