When staying at a cat inn with children, not only do you have to say “Please be kind,” but practice specific behaviors before the trip. Age restrictions and rules for accompanying parents also vary by accommodation.
- 1. Stop when you see a cat
- 2. Don’t chase
- 3. Do not touch without permission
- 4. No hugging
- 5. Do not enter the sleeping area or high places
- 6. Do not give food
- 7. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements
- 8. Prioritize the cat’s path over the photo
- Adults should show the example first
- Designate one adult to supervise.
- Confirmation before reservation
- If the cat doesn’t like it, people will leave
- Prepare a schedule for times when you can’t see the cat.
- Practice with your family before departure
- Summary
- Reference materials
1. Stop when you see a cat
Don’t run towards it, stop where you are, and alert an adult. Leave a clear path for cats in the hallway.
2. Don’t chase
Once the cat leaves, it’s over. Do not get ahead of the cat, call it back, or wait in front of its hiding place.
3. Do not touch without permission
Wait for confirmation from the hostel and an adult, and only briefly touch the cat if it approaches you. Don’t touch a sleeping cat.
4. No hugging
Even if the cat can be held, children should not lift it alone. If it comes to your lap, don’t surround it with your arms, leave space for it to get down.
5. Do not enter the sleeping area or high places
Cat beds, boxes, under furniture, and shelves are resting places for the cats. Do not put your hands or camera inside.
6. Do not give food
Do not give human food or cat treats you bring. Please follow the instructions of adults and staff regarding items provided by the inn.
7. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements
Avoid yelling the cat’s name, tapping on the floor, or jumping in front of the cat. If a cat is startled, people should keep their distance.
8. Prioritize the cat’s path over the photo
Do not surround the cat for a commemorative photo, and turn off the flash. Adults should also make sure that other guests are not included in the photo.
Adults should show the example first
When guardians chase, hold, or repeatedly touch the cats, the children will do the same. The adult should wait with their hands on their lap, then step back and let the cat leave when it moves away.
If your child is too excited to follow the rules, leave the cat area. Do not make the cat put up with continued practice.
Designate one adult to supervise.
If everyone assumes someone else is watching while taking photos or organizing luggage, the movements of children and cats can be overlooked. In the cat area, designate one adult to supervise the children, and that person must prioritize safety checks over taking photos.
If you have siblings, do not let them surround the cat at the same time. As a family, decide on a signal for each person to wait, take turns, or if it is difficult, leave the cat area.
Confirmation before reservation
- Age restrictions for children
- Conditions for accompanying guardians in the cat space
- Whether there are visits to the guest rooms or not
- Distance from cats at eating places
- Storage area for strollers and large luggage
In addition, it is a good idea to ask how the inn explains precautions for children, and if there are other ways to spend the time when the cat is resting. Even if your child meets the age requirement for staying overnight, you may not be able to use all cat areas freely.
Please also check out Complete Guide for First-time Guests and Basics of Approaching a Cat for the First Time with your family.
If the cat doesn’t like it, people will leave
If the cat lowers its ears, lowers its body, moves its tail vigorously, hides, or moves away, remove your child from the area. Don’t ask the cat to practice “touching it gently again.”
If a cat scratches or bites you, do not chase the cat; wash the wound with running water and report it to the hotel immediately. Please consult a medical institution if necessary and do not repeat the same contact to confirm the cause.
Prepare a schedule for times when you can’t see the cat.
In case the cat is resting, won’t be in common areas, or your child is restless, plan an alternative schedule such as reading, walking, or sightseeing around the area. By not setting the expectation that “the trip will be a failure if you don’t touch the cat,” both the cat and your family will have peace of mind.
Practice with your family before departure
Use stuffed animals to practice short phrases such as “stop when you see a cat,” “hands on knees,” and “bye-bye when the cat leaves.”Rather than having to explain new rules at length, deciding on common signals will lead to action.
Summary
To prepare to enjoy a cat inn with your child, you need to specifically learn how to stop, don’t chase, and wait, rather than how to touch the cat. Adults should lead by example and provide an environment where the cat can leave.
Reference materials
Note: Please prioritize the age restrictions of the accommodation and the guidance on the day.
