You don’t need a ton of special equipment for your trip to a cat inn. All you need to do is add a little extra protection against cat hair and safe storage of small items to your regular accommodation supplies.
On the other hand, even if you bring cat treats and toys with good intentions, they can cause dietary problems and accidental ingestion. Don’t base your preparations on whether the cat will like it, but on whether the accommodation allows it.
Basic things to bring
First, gather the things you need for a normal trip.
- ID, reservation information
- Wallets, transportation tickets, smartphones
- Charger, mobile battery
- Change of clothes, toiletries
- Your usual medication and information showing its prescription details
- Seasonal equipment such as rain gear and cold weather gear
- Transportation to the accommodation and emergency contact information
In mountainous areas or small inns, there may not be a convenience store or pharmacy nearby. Please also refer to the attributes of List of Cat Inns such as walking distance from the station, shuttle service, car recommended, nearby restaurants, etc.
Things to prepare for cat hair
In hotels where cats walk in common areas or guest rooms, hair may get on your clothes.
- Small adhesive cleaner
- Clothing brush
- Bag for separating worn clothing
- Clothes that are easy to wash and do not show hair easily
Please note that these may be provided as equipment at the accommodation, so please check before booking if necessary. Do not bring adhesive cleaners near cats or use them loudly in areas where cats are present.
Bags and cases for storing small items
Storage supplies are useful in accommodations where cats come to the guest room.
- Zippered accessory case
- Case where medicine can be kept closed
- A band for bundling charging cables
- Sealable bag for garbage
- Accessory case
Rubber bands, string, earplugs, hair ties, medicines, food packaging, etc. can be ingested by cats. Once you’re done using it, close it and return it to your bag. For more information, please see How to spend time at an inn where a cat comes to the guest room.
Useful things to have when taking pictures
Even when taking pictures with a smartphone, you can take pictures calmly if you have the following preparations.
- Sufficient free space
- Charged mobile battery
- Soft cloth to wipe the lens
- Camera with confirmed sound and light settings
You do not need sound sources or toys to draw the cat’s gaze. Please respect the hotel’s photography rules by not using flash or taking pictures of other guests. Please also check Photo Etiquette at Cat Inn before departure.
How to choose clothes
It is convenient to wear clothes that are comfortable for squatting or sitting on the floor, and footwear that does not make footsteps loud. It will be easier to handle if you avoid delicate knitting or large swinging decorations that can easily get caught in cat claws.
Avoid using strong perfumes or hair products that leave a lingering scent. Rather than assuming that cats don’t like it, think of it as a consideration for cats, who have a keen sense of smell, and for other guests who enjoy meals and hot springs.
Cat supplies that should not be brought in without permission
The following items may not be brought in for use on cats unless explicitly permitted by the accommodation:
- Cat treats, food, Matatabi
- Cat teaser, string, laser pointer
- Brushes, nail clippers, care products
- Flea and tick supplies, deodorant, aroma
- Cat costumes, collars, photo accessories
Even if the same cat product is used, allergies, chronic diseases, medications, age, and inter-cat conflicts are related. If only items supplied by the inn may be used, follow its instructions for how often and how to use them.
Manage people’s food too
Do not feed human food to cats, including chocolate, onions, alcohol, etc. Even foods that seem safe can disrupt the cat’s dietary regimen.
When eating or drinking in the guest room, put food in a container with a lid or an airtight bag, and clean up spilled food. If there is a possibility that a cat may have ingested the product, do not throw away the packaging and notify the inn staff.
If you are allergic to cats
Don’t think that just bringing a mask and regular medications will guarantee you a safe stay. Please check with the inn before making a reservation regarding the cat’s living area, cleaning, bedding, and separation of common areas, and follow your doctor’s instructions for any medication you have been told to use.
If you have severe symptoms or a history of asthma, please consult a specialist doctor about whether traveling itself is appropriate before considering any adjustments to your belongings. For more details, see Can you stay at a cat inn even if you’re allergic to cats?.
Pre-departure checklist
- Confirmed reservation conditions and final check-in time
- Confirmed the rules for interacting with and photographing cats.
- Small items and medicine can be closed and stored.
- Reduced products with strong scents
- Do not put cat treats or toys in without permission.
- Checked camera flash settings
- Prepared a change of clothes for returning home and hair protection
Summary
What you want to increase when packing for a cat inn is storage supplies, not cat supplies. Close and manage small items, medicines, food, and cables, and prepare for hair and photography settings. For items used with the cats, follow the inn’s arrangements for the supplies it provides. With this mindset, you can prepare for a safe stay without adding too much baggage.
Please also see Complete Guide for First-Time Guests for the entire trip process.
Note: Required items, whether you can bring cat supplies, and inside the inn facilities vary depending on the inn. Please check the latest official information.
