How to Bring a Cat on Hotel: A Travel Guide for Pet Owners
Traveling with your cat can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore new places together and make lasting memories. However, bringing a feline friend along on your hotel stay can require careful planning. While many hotels in the U.S. welcome pets, others do not, so it’s essential to know how to find pet-friendly accommodations and what to do when your cat isn’t welcome. In this guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of how to bring a cat to a hotel, recommend pet-friendly hotels, and offer solutions for those times when you run into a “no pets” policy.
How to Bring a Cat on Hotel: Key Considerations
Before you start booking your hotel, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Research Pet Policies: Not all hotels allow pets, and among those that do, each has different rules. Some hotels only accept dogs, while others are cat-friendly. Always check the hotel’s pet policy on its website or contact them directly.
- Size and Breed Restrictions: Some hotels have weight limits or specific breed restrictions for pets. Always confirm that your cat meets these criteria before booking.
- Additional Fees: Many pet-friendly hotels charge an additional fee per night for your pet’s stay. This fee may vary by hotel and can range from $10 to $50 per night.
- Cat-Friendly Amenities: Some hotels offer additional amenities for pets, such as pet beds, bowls, and even treats. Others may provide pet-sitting services, grooming, or walking assistance for an extra charge.
- Preparation for the Stay: Bring essential items for your cat, such as their food, litter box, and favorite toys. You’ll want to make your cat feel as comfortable as possible in an unfamiliar environment.
Six Pet-Friendly Hotels in the U.S. That Allow Cats
Here are six pet-friendly hotels across the U.S. that welcome cats, along with their contact details, policies, and services:
- Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
- Address: Various locations across the U.S.
- Phone: 1-888-536-7286
- Policy: Kimpton Hotels are well-known for their pet-friendly policies, welcoming pets of all sizes, including cats. There are no additional fees for pets, and the hotel provides pet amenities such as beds, bowls, and even a pet-friendly wine hour.
- Additional Services: Some locations offer pet-sitting services and have designated pet-friendly areas for walking.
- La Quinta Inns & Suites
- Address: Various locations nationwide
- Phone: 1-800-753-3757
- Policy: La Quinta allows two pets per room with a combined weight limit of 75 pounds. They are pet-friendly at most locations and charge a nominal fee for pets (typically around $20 per night).
- Additional Services: They may provide pet beds and bowls at some locations, making your cat’s stay comfortable.
- Residence Inn by Marriott
- Address: Various locations nationwide
- Phone: 1-800-331-3131
- Policy: Residence Inn allows cats in their rooms for a fee of $100 to $200 per stay, depending on location. They accept pets up to 75 pounds and provide extended stays, which is ideal if you’re traveling for an extended period.
- Additional Services: Most locations offer pet-friendly amenities such as dog-walking services and pet care kits upon request.
- Holiday Inn Express
- Address: Various locations nationwide
- Phone: 1-888-465-4329
- Policy: Many Holiday Inn Express hotels accept pets, including cats, for a fee of $15 to $50 per stay. There may be size or weight restrictions depending on the location.
- Additional Services: Some locations provide pet-friendly rooms with amenities such as a pet bed or food and water bowls.
- Motel 6
- Address: Various locations nationwide
- Phone: 1-800-466-8356
- Policy: Motel 6 is known for its pet-friendly policy, allowing pets, including cats, to stay for free. There are no weight limits, making it one of the most affordable options for pet owners traveling with cats.
- Additional Services: While they don’t provide pet-specific amenities, the rooms are basic and accommodate pets well.
- Best Western
- Address: Various locations nationwide
- Phone: 1-800-528-1238
- Policy: Best Western allows up to two pets per room (with a maximum weight limit of 80 pounds). Fees vary by location, but typically range from $10 to $30 per night.
- Additional Services: Some Best Western hotels provide amenities such as pet beds and bowls, and they may have designated pet walking areas.
What to Do When a Hotel Doesn’t Allow Cats
If you find yourself in a situation where the hotel you’ve chosen doesn’t allow cats, don’t worry—there are still several solutions:
- Look for Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Many areas have multiple hotels, and if one doesn’t allow pets, another one nearby may. Use websites like BringFido, PetsWelcome, or the hotel’s website to search for other pet-friendly accommodations in the area.
- Consider Pet Boarding Services: If your hotel doesn’t accept cats, you can book a pet boarding service nearby. Many cities have cat-only boarding facilities where your cat can stay in a safe, supervised environment. Look for a highly-rated boarding facility with good reviews, and call ahead to confirm availability.
- Use Pet-Sitting Services or Apps: Another option is to hire a professional pet sitter to take care of your cat while you’re away. Services like Rover or TrustedHousesitters connect pet owners with local, experienced pet sitters who can stay with your cat at your hotel or at their own home. This option ensures that your cat gets personalized care without the stress of traveling or staying in a kennel.
Additional Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
- Vet Check: Before you embark on your trip, make sure your cat is in good health for travel. If needed, visit the vet for any required vaccinations, health certificates, or medications.
- Comfortable Travel Carrier: Invest in a comfortable travel carrier for your cat. It should be well-ventilated, easy to carry, and big enough for your cat to move around comfortably.
- Maintain Routine: Try to keep your cat’s routine as consistent as possible, especially when it comes to feeding and playtime. This will help minimize anxiety during your trip.
- Prepare for Noise: Hotels can be noisy, so it’s important to keep your cat calm. You may want to bring along familiar bedding, a favorite toy, or even a calming pheromone diffuser to help your cat feel secure.
Conclusion
Bringing your cat along on a hotel stay in the U.S. is easier than ever, thanks to an increasing number of pet-friendly hotels across the country. Whether you choose a hotel that caters specifically to pets or need to find alternatives when a hotel doesn’t accept cats, the key is planning ahead. By choosing one of the many pet-friendly hotels, using pet-sitting services, or seeking out a boarding facility, you can ensure your cat is well cared for during your travels—while also enjoying your vacation to the fullest. Safe travels with your feline friend!