How to Sneak a Cat into a Motel Room

Have you ever needed to get a cat into a motel room without the owners of the motel finding out? There could be several reasons for this, such as traveling, evacuating an area or numerous others. Of course, it is best to find an establishment that permits animals first. There are several motels and hotels that now allow your four-legged friends to stay with you for an additional charge. If you ever find yourself in need of this information, read on for some tips on how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat or cats
• Motel, not hotel most often, because of office location
• Cat carrier or crate (optional)
• Little box
• Newspaper
• Food and water
• Cat toys or other personal cat items
• Small broom and dustpan or small vacuum (optional)

1. You must first find a motel with a room that is accessible from the outside. Survey the room locations before you go to the office. You do not want to have to go past the check-in desk or have a room near the office. Get a room on the opposite side or as far away as you can.

2. Park your vehicle away from the office and as close as possible to the room. Place your cat in the carrier (or crate) for the easiest way to move them into the room. You can cover it with a blanket or towel. Check the area for any staff before you move them. You can also carry them, but this is not advised.

3. Do not allow your cat to have access to the windows, at least the ones facing the office.

4. Place the litter box in an easy-to-clean but safe place that your cat will feel comfortable with. A good location is under the sink area that is usually tile instead of carpet. You can place newspapers under and in front of it to allow easy clean up.

5. Place the food and water in a similar location with newspaper under them also.

6. Clean up after your cat or be sure to tip a little extra. If you keep your cat in the carrier (or crate), this will eliminate any evidence of it ever being there. You could also keep it in the bathroom to contain the clutter. If you bring a small broom or vacuum with you, you can easily get rid of any messes quickly.

7. When you need to take your cat out of the room, do so in the same manner as you brought it in.

Tips & Warnings

• During mandatory evacuations, you will find most hotel and motel owners not enforcing the “no pets” rules. Many times they will also permit several pets in a single room. If you have the time, you can check out the various options available in your area to find the one that suits your specific needs. Unfortunately, you may not be able to do this in advance.
• Place the cat toys or other personal items around to provide your cat a feeling of security. Cats do not like changes in their habits, and this will give them something from “home” that will comfort them.
• If you carry your cat, make sure you have them held securely at all times. You do not want them to get away from you when you are moving them in or out of the room. If you do not have a carrier, you could use a box instead.

[KatieKate]

on 6/20/2008 Hotels and motels have pet policies because some people have serious allergies. I love animals but exposure to cat hair can trigger a life-threatening asthma attack. Have some consideration, if you have pets don't 'sneak' them into the room. Do everyone (including your pet) a favor and either camp or put them up in a pet motel. AAA offers trip books which deal specifically with 'pet friendly' hotels. Do what is right for everyone involved.

[amylaine]

on 3/7/2008 Thanks for sharing, I love hearing about people taking care of animals as part of their family.

[Catnipp]

on 1/31/2008 GOOD for you GlindaLupo, how is your new family member doing? I have 7 little angels that I have done this with. First time was when I traveled from NV to Florida (SEVERAL nights!) & then during the 2004 hurricanes! I have not usally used the crates either, but it does make it easier to contain them.

[GlindaLupo]

on 1/31/2008 While away on business, I found a stray cat--so I snuck him into my hotel room. Thank goodness he was friendly as I had to walk by the front desk without being noticed (and I didn't have a crate, nor a box--I held him inside of my jacket). :D Great article.