Your bag has a change of clothes, a toothbrush and something to read. Your cat’s bag somehow contains enough supplies for a small expedition. There is the food, the litter, the favourite blanket and the toy they have ignored for six months—but might suddenly need while you are away.
Charlie travels in his buggy and uses a seatbelt in the car, so our own planning starts with that setup. Your cat may have a different routine, and that is worth thinking about before choosing a stay. Taking your cat on holiday involves planning for the travelling companion you actually have—including their luggage.
Taking your cat on holiday can take a little more planning, but finding the right accommodation is a good place to start. Somewhere that explicitly welcomes cats, with clear rules and a layout that suits your stay, gives you a much firmer foundation than a hopeful glance at a “pet-friendly” label.
Whether you are imagining a quiet cottage break or a few nights somewhere new, this guide will help you work through the details before booking. Your cat may leave the paperwork to you. The cupboard inspections, however, could be another matter.
The aim is to make taking your cat on holiday feel manageable, with clear advice and a few useful checks before you commit.
In this guide
Is a holiday right for your cat?· Choosing your accommodation · Preparing for your stay · Checklist · FAQs
Is a holiday right for your cat?
Before browsing cottages with lovely views and fireplaces, pause to think about your travelling companion. You might picture a peaceful evening with your cat curled up beside you. Your cat’s opinion of the journey and unfamiliar surroundings deserves a place in those plans too.
Think about how they respond to their carrier, car journeys and changes to their routine. Have they spent time somewhere unfamiliar before? Do they investigate confidently, or need plenty of quiet time and reassurance?
There is no prize for making your first trip together the longest possible one. A manageable journey and a quiet stay can be a more practical starting point. Give yourself room to adjust your plans around how your cat responds.
Consider what you want from the holiday as well. If your ideal break involves slow breakfasts and plenty of time at the accommodation, that is a different arrangement from being out sightseeing all day. Before falling for a property, check whether its rules fit the holiday you actually have in mind.
If you have concerns about your cat’s health or ability to cope with travelling, discuss the proposed trip with your vet before booking. Sometimes the best plan is a holiday together; sometimes familiar surroundings and suitable care at home are the better choice.
Choosing accommodation that actually welcomes cats
You find a lovely place, spot “pets welcome” and start mentally unpacking. Then you read a little further and discover the welcome is reserved for dogs.
This is exactly why taking your cat on holiday starts with checking the small print. A general pet-friendly label does not always confirm cats are accepted, and permission may depend on the particular room or property.
At Cat Friendly Stays, we list accommodation where cats are confirmed as accepted. That helps you begin with relevant options, but you should still confirm the current arrangements for your own dates and the cats travelling with you.
You can browse our cat-friendly stays to start gathering ideas, then use the questions below to narrow down your favourites.
Ask about pet limits and additional charges. Is the fee per cat, per night or per stay? Are there any cleaning charges or deposits? Getting those details early helps you compare the real cost, rather than discovering an extra fee after you have already chosen your favourite.
Next comes a question that can shape your whole break: can your cat stay at the accommodation while you go out? Some places allow this, some have conditions and others do not permit pets to be left unattended. A property can be welcoming and still have rules that do not suit your plans.
Look at the practical layout too. Ask about opening windows, balconies and shared entrances. A garden described as enclosed is not necessarily escape-proof for a cat with climbing ambitions. If you are staying in a hotel, agree how housekeeping will work so an unexpected knock does not become an unexpected open door.
Once those essentials are covered, you can enjoy choosing between the things that make a holiday yours: a coastal setting, a comfortable living room, a peaceful location or somewhere with room for everyone.
Useful tip
A quick message now can save a surprise later. Ask the accommodation to confirm in writing that your cats are welcome in your chosen room or property. Include the number travelling and check fees and unattended-pet rules. Keep the reply with your booking confirmation—consider it the paperwork your cat has wisely delegated.
Getting ready for taking your cat on holiday
Packing for a cat has a way of making your own luggage look remarkably modest. You may be happy with two jumpers. Your cat needs their usual food, litter tray, bedding and apparently an entire department of accessories.
Start with the essentials rather than trying to recreate every corner of home. Bring their usual food and bowls, familiar litter and a tray, bedding and any prescribed medication. Add a few familiar belongings, including something they already use and enjoy.
This is probably not the moment to build the whole plan around a beautiful new bed they have never tried. You could unpack it proudly, only for your cat to settle into the bag it arrived in. Familiar favourites earn their luggage space.
For Charlie, the buggy is part of the packing list too. That means thinking about boot space, where we can unload and whether the accommodation has steps or somewhere convenient to keep it. If your cat travels with a buggy, check those practical details before booking—a lovely entrance can look rather different when you have wheels to negotiate.
Keep your cat secure during the journey and transfers, and avoid opening the carrier in an unsecured place. Once inside the accommodation, check doors, windows and possible escape routes before letting them explore.
Set up a quiet area with their essentials and give them time to investigate at their own pace. Your first job might be making a cup of tea; theirs might be studying the underside of a chair. There is no need to rush either introduction.
Follow the accommodation’s rules throughout your stay, including any conditions about leaving pets unattended. Agree arrangements with housekeeping or anyone else who may enter, and be prepared to adapt your plans if your cat needs more time to settle.
The “have we remembered everything?” checklist
- Cats are explicitly accepted in the room or property you are booking.
- Your number of cats, pet fees and unattended-pet rules are confirmed.
- You have checked windows, balconies, entrances and other possible escape routes.
- Your cat’s travel equipment is ready, with space for a buggy if you use one.
- Usual food, bowls, litter and a litter tray are packed.
- Familiar bedding and a few favourite belongings are ready.
- Any prescribed medication and care information are included.
- Your contact details and your cat’s identification details are up to date.
- You have the accommodation contact and details of a nearby veterinary practice.
Frequently asked questions
Does pet-friendly always mean cats are welcome?
No—and it is much nicer to discover that before booking. Some pet-friendly accommodation accepts dogs only, while other places welcome cats with particular conditions. Look for explicit confirmation for your chosen room or property.
Can my cat stay at the accommodation while I go out?
Check the property rules before planning your days. Some accommodation allows pets to be left unattended, sometimes with conditions, while other places do not. You will also need to consider how your cat is coping with the stay.
Will taking my cat on holiday cost extra?
It may do. Some stays include pets in the price; others charge per pet, per night or per booking. Ask about cleaning fees and deposits too, so you can compare the full cost before deciding.
Find a stay for your next trip together
Now for the enjoyable part: choosing where to go. Explore accommodation where cats are welcome, check the details that matter to you and find somewhere that fits the break you have in mind. A quiet cottage, a coastal escape or a comfortable hotel could be the starting point for your next holiday together.
What would take up the most space in your cat’s holiday bag? Tell us in the comments—or share the question you would most like answered before taking your cat on holiday.
His Sweeties