Anyone out there Hosting and owning a cat?

Answered!
Marion320
Level 1
Grand Haven, MI

Anyone out there Hosting and owning a cat?

I was wondering if a lot of hosts own a cat where they rent?  I rent out my lower level and I miss having a cat.  I haven't gotten one because I know a lot of people have cat allergies.  

 

Has anyone had issues or lost out on reservations because of a cat?

1 Best Answer
Tracy600
Level 2
Wentworth, NH

I have actually had people book my cabin due to the cat ambassador!  He spends nights with me in my home, but waits at the cabin and greets guests.  I have a picture on the listing explaining his role.  Only once a person didn't review the listing and had a cat allergy.  People miss their pets when traveling and having a temporary pet makes them happy!

View Best Answer in original post

28 Replies 28
Sybe
Former Community Manager
Former Community Manager
Terneuzen, Netherlands

@Denise1489 What a beautiful picture, such an adorable cat! 😍

 

-----

 

Please follow the Community Guidelines // Volg de communityrichtlijnen

This is what I was also wondering!

 

Ralf5
Level 10
Inzell, Germany

@Nora963 , @Denise1489 ,

 

would it be for a specific time frame, that you want to rent out your space including the cat, like of you are on a business trip or on vacation? or would you like to do this in general all the time?

 

I think it could work, a lot of guests do like cats and probably would like to take care of them for a couple of days. 

 

For this purpose I would  do the following:

- duplicate your current listing

- add "with cute cat" or similar to the title of your listing

- describe clearly what you expect from your guest (details of the cat sitting job)

- turn off instant booking

- open your calendar for this second listing only for those days your are away from home

- block your calendar for your first listing for those days 

- I think there is a function inside the system to synchronize both listings, but I dont't know this works 

- before accepting the booking the guest should agree to take care of your cat

- for emergency cases you should provide a phone number from a neighbour/friend in case the guest is unavailable during his/her stay for some reason 

 

Good luck

THANK-YOU for this info and recommendations!!!!

Thank-YOU for theses helpful recommendations / suggestions.   Take care.  Denise

Sybe
Former Community Manager
Former Community Manager
Terneuzen, Netherlands

Great suggestion @Ralf5 , thanks for sharing!

-----

 

Please follow the Community Guidelines // Volg de communityrichtlijnen

Mark116
Level 10
Jersey City, NJ

@Nora963 @Denise1489   I would never do this.  I would simply never feel comfortable to leave my pets at the mercy of total strangers.  What if the guest didn't like cats?  What if they were irresponsible and let the cat out?  Or worse, put the cat out?  Or forgot to give food or water?

 

I just cannot imagine any circumstance where I would feel comfortable leaving the cats to be cared for by random people who rent via Airbnb.  But, I am sure there are others who feel differently.

Huma0
Level 10
London, United Kingdom

@Denise1489 @Nora963 @Mark116 

 

I have left my cats under the care of guests while I have been on short work trips (2-4 days) BUT, I host long term guests in my own home and I therefore get a chance to know them before taking that decision. It totally depends on whether I feel the guest is responsible and reliable and how much they like cats. Most of my guests love cats (I have three so the listings attract cat lovers) and many have cats of their own, so they are happy to do this and happy for me to check in to see if all is okay.

 

If I don't feel confident about the guests doing this, then I book a cat sitter or, if I have a room empty, have a friend who is a former housemate, stay over to cat sit. 

 

I don't think the idea of renting out the entire space as a vacation rental with a cat included in the bargain is a good idea at all. It's very risky, for the reasons @Mark116 has explained. If you want to save money on cat sitting expenses, you can offer the accommodation in exchange for house + cat sitting. There are agencies/websites that specialise in exactly that set up.

I had a lot of difficulties moving to new places with my cat. However, I love him so much, and I never rented a flat without him. However, many owners refuse to accept it, so I always had to look for at least for few options. I’ve been living with a roommate in a shared apartment for a year now, and she (roommate) had nothing against my cat


@Naty32 wrote:

I had a lot of difficulties moving to new places with my cat. However, I love him so much, and I never rented a flat without him. However, many owners refuse to accept it, so I always had to look for at least for few options. I’ve been living with a roommate in a shared apartment for a year now, and she (roommate) had nothing against my cat


P.S:

However, lately he has been behaving strangely and constantly demanding my attention. I have never noticed him like this, so I think there is something wrong with him. I read on https://www.simplecatguide.com/when-a-cat-is-too-affectionate-the-reasons-behind-it-and-what-to-do/ that he may be sensing danger or be sick. My neighbor complains that he meows too loudly when I'm not home. This is the first time I have had a problem with my cat.

Tracy600
Level 2
Wentworth, NH

I have actually had people book my cabin due to the cat ambassador!  He spends nights with me in my home, but waits at the cabin and greets guests.  I have a picture on the listing explaining his role.  Only once a person didn't review the listing and had a cat allergy.  People miss their pets when traveling and having a temporary pet makes them happy!

LOVE it !!!    Absolutely love it.

 

I am a veterinarian and I just cherish the joy that our pets can bring to US and to others.

 

Have a great day. 

Oomesh-Kumarsingh0
Level 10
Pamplemousses, Mauritius

I once hosted a guest who brought her cat. I do not think your guests would mind. Who doesn't like cats? Just make sure you let the guests know you have a cat on your property. Remember your home your rules!

Bronwyn100
Level 7
Hardys Bay, Australia

I am allergic to cats and wonder how you properly clean the property after one has been there. Guests can bring their dog to my Airbnb.