Hi Jaclyn,
It sounds like a bit of a challenge, but many hosts manage similar situations with pets. Here are a few approaches you might consider for your cats:
1. Pet-Friendly Arrangements: Some guests don’t mind the presence of cats, especially if they’re indoor/outdoor cats who might not be around much. You could make your Airbnb listing pet-friendly and clearly state the presence of your cats. This way, guests who are allergic or don’t prefer pets can avoid booking, and those who enjoy them won't mind.
2. Dedicated Cat Area: If possible, designate a specific part of your home (like a basement, laundry room, or a guest room) where the cats can stay comfortably with all their needs—like food, water, litter box, and some toys—while guests are there. Make sure this area is comfortable and secure, and communicate to guests that this area is off-limits.
3. Temporary Pet Sitting: Consider hiring a pet sitter who can either come to your home to care for the cats or host them at their place. This could reduce the stress on your cats compared to moving them back and forth. Apps and websites like Rover can connect you with pet sitters in your area.
4. Stay with Friends or Family: If the cats are comfortable in a particular friend or family member’s home, and it's not too inconvenient, this could be a good option for the weekends when you have guests.
Choosing the best option depends on your cats’ personalities and how they might adjust to each scenario. It might take some trial and error to figure out what works best for them.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Upfish Management