For most vacation and furnished rental managers CAT really spells NO.  Cat owners will find that the vacation rental choices are very very limited if they must bring their cat along for the journey.

Pet Friendly should be modified to two categories for vacation homeowners – Dog Friendly and Cat Friendly.  Very few vacation rental manager owners will accept your feline friends. 

Cat owners and their cat friends are probably just as nice and responsible as renters with dogs.  Many owners and managers that decline reservations with cat requests, say that cats tend to walk on furniture, counter tops and appliances and go so many more places in the rental than a dog would.  They also say that a vast majority of travelers complain more about allergic reactions to cats vs. dogs.

You’ve probably received a few email inquiries from travelers explaining how their cat is much better than the average cat – declawed, cage trained, house trained etc.  According to many vrbo’s it  boils down to the presence of a cat - the cat “footprint” left in the rental is much greater than that of a dog. 

Owners be sure to clarify what Pet Friendly means in your rental advertising - Example:  Small house trained dog may be ok with deposit or pet fee – sorry no cats.  Travelers be sure to disclose your pet requirements in your email inquiries and contacts with owners and managers.