How to help a shy or anxious cat settle in at a cat hotel
Most cats settle in within a day or two. These simple steps — before, during and after the stay — help nervous cats feel safe sooner.
Catacure · 25 October 2026
Cats are creatures of habit, so a new place can feel unsettling at first. It is normal for a cat to hide, eat a little less or be quieter than usual on the first day. With some preparation, even shy cats usually relax quickly.
Before the stay
- Get your cat used to the carrier. Leave it open at home for a week or two, with a soft blanket and a few treats inside, so it becomes a familiar, safe place rather than a sign of a trip.
- Pack familiar smells. A small blanket, a worn T-shirt or a favourite toy from home helps your cat feel secure in a new room.
- Bring its usual food. A sudden change of diet on top of a change of place can upset the tummy.
- Tell the carers everything. How your cat likes to be stroked (or not), where it likes to hide, favourite games and treats, and anything that frightens it.
On check-in day
- Feed a light meal a few hours before travelling to reduce car sickness.
- Cover the carrier with a light cloth in the car to keep it calm and dark.
- Keep goodbyes short and calm. Cats pick up on our mood.
During the stay
- A hiding spot in the room is a good thing: cats feel safer when they can retreat.
- Carers should approach slowly and let your cat come to them.
- It is fine to ask for photo or video updates — they reassure you, and a good cat hotel is happy to send them.
When to worry
Tell the carers straight away (and ask them to call you) if your cat:
- has not eaten for more than a day,
- has not used the litter box for a day,
- is vomiting repeatedly, has diarrhoea, or seems weak or in pain.
Cats should not go without food for long, so a good cat hotel will watch this closely and contact you and a vet if needed.
Back home
- Give your cat a quiet room for the first few hours.
- Offer water and a small meal; normal appetite usually returns quickly.
- If you have other cats, let them sniff each other gradually — your cat may smell different after its stay.
Want to see where your cat would stay? Book a private cat hotel viewing at Catacure, or read how to prepare your cat for a cat hotel stay.