Traveling with yourย kitty?ย ย You’re not alone! More pet parents are searching forย cat-friendly travel destinations in the USAย where theirย whiskerย buddiesย can enjoy theย funย too. From luxury hotelsย toย lovelyย parksย ,ย we’veย gotย theย best cat-friendly travel destinations in the USAย for 2025โsoย you and your kittyย canย enjoyย aย purr-fectย vacation!
Why Travel with Your Cat? ๐ฑโ๏ธ
According to theย American Pet Products Association (APPA)ย , overย 15% of pet owners now travel with their cats, thanks to a rise in pet-friendly accommodations and stress-reducing travel gear. ๏ฟฝ๐โฌ
Dr. Jane Brunt, a feline veterinarian, notes:
“Cats can adapt well to travel if introduced gradually and provided with familiar comforts.”ย (Cat Friendly Homesย ) ๐ก๐
Now, letโs explore the top destinations where your cat will feel right at home! ๐บ๏ธ๐พ
1. Asheville, North Carolina ๐
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- ๐ก Pet-friendly cabins with enclosed porches
- ๐ฟ Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway walks (leash-trained cats welcome)
- โ Cat cafes like Asheville Cat Weirdos
Top Stay: The Aloft Asheville Downtown offers plush cat beds and in-room scratching posts. ๐จ๐
2. Portland, Oregon ๐ง๏ธ
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- ๐ Numerous cat-friendly Airbnbs with “catios” (enclosed outdoor spaces)
- ๐พ Purringtonโs Cat Lounge for social kitties
- ๐ณ Forest Parkโs tranquil trails (great for backpack-trained cats)
Pro Tip: Visit Powellโs City of Books, where well-behaved cats can browse with you. ๐๐ฑ
3. Key West, Florida ๐ด
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- โ๏ธ Warm weather ideal for sun-loving felines
- ๐จ The Gates Hotel offers cat-sitting services
- ๐๏ธ Hemingway Homeโs famous six-toed cats (inspiration for your own trip!)
Must-Do:ย Sunset strolls at Mallory Square (leashed cats allowed). ๐ ๐
4. Sedona, Arizona ๐๏ธ
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- ๐ฅพ Pet-friendly vortex hikes (low-traffic trails)
- ๐ง LโAuberge de Sedona provides cat yoga sessions
- โจ Stargazing with your cat from cozy cabins
Bonus: Many Sedona rentals have heated floorsโperfect for chilly desert nights. ๐ฅ๐พ
5. Seattle, Washington โ
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- ๐ฑ Meowtropolitan Cat Cafรฉ for playdates
- โด๏ธ Waterfront hotels like Kimpton Alexis (no pet fees!)
- ๐ Quiet ferry rides to Bainbridge Island
Local Secret: Discovery Park has secluded trails ideal for curious cats. ๐ฒ๐
6. Austin, Texas ๐ค
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- ๐ฑ Blue Cat Cafรฉ (Texasโ first permanent cat cafรฉ)
- ๐ฃ Pet-friendly kayak rentals on Lady Bird Lake
- ๐จ Hotel Saint Cecilia offers feline turndown service
Donโt Miss: Zilker Parkโs shaded picnic spots. ๐ณ๐งบ
7. Bar Harbor, Maine ๐
Why Itโs Great for Cats:
- ๐ก Oceanfront cottages with sunlit windows
- ๐ฒ Acadia National Parkโs pet-friendly carriage roads
- ๐พ The Catโs Meow Inn (a B&B just for cat lovers!)
Best Time to Visit: Fallโfewer crowds and stunning foliage. ๐๐
Essential Tips for Traveling with Cats โ
โ Use a secure carrier (soft-sided for flights โ๏ธ, hard for road trips ๐)
โ Bring familiar items (blanket, toys, litter box) ๐งธ๐พ
โ Check pet policies (some hotels charge fees) ๐ฐ
โ Visit the vet beforehand (ensure vaccinations are up-to-date) ๐ฅ
๐ฑโจ Ultimate Cat Travel Prep Checklist โจ๐ฑ
| Category | Essentials | Luxury Upgrades | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier ๐โ๏ธ | Basic hard/soft carrier | GPS-enabled smart carrier | “Line with familiar blanket for scent comfort” |
| Comfort ๐๏ธ | Travel litter box | Self-cleaning portable litter box | “Bring used litter to encourage usage” |
| Food ๐ | Regular dry food | Freeze-dried raw meals | “Pack 3 extra days’ worth” |
| Entertainment ๐ฃ | Favorite toy | Automatic laser toy | “Rotate toys to prevent boredom” |
| Safety ๐ | Breakaway collar | Apple AirTag collar | “Take photo of your cat daily” |
| Health ๐ฅ | Vaccine records | Pet insurance card | “Find emergency vets at destination” |
| Lodging ๐จ | Pet-friendly hotel | Cat-centric B&B | “Request quiet room away from elevators” |
๐ฑ Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cat-Friendly Travel in the USA
โ What are the most important things to pack when traveling with a cat?
When traveling with your cat, don’t forget: a secure carrier ๐งณ, home bedding ๐๏ธ, portable litter box ๐ฝ, favorite toys ๐งธ, health records ๐, and any medication ๐. Collapsible food/water bowls ๐ฅฃ and a stash of your cat’s regular food ๐ are also a good idea to avoid stomach upset.
โ๏ธ Are there airlines that allow cats in cabin?
Yes! Major airlines like Delta, American, and United allow cats in cabin for an extra fee ๐ต ($95-$125 each way). Southwest and JetBlue also accommodate pets. Double-check airline policies on carrier size ๐ and health certificates ๐ฅ prior to booking.
๐บ How do I reduce stress for my traveling cat?
Reduce travel stress by: using pheromone sprays ๐ฟ (e.g., Feliway), having a familiar object ๐งธ with them in their carrier, maintaining their normal routine as similar as possible โณ, and having a regular break during car travel ๐. Acclimate your cat slowly to their carrier before traveling.
๐จ What should I look for when selecting a cat-friendly hotel?
Best cat-friendly hotel features are: no or minimal pet charges ๐ฐ, no weight limits โ๏ธ, accessible litter boxes ๐พ, scratching posts ๐ก, and quiet areas away from noisy spots ๐. Kimpton hotels are particularly renowned for great cat amenities.
๐ฒ Are national parks cat-friendly?
Most national parks limit cats to developed areas, campgrounds โบ, and paved trails ๐ค๏ธ. Acadia National Park in Maine, however, has pet-friendly carriage roads ideal for leashed cats ๐โโฌ. Always review park regulations prior to visiting.
๐ What are the most popular traveling cat carriers?
Top-rated options are: Sherpa Original Deluxe โ๏ธ (air-approved for airline travel), Petmate Two-Door Top Load ๐ (best for driving getaways), and Away Pet Carrier ๐ (high-end). Pick one with ventilation, safety features, and plenty of room to allow your cat to stand up and turn.
๐ก How do I find cat-friendly vacation rentals?
Apply Airbnb/VRBO filters for “pet-friendly” ๐ and reach out to hosts to inquire about cat policies ๐ฉ. Look for keywords like “catio” ๐ก, “enclosed patio” ๐ณ, or “pet amenities” ๐๏ธ. Some properties now specify being cat-friendly in their listings.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Purr-fect Getaway! ๐บโ๏ธ
Whether your cat loves mountain views ๐๏ธ or city adventures ๐๏ธ, these best cat-friendly travel destinations in the USA offer something for every feline explorer.
Ready to book your trip? Share your favorite cat-friendly spots in the comments below! ๐พ๐ฌ