Can you bring a cat or other pets to the holiday cottage at Sälen?

Whether to take a cat to the holiday cottage is a question that is asked far more often than it is answered. Dogs are the obvious companions for a mountain holiday and have their own rules, their own accommodation and their own guides – but cats, rabbits and small caged birds fall into a grey area where guests are often left to guess. And guessing is exactly what you shouldn’t do: an unannounced cat can mean both extra cleaning costs and an allergic guest the following week. Here we go through what the rules actually are, how to find out for a specific holiday home, and what’s worth bearing in mind if you decide to bring your cat to the mountains. If you’re looking for holiday homes that are already pet-friendly, dog friendly accommodation in Sälen the obvious starting point – but do read on before you assume that ‘dog-friendly’ means ‘pet-friendly’.

Short answer: it depends on the house – here’s how to find out if your cat can come along

There is no general answer for Sälen, as the pet policy is set on a house-by-house basis by the respective owners. Some properties accept pets regardless of species, others explicitly allow dogs but not cats, and some are completely pet-free – often for allergy reasons, as furry pets leave traces that can linger long after cleaning. The fact that a property is labelled ”dog-friendly” does not therefore automatically mean that a cat is welcome; dogs and cats behave differently in unfamiliar surroundings, and the property owner may have had experiences that form the basis of the rule. The only correct course of action is therefore to enquire before booking, specifically regarding that particular property and that particular pet. Ask in writing, describe the animal honestly (species, number, size, whether it is used to travelling) and ask for a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – not a ‘it should probably be fine’. If you receive a ‘yes’, ask for this to be noted in the booking, so it’s in black and white when you arrive.

The difference between ‘dog-friendly’ and ‘pet-friendly’

Dog-friendly accommodation is a well-established category in the mountains, with everything that entails: a mudroom, places to dry off, and rugs you can walk on with wet paws. These properties are designed for a pet that goes out with you, comes back in wet, and sleeps where you tell it to. A cat places entirely different demands on the house: it moves freely indoors, climbs on furniture and surfaces that dogs would never go near, may mark its territory in a new environment, and needs a litter tray that has to be kept somewhere. Added to this is the risk of a cat slipping out through a door left ajar – in an unfamiliar mountain environment, in the middle of winter, that’s a situation nobody wants to find themselves in. These are the kinds of reasons why some owners say ‘yes’ to a dog but ‘no’ to a cat, and it’s rarely out of ill will but rather based on practical experience. If you’d like to read about how the dog section works, we’ve put together a guide on dog-friendly holiday cottages to rent and as well as being with a dog in Sälen – this article is about anything but dogs.

Travelling to the mountains with a cat – practical advice

Once you’ve been given the go-ahead, the question remains as to whether the journey is right for your cat. Many cats are highly territorial animals who are happiest staying at home with a daily check-up; others travel without any problems. Be honest when assessing your own pet. If you’re taking your cat with you, the following applies in practice:

• A pet carrier in the car, secured so that it doesn’t slide around – and breaks for water on longer journeys.
• Bring your cat’s own litter tray, litter, bowls and, ideally, a blanket or basket that smells of home.
• Keep the cat indoors for the duration of your stay if it is not used to being outdoors in unfamiliar surroundings – and make it clear to your hosts what the rule is regarding the front door.
• Microchipping and up-to-date contact details in the register; an ID tag in the collar is a cheap form of insurance.
• Check where your nearest vet is and what their opening hours are before you need to know.
• Give the cat its own room or corner for the first few hours – a large mountain cabin can be overwhelming for a small territorial animal.

What’s more, the winter cold is no friend to cats: a cat that sneaks out into unknown territory when it’s minus twenty degrees is in real danger. If you’re in the slightest doubt about how your cat will cope with the journey, having a cat sitter at home is the kinder option.

Rules, cleaning and allergy considerations

A property that allows pets almost always does so subject to certain conditions, and it is worth reading these through before arrival. Common conditions include that the pet must not be left alone in the property, must not be allowed in bedrooms or on furniture, and that a separate cleaning fee will apply. Take this last point seriously: pets require more thorough cleaning than a standard check-out, and cleaning up after a pet that wasn’t declared can be expensive. We’ve described how a normal check-out works in the guide on cleaning and check-out. Do your bit too: vacuum up any pet hair, empty and take the litter tray with you, wipe down any surfaces where the pet has been, and report any damage straight away rather than hoping it won’t be noticed. Behind these rules is the next guest – often someone with a pet allergy, for whom a house that has been treated carelessly can ruin their whole week. Those who follow the terms and conditions are also the ones who will be able to book again next year.

Summary – taking your cat to the holiday cottage: ask first, then travel

Key points to bear in mind when taking your cat to the holiday cottage in Sälen:

• The policy is set on a property-by-property basis – ‘dog-friendly’ does not automatically mean that cats are welcome.
• Enquire in writing before booking, describe the animal honestly and ask for the reply to be noted in the booking.
• Consider whether the trip is right for your cat; for many territorial cats, having a cat sitter at home is the better option.
• Bring your own box, some sand and something that smells like home – and keep an eye on the front door.
• Please note that there is a special cleaning charge and restrictions on where the animal is allowed to stay.
• Please tidy up after yourselves and report any damage – the next guest might suffer from allergies.

With a clear message from the host and a bit of preparation, your pet will become a natural part of the group rather than an issue nobody wanted to bring up. Get in touch before you book, and you’ll get a straight answer specifically for the property you’re considering.