Have you ever thought about taking your cat exploring in an indoor location?

Perhaps it’s snowing and way too cold to go outside. Or it’s hot & humid? Or even raining?

As humans, we don’t want to be outdoors in those conditions and typically, neither do our kitties.

Where to go catexploring indoors

Cats (and other pets) are not allowed in all indoor locations, but it is possible to find places to take your catexploring inside.

Friends’ places

If you have friends who are happy for your cat to come over, their homes are great locations to give your cat their exploring fix.

However, keep in mind that your cat is not in your home, which they know well. You may feel more relaxed at a friend’s place compared to a place outside, but chances are that your cat won’t be as relaxed.

Also, check with your friends to make sure that they are allowed to have pets in their home (particularly if they are renting) as you do not want them to be hit with a fine.

It’s also important to understand if anyone else at the gathering is allergic to cats. This may seem to be a minor point, but some people are severely allergic to cats and being in an enclosed space with a cat can have catastrophic effects on them.

Cafes/Restaurants

Some cafes and restaurants are cat friendly, especially if they have outdoor seating.

Sitting in the outdoor location or the patio is probably not ideal when the weather is being difficult, but at other times they are a great place to take your catexplorer.

To find out how to find cat friendly restaurants and cafes and how to take your cat there, see here.

Home improvement stores

Many home improvements stores are cat friendly.

They may require your cat to be on leash at all times. Some even have a requirement that pets do not walk on the ground and are carried or in their backpack or in a stroller at all times.

Many home improvement stores have pet policies, so Google the name of the home improvement store you would like to visit and “Pet Policy” to see what their requirements are.

Typically catexplorers go exploring in places earlier in the day, to avoid crowds and people. However, bear in mind that this is usually the time home improvement stores are setting up for the day. They may have forklifts beeping, boxes being moved and other noises or movements that may scare your cat.

Breweries

Breweries that only serve drinks may be pet friendly indoors, and this can be a great place to take a people loving cat, while giving you an opportunity to have a drink.

However, if you are planning to have a big night/day with a lot of drinks, it may be best to keep your kitty at home as you may not be in the right state to look after them.

Small bookstores

Independent bookstores may be cat friendly too, especially if they don’t serve food.

Pet shops

Pet shops are a great place to go catexploring when you need to get your cat out of the house, but the weather isn’t co-operating.

They not only allow you to pick up supplies while exploring with your cat, they also act as a great location to expose your cat to dogs and other animals in a safe manner as they usually have an on leash policy.

Cat friendly hotels

Some cat friendly hotels have common areas that your cat can explore. For example a lounge.

To find out how to check if a hotel is cat friendly see here.

How to find out if an indoor location is cat friendly

If you can research before going

A great way to check if an indoor location/business is cat friendly is to check their social media. Many pet friendly locations share photos of pets visiting their establishment.

Another option is to search for their location on social media and see if you can find pets there too.

Perhaps you have only seen one photo of a pet being at the location and you are still concerned about whether they are pet friendly, you can always message them on social media or call them to check if they are cat friendly.

A great way to approach this conversation is to say:

“I’ve noticed that you have pets visiting your store/café/brewery/etc. Are you pet friendly?

I take my cat out with me and she/he/they have been to many places with me (list places they go).

They are well behaved, will always be on leash, travel in a cat backpack or stroller.

Are you cat friendly?”

If they are happy for you to come with your cat, you can even tell them when you plan to come as some businesses are really excited to see cats visit them! This is also a great way to create a relationship with them business and help raise awareness about catexploring in your local community.

If you are visiting a business that is a part of chain, that you know have cat friendly locations, we recommend checking with the local store to make sure they are cat friendly. Sometimes, the pet policy varies store per store.

For inspiration of where you can go catexploring indoors listen to the Catexplorer Podcast episode with Cats Going Places.

We also love the Catexplorer Podcast Episode with Pet Friendly Australia as it have so many hints on how to find pet friendly locations.