In the ten years since Airbnb’s beginning, pet-lovers have been welcomed into homes around the world by the unsung heroes of the hosting community. Sophisticated, slightly aloof but adorably cuddly, cats have been a huge draw for many guests whose reviews are cat-egorically positive.
In the run-up to National Pet Day, we want to ensure these loveable kings and queens of hospitality get the recognition they deserve. From Berlin to Tokyo, we are excited to reveal some of the best reviewed felines on the platform. So why not paws for thought as the human servants of these Su-purr Hosts reveal the secrets to their success:
Hosts Janine & Sansa
Light-Filled Loft, Sydney, Australia
Sansa is 5 years old. A friend I used to work with took in a stray cat which had kittens. I went to have a look at them and ended up taking Sansa home. I’ve have had quite a few people tell me they booked specifically because I have a cat. Sansa loves having people visit. Firstly because bags are her favorite thing – she loves to sniff and rub her face on them. And secondly, she likes to show off in front of guests – with exaggerated stretches that I think are designed to receive extra pats and photos. I could be wrong, but I think she glances my way to see if I’m watching.
Host Janine
Hosts Ashley & Chica
Charming Lilac Bungalow, Portland, Oregon
Chica is from Mexico and is about 10 years old or more. I met her at a hotel I stayed at in Baja in 2009. She was the pool cat and the barman used to feed her. A couple of years later the hotel changed owners and she was going to be evicted. So my friends rescued her and I offered to take her in. When I first got her she was my only pet but then I got a golden retriever called Florie so she really values the extra attention from guests. Sometimes I’ll come home in the evening and she’s cuddled up with them watching a movie!
Host Ashley
Hosts Thor, Pere, and Chupa
“Cool Cats” Home, Berlin, Germany
Having cats is a selling point, not an issue. It’s been a really nice surprise. Chupacabra is a Reubenesque, voluminous or – well – basically a massive feline. She was found abandoned and half-starved to death. Since then, she’s been eating everything as if it’s her last meal. Perejil (Spanish for “Parsley”) was found as a lost and scared kitten with a broken tail, hiding in a vegetable stall – hence his name – in downtown Buenos Aires one morning 14 years ago. Pere is so Argentinian that he’ll have nothing but proper meat. No fish, thank you. No way!
Host Thor
Hosts Sue and Kooky
Beautifully Furnished Flat, London, United Kingdom
Kooky is 10 years old. I bought him from an owner who became allergic to his fine hair. As I advertise ‘for cat lovers only’ most guests are cat owners themselves and get a real kick out of having a ‘holiday cat’ on the premises. I actually suspect Kooky is the main attraction and he certainly loves the attention from guests. Kooky thinks it’s a privilege for them to have the pleasure of his company. Basically he owns the flat and we are lucky to have him as a rather imperious host.
Host Sue
Hosts Wakana, Ghin, and Sumire
Peaceful Shibuya Home, Tokyo, Japan
Ghin, a boy, is an 8-year-old, French breed called Chartreux and Sumire, is a 1-year-old, British shorthaired female. Both were abandoned by their previous owners. I got them from animal protection organizations. A lot of cats and dogs are abandoned like this and need new homes. I help those organizations sometimes with the Airbnb host community. Having cats actually helps me get more bookings. Ghin used to be a very shy cat, hiding under the bed when new guests came but because all of our guests are so friendly, my cats have built up their trust over the years and now they love the attention!
Host Wakana
Wakana, Ghin and Sumire also host a unique Experience for cat-lovers in their local Tokyo neighborhood.
*’Su-purr Host’ badges were created for these photo shoots and are not available to buy or order.
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