What’s in Your Hotel Kit?  

October 23, 2025

Candilee Jackson  

Introduction

I began showing Tonkinese in January of 2000, and since I was a newbie before the CFA New Exhibitor Program was established, I mentored with another “Tonk” exhibitor and attended local shows, which is another way of stating that if I could not sleep in my own bed on a show Saturday night, I stayed home.

I remember vividly my first overnight show, and the disaster of the hotel stay still sends shivers down my spine. Instead of asking what went wrong, it would be shorter to say what went right! After taking a sharp turn to enter my room with my trolley, it jackknifed and turned over, dumping a litter box full of pine pellets onto the hallway carpeting. Realizing my little dustpan and brush were in the show hall, I was on my knees scooping up litter with my hands when a hotel housekeeping maid told me not to worry, she’d handle it. With tears in my eyes, I reached in my pocket for the five-dollar bill I’d stuffed there after lunch and put it in her apron pocket.

No doubt, the biggest issue was that after I had set up my stuff in the show hall and headed to the hotel with two cats that needed a bath and grooming, I realized that everything I needed to “TCB” (take care of business) was in the show hall.  In that moment, a light bulb came on. It was crystal clear that to participate in away shows, I needed a hotel kit to accompany the show kit.

So, What’s in a Hotel Kit?

After entering the hotel room, the first order of business, before letting Fluffy out to explore, is to examine the room, closet, the loo, and any cabinetry. Your checklist includes looking for any escape routes or hiding places, such as torn box spring masking, doors or drawers that can be easily opened by an inquisitive paw, and holes in the wall under the sink. If bathing is on your schedule, make sure you have enough towels. Lastly, ensure everything is set up before allowing Fluffy out to roam.

Disclaimer: Every exhibitor’s hotel kit is different, usually based on whether showing a longhaired or shorthaired cat. Long-haired cats typically need blow-dryers and other essential grooming tools that short-haired cats do not.

When assembling your hotel kit, the first item to consider is a good-sized zippered carry-all. Some exhibitors use a small carry-on suitcase with wheels, but I have found the new “Foldie” works best for me because I can slip it over the handle of my trolley or throw it over my shoulder. There are several knock-off versions available on Amazon that are not as expensive but are still the right size, with numerous compartments.

Ziploc bags or small clear plastic boxes are a great way to organize things inside your carry-all.

First, consider grooming essentials: shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, nail clippers, a mini razor (including extra batteries), and Q-tips.

Next, think of food and water: small food and water bowls, cat food, plastic spoons, can opener, Ziploc bags, and Handi Wipes.

Up next is litter: carry a familiar lightweight litter, especially if you are flying. Also, include a litter box, litter liners, trash bags, a litter scoop, air freshener, Arm & Hammer litter deodorizer, a small dustpan, and a brush, and pee pads for long-distance travel. And speaking of trash bags, have several so one can be placed under the litter box to catch tracked or thrown litter.

Fluffy’s comfort: a familiar cat bed; a foldable travel cage; a bathmat for the floor of the cage; cage locks; cat toys, especially a teaser or two.

And for your own comfort and safety, a can of Lysol spray to use for a bed bug check.

Hotel Horrors

No doubt, the biggest horror of a hotel room is the bed. Even seasoned show cats that travel regularly have found that under the bed and ignoring their personal wait staff is the best a cat has in its game plan. This “under the bed” game includes more than just Fluffy parking in the middle of a king-sized bed, but also up into the box spring where she is invisible, leaving you in a near apoplectic state trying to find her.

This is where having a travel buddy, either as a roommate or nearby, comes in handy. One can handle the teaser while you are the grabber in said rescue attempt. There have been horrific tales of exhibitors totally dismantling a bed, calling for hotel management, all while keeping an eye on the clock for show check-in. As a side note, I always cage the cat BEFORE I shower!

Another great hiding place for a cat is under the bathroom cabinet. I came back from dinner one night to find my Tonk sitting on the lap of another hotel guest on the hall floor, and I had no idea who this person was. Bronwyn had discovered a cat-sized hole in the wall under the sink and went visiting the room next door, escaping into the hall when whoever was assigned to that room opened the hall door. She was one smart Tonk.

The answer to both conundrums is a folding cage. Amazon has several options, but the one I like best is a cage that folds into a circle, approximately the size of a twelve-inch pie plate, secured by an elastic band. This gem fits right in the main compartment of my Foldie.

And the Tail End

Careful planning for both you and your feline travel companion is essential to ensure safety and comfort. Your organization and prep will make your trip memorable for everyone, including the hotel staff!