Only taking Cat-friendly clients - how to be sure?

I have a cat of my own, and from personal experience I’d say the cat’s personality is definitely the most important factor when considering bringing other dogs in and out of your home. I hold meet and greets in my apartment, and it’s usually pretty easy to tell from the initial encounter whether they will get along or not. I’ll close the doors to my bedroom and bathroom so a chase doesn’t ensue, but if your cat hides under the couch I would not force it out or it might get defensive. It’s a good sign if the dog doesn’t pay much attention to the cat or if the dog just sniffs it and walks away. However, you may want to be more selective if your cat uses its claws when it gets defensive. A majority of the dogs I watch will sometimes bark at or chase my cat because they want to play, but they would never hurt him. This could be very stressful for your cat, or it could be dangerous for the pup if the cat uses its claws. Warning signs include the dog’s demeanor completely changing once they see the cat, growling or aggressive barking, or the dog not giving up on trying to reach the cat even after it’s hidden somewhere. I’ve found that when dogs just want to play they’ll usually give up pretty quickly and direct their attention somewhere else. Best of luck!

Unfortunately, there are never any guarantee's when introducing a dog to a new cat, I don't think that even if they have lived with a cat you can be 100% certain; even a M&G may not be an adequate judge on how the dog will react when they board in your place. You may have to keep the cat sequestered 100% of the time when you are boarding any dog. Maybe others can offer suggestions so best of luck from me.

I encourage you to have the M&Gs in your apartment so that the two can meet or, at least, see how they react to each other. I wouldn't rely on the client saying their dog is fine with cats because it really depends on the cat. My dog adores the cat who lives downstairs. However, when he's tried to approach a strange one, it will hiss at him, so he has learned that they are not all the same. I don't think you need to worry about the cat being in harm's way, especially if it still has its claws. I would worry about the client dog, not respecting the cat's personal space and the possible ramifications.

I also have a cat, my cat, living in my home where I have my clients dogs stay. I think it's important to determine if the clients dog has had prior experience with cats before and introduction, and then an introductions before a stay. I often keep my cat in my room for the majority of a dog's stay with me, but I still think it's important for both animals to have good experiences with the other because of the chance the two interacting and making the stay comfortable for both. That way you can rest easy knowing there will be less likelihood of any aggression between the two.

First, I would get cat insurance for the cat if your roommate doesn't already have it since Rover doesn't provide insurance for resident animals. Tragic situations can happen even if you've vetted as much as you can the dog etc.

Then to the main part of your question: I would invest in some baby gates so the cat can scale over or quickly run under and hopefully escape the dog if any who may be overwhelming the cat. I would also invest in a tall cat furniture that the can can again escape and be safe away from the dogs.

Do have the meet and greets in your home, keep all the dog guests on leash, and prepare lots of extra tasty treats to redirect and reward appropriate behavior towards the cat.

With or without claws, cats are vulnerable to dogs, especially large dogs. I recommend tipping the nails of the cat to prevent scratches to the dogs' eyes prior to meet and greets and actual hosting. Ensure there is plenty of space for the cat where if the cat prefers, can escape from the chaos of barking, playing etc.

I'm a registered vet tech, who has hosted on rover/dogvacay for the last several years. I have hosted with three cats and a dog, and now hosting with just one cat. My cat is extremely dog savvy, and it's not been a problem. I hope that's the experience for you also!