Cat-Friendly Holidays in Italy: The Ultimate Rome & Lazio Itinerary

Planning a cat-friendly Rome itinerary is the perfect way to experience the Eternal City and the surrounding Lazio region with your feline friend

Rome, the Eternal City, is undergoing a feline-friendly revolution. In 2025/2026, the capital of Italy has become a premier destination for travelers who refuse to leave their cats behind. From the sun-drenched terraces of Trastevere to the quiet villas of the Aventine Hill, finding a hotel Roma con animali ammessi (pet-friendly hotel in Rome) has never been easier—provided you know where to look.

Where to Stay: Verified “Hotel Roma con Animali Ammessi”

Finding a stay that understands a cat’s need for quiet and vertical space is vital. These picks are verified for their exceptional luxury pet-friendly environments.

1. Portrait Roma (Luxury Tier – Via Condotti)

Located near the Spanish Steps, this Ferragamo-owned boutique hotel is the pinnacle of a cat hotel Italia.

• The Feline Advantage: Their suites feature private terraces where cats can safely observe the Roman street life from a distance. Their personalized service can even coordinate with local high-end pet suppliers.

2. Donna Camilla Savelli (Historic Charm – Trastevere)

A beautifully restored Baroque monastery designed by Borromini.

• The Feline Advantage: The secluded inner garden is a rare Roman luxury. It’s perfect for a supervised stroll with a leashed cat. The thick, historic walls ensure a quiet environment away from the city’s buzzing Vespas.

3. Hotel San Anselmo (Quiet Elegance – Aventino Hill)

For cats who prefer peace and quiet, the Aventino is Rome’s most tranquil residential hill.

• The Feline Advantage: This 19th-century villa is surrounded by lush gardens. It feels more like a private home than a hotel, which significantly reduces travel stress for socialized cats.

How to use this cat-friendly Rome itinerary

To make your guide the most authoritative resource, I strongly recommend a proactive verification step. Before finalizing your travel plans, I always suggest sending a quick email to the hotel’s concierge with this simple question:

“Hello, I am writing to confirm your pet policy. Do you explicitly accept cats, and are there any specific amenities or restrictions for feline guests?”

At Gigia Travel Cat, we use this exact method to ensure our recommended hotels don’t just “allow” animals in the fine print, but truly welcome them with open arms.

Exploring Rome: Feline Etiquette and Public Spaces

Navigating Rome with a cat requires a little local “know-how.”

• Public Transport: Cats are permitted on Rome’s ATAC buses, trams, and the Metro, provided they are in a secure carrier.
• Café Culture: Many Roman cafés with outdoor seating, especially in Trastevere, welcome cats on harnesses. Gigia has even been a guest at the legendary Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè.
• A “Gigia” Landmark: Did you know Gigia presented her book, “Il Dono di Gigia”, at the Coin Department Store in Rome?

Perfect Day Trips from Rome

If the city gets too busy, Lazio offers incredible retreats for a “Travel Cat.”

Tivoli: Renaissance Gardens

Just 30km from Rome, Tivoli is home to the stunning Villa d’Este. The surrounding agriturismi offer vast, enclosed spaces where cats can enjoy the fresh air of the Lazio hills.

Lake Bracciano: Waterside Serenity

Located 40km northwest of Rome, Lake Bracciano is a volcanic lake with pedestrian-only historic centers like Anguillara Sabazia—ideal for walking a cat in a stroller.

Off the Beaten Path: Gigia-Approved Adventures

Should you feel like escaping the crowds entirely, Gigia has personally explored three spectacular, adventurous locations in Lazio and Northern Umbria that most tourists miss:

• Civita di Bagnoregio: Known as “The Dying City,” this ancient village is accessible only by a high footbridge. It is entirely car-free and incredibly quiet. Gigia suggests heading to the viewpoints where your cat can watch the “valley of the calanques” in total peace.
• Celeno (The Ghost Village): This is one of Gigia’s favorite “hidden gems.” Because it is largely a ghost town (Borgo Fantasma), it is one of the few places where a leash-trained cat can explore historic stone ruins without the stress of crowds or traffic.
• Rieti: Known as the exact center of Italy, Rieti offers fresh mountain air. Gigia found the locals here to be incredibly welcoming to traveling pets. It’s a perfect spot to escape the Roman summer heat.

Gigia’s Pro-Tips for a Roman Holiday

• Litter Management: Always bring a portable, collapsible litter box. Never flush litter down the toilets in historic Roman buildings—the ancient plumbing cannot handle it!
• The “Orange Garden” (Giardino degli Aranci): Take your cat here in a carrier for sunset. It is one of the most beautiful views of Rome and is generally quieter than the Pincio terrace.

Ready for the Full Adventure?

If you want the full story of the secret bars, historic villages, and high-end hotels that welcomed Gigia during her 10-million-view journey, grab your copy of “Gigia and Me! An Extraordinary Journey.” (Italian name: IL DONO DI GIGIA: Dall’addestramento delle tigri a quello di un gatto) or “Gigia’s Italy: A Cat’s-Eye View” (italian name: Zampe in viaggio: Gigia alla scoperta dell’Italia Cat-Friendly) It is the only guide written by a human, vetted by a cat, and designed for the modern traveler.