Hosting guests who are not fond of pets
From left: Husein Harniswala poses for a photo with his pet dogs at his home and Naomi Mutua poses with one of her five cats at her home.
Welcoming guests into your home can be a delightful experience, a time for shared laughter, connection, and making memories. However, for paw parents, receiving guests comes with an added layer of complexity. Whether it’s a friend with allergies, a relative afraid of animals, or a neighbour who simply isn’t fond of furry companions, hosting becomes a delicate balancing act. How do you create an inviting environment for guests while ensuring your beloved pets feel secure and at home?
Naomi Mutua is not just a cat lover but a devoted caretaker of nine feline companions. Her cosy home is a haven for her cats, some of whom she rescued and fostered. Growing up on a farm, Naomi’s bond with animals was cultivated early. “Keeping pets came naturally to me,” she shares.
Naomi enjoys hosting friends and family and is quick to tell her guests that her home is cat-friendly. “Most people who know me are aware I have cats, so it’s not a surprise to them,” she says adding, “However, for first-time visitors, I always give them a heads-up.”
Occasionally, guests with allergies visit her home. She’s considerate about their needs, suggesting they take precautions, such as allergy medication, and ensuring her home is clean to minimise triggers.
Interestingly, Naomi’s cats are introverts in their own right. While two are sociable and curious about strangers, the rest prefer to observe from a distance or retreat to quiet corners. “You might not even notice I have nine cats. Some keep away from guests and it is only two of them that will come around. However, I don’t lock my cat away when I have guests,” she tells Lifestyle.
Naomi is protective of her pets. “If I feel someone might be aggressive toward my cats or does not like cats, I won’t invite them over,” she states firmly. Similarly, she respects guests with severe allergies, advising them to prioritize their health.
Beyond hosting, Naomi advocates for responsible pet ownership. Through her online community, Cat Lovers Kenya, she educates others about animal welfare, covering topics such as spaying, neutering, and proper care. “Animals are conscious beings with feelings; they deserve respect and proper care,” she says.
For Naomi, her cats are more than just animals, they’re part of her family.
Husein Harniswala lives with six dogs and two cats, a dynamic household that he says requires thoughtful planning when guests come over, especially those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with pets.
Having relocated to Nairobi from India about a year ago, Husein has created a home that accommodates both his furry family members and visitors. However, hosting isn’t without its challenges, especially when guests are apprehensive about animals or have allergies.
When preparing for guests, Husein takes a proactive approach. “We let people know beforehand that we have pets,” he says. If guests express discomfort, he adapts the environment to ensure everyone feels at ease. This might involve keeping the pets in separate areas or arranging to meet his guests elsewhere.
For the guests who are comfortable with pets, introductions are handled carefully, respecting both the guests’ comfort levels and the dogs’ personalities. He says, “We ask guests if they’re comfortable around dogs. If they are, we allow the dogs to approach them slowly, sniffing and observing before retreating. For those who are uneasy, the dogs are kept in a designated area away from the main living spaces where the guests will be hosted.”
Managing guest interactions also requires a deep understanding of his pets’ behaviours. “Each dog has a unique personality,” Husein explains adding, “Some are confident and social, while others are a little aggressive and take time to warm up to strangers.”
While accommodating guests is important, Husein emphasizes that his home is first and foremost his pets’ home. He believes in creating a balance that respects both his pets’ needs and his guests’ preferences.
