I think their policy probably pertains more to dogs than cats with the constant barking issue. I know some dogs will bark with every noise they hear, and in a hotel there is constant noise from outside traffic in the parking lot to people walking and talking in the hallways. They might also be worried about pets escaping when housekeeping or hotel maintenance enters the room. Lots of times housekeeping will prop the door open while they're cleaning a room, and if they didn't realize a scared kitty cat or puppy was hiding under the bed (looking for escape) they might be oblivious to an animal slipping out of the room unnoticed. If you were able to leave your cat in the carrier whenever you aren't in the room they might bend the rules for you.