Actually, when people tell me they are an "Animal Person" I ask them if they like snakes, lizards or frogs. When they say no I tell them that they are a Mammal Person, not an Animal Person. Either that or I invite them over to my house for a drink, and laugh when they scream at seeing my big girls in the living room
I'll look into that Dave, that looks like it may be one of the best options. I am definitely seeing how at least one of my cats is going to be a serious PAIN IN MY BUM to get down there.
And I agree with the permission thing. It may be easiest to just ask about the cats and hide the snakes. Not like I'll be there more than a few hours anyways.