It’s interesting how we all feel differently about what works best.
In spite of those differences, there’s consensus that the application has to be more personalized. It’s important to mention that the pets’ specific needs are going to be met; all pets need to have food and water, mentioning that gives no information and doesn’t even prove that the applicant has read the listing. That’s paramount for the host because the WG is a longer document and is expected to be thoroughly read, understood and followed.
I think everyone, including me, agrees that it might be a good idea to address the issues raised in the “not so good reviews”. I think it works against you trying to pretend they didn’t happen.
In the introduction you say you
But in your application
If hosts feel led to believe your review history is excellent and then find out it isn’t, they won’t go any further unless they don’t have other options.
If you can explain why those reviews were not perfect and what you can do to change that, then that’s different.
Regarding
There’s no consensus there, I agree with @Snowbird it doesn’t work against you. I use a similar approach, slightly different, though. I say “if you think we can be …” I use “we” because I am not begging to be chosen, I want this to work for both parties and having a chat will benefit us both. I use “can” instead of “might” because, although English is not my first language, I feel “can” is more positive, it focus on exploring the potential of a positive match, while “might” sounds more random, more like a coincidence.
In this thread, there seems to be general agreement about explaining the reasons for your interest in the location but just a few hours ago I was surprised to see another HO say they are not interested in knowing that.
You must have noticed too because it’s in your previous thread.
As you can see, there’s no one size fits all but I always go with what feels true to me and will show naturally in a video chat.
Good luck!
PS. I also find it weird that you don’t mention your own cat by name. Maybe it’s just me?