Source: Freepik
We know that no one can take better care of your cat than you, but sometimes you have to go somewhere for a few days and leave them at home. (Shame on any hotel that doesn’t allow you to take your furry friend with you!) Jokes aside, sometimes it can’t be avoided and you need to find someone to care for them while you’re away.
It’s great if your friends or family want to do it, but not everyone feels comfortable with that kind of responsibility. In that case, you have to find help from somewhere else. Where? How? What kinds of things should you look for?
Hiring a professional cat sitter can make things way more manageable for you and your feline overlord. But we know that’s a pretty big deal, so here’s what you should know.
A Cat Sitter Who Actually Likes Cats
Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people think cat sitting is just about topping off the food bowl and leaving. A good sitter must like cats. Period.
Most importantly, a cat sitter should understand that cats have moods, preferences, and a deep-seated belief that they are royalty. A professional will respect that (and maybe even bow to them).
Source: Unsplash
Services a Professional Cat Sitter Provides
Your grandparents must not have heard of this profession, but it is a real job today. Gone are the days when people just left a bowl of food and hoped for the best. Now, we pet owners prefer to leave nothing to chance and would much rather pay someone to look after their precious.
So, let’s see what kind of things we can expect from the professional cat sitters.
1. Proper Food and Fresh Water
The basics. Your sitter should follow your cat’s feeding schedule to a T. If your cat demands a gourmet feast at precisely 7:02 AM, a good sitter will be there with their plate ready.
Leave at least out one bowl and replace it regularly to ensure they always have access to clean water.
2. Litter Box Cleaning
A good keeper will empty the litter box daily and even clean it thoroughly if necessary. These majestic creatures don’t like messes, and we believe their owners don’t either.
3. Playtime and Cuddles
Some cats are cuddlers while cats fall in the “Don’t You Dare Touch Me” camp. Then there are cats who specialize in looking at people with disdain from across the room.
Whatever personality and moods your kitty might have, a good cat sitter adapts to it. That could mean petting, playing, or simply being near but without making eye contact (a real skill).
4. Medication and Special Care
What happens if your feline friend gets sick while you’re away? A professional sitter is more than capable of taking them to your vet and giving them the treatment they need, whether that’s medication, a special diet, or otherwise.
Because of this, rest assured that a professional cat sitter won’t panic at the slightest problem – for example, if your cat resists taking a pill. Let’s face it, cats always resist something. These sitters get that and come prepared, so your cat always gets the care they need.
5. Daily Updates
Professional cat sitters know that communication is a huge part of making you feel safe leaving your cat in their care. This often means providing updates about how they’re doing and even sharing photos. You want to see that your cat is still thriving in your absence (or at least tolerating the situation), but you also want to know if they miss you. We get it, that’s normal.
A really good sitter might even send funny updates about your cat’s dramatic behavior, which is always a plus.
Source: Freepik
How to Find a Good Cat Sitter
You may already have a good cat sitter near you. Family, friends, or any familiar face is the best possible scenario for your cat, even if they’re not professionals. Just ensure they want to do it and won’t swing by, toss some kibble, and leave.
Another great option is hiring a pro. Now that you know what they should do, the next question is where to find one.
Locanto: Finding Cat Sitters Near You
Platforms like Locanto are a great place to start if you’re looking for independent pet sitters. You’ll find people offering pet services, including cat sitters, right in your area. Just be sure to ask the questions about their services, experience, rates, and reviews before hiring someone.
What to Find Out About Potential Cat Sitters
The person you hire isn’t just anyone; it’s someone you are trusting with your pet and your home. So treat it like a job interview, where you are the hiring manager. The only difference is that your boss is your cat – and the one they really need to impress! Here are the most important things to ask about.
Experience with Cats
Sometimes, people who simply love and care for other animals respond to your ad, but you need people who know how to work with cats. They don’t have to be experts, but their experience is important.
- Do they care about picky eaters?
- Have they ever cared for a cat that loves to play hide and seek?
- What if a cat becomes a mini-ninja while taking medication?
The more things the cat sitters know about cats, the better they will be at keeping your pet happy.
Availability and Schedule
Can they visit as often as needed? Will they be able to stick to your cat’s preferred meal times and play schedule? Cats love routine, and a good sitter will respect that.
Emergency Plan
Cats have a talent for squeezing into the tiniest spots or getting stuck in the most ridiculous places such as behind the fridge or at the top of a tree. If it happens, you probably know what to do. But does your cat sitter? They should! Ask if they’ve handled situations like this before and how they found a solution to it. Make sure they are ready and able to call your vet or take your cat to the vet if necessary.
References or Reviews
Any experienced cat sitter will have references or reviews to back it up, and the experiences of other cat owners can tell you a lot. If, in addition to good reviews, they also know how to deal with those picky, shy, and grumpy cats who act like they own the house, then hire this cat sitter immediately.
Source: Unsplash
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- A sitter doesn’t ask questions about your cat. A good sitter will want to know about your cat’s routine, personality, and quirks.
- A sitter seems nervous around cats. They might not be the right person if they flinch at a simple tail flick.
- A sitter rushes through visits. A quick check-in isn’t enough – your cat needs care and attention.
How to Tell if the Cat Sitting Session Was a Success
So, how do you know if the cat sitter really did a good job? Unfortunately, your cat isn’t going to leave a review, but they will show you in their own way. Pay attention to how your cat acts once you’re back. If they’re calm, playful, or just acting like their usual diva self, that’s a sign the sitter did things right.
It would be a good idea to check if your cat is showing any signs of allergies, sneezing, scratching, or maybe an upset stomach. All of these could mean that it ate something it shouldn’t have. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the sitter made a mistake, but it is worth asking them about.
Bottom line: Trust your gut (and your cat).
Cat Pro in the House
The first and most important thing is that a good cat sitter clicks with you and makes your cat happy while you’re away. Meeting their basic needs is a given.
You may find the perfect cat sitter through a friend, a referral, or a platform like Locanto, but either way, always make sure they’re trustworthy, experienced, and, most importantly, cat-approved.
If your cat doesn’t approve, it’s not happening.
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