Preparing For A Cat Sitter
An essential guide to preparing for your cat sitter
Preparing For A
Cat Sitter
Your trip is scheduled and you’ve decided to find a cat sitter so your feline friends can stay at home while you are away. Cats Protection UK state that getting a cat sitter is the least unsettling option for your cats whilst you are away.
To ensure you find the perfect cat sitter, you (and your cats) should conduct an interview with the cat sitter, check reviews or references, make sure the sitter is insured, and perhaps most importantly, be confident that your sitter LOVES cats and will take care of your precious pets as if they were their own. Rest assured, Minnie fits the bill perfectly here!
But there are some additional steps you should also take to help ensure your cats will receive the best possible care whilst you are away.
Schedule
Early
Most cat sitters book appointments well in advance and many get fully booked during those busy school holiday periods. Make reservations as early as possible to guarantee a spot for your cats’ care. If your schedule changes, alert your cat sitter as soon as possible so alternative care can be scheduled if necessary.
Meet Your
Cat Sitter
Make sure your cats have had an opportunity to meet the sitter before your trip. Provide your sitter with your cats feeding and medication needs, and always give them the opportunity to get accustomed to each other, or to bond for a few minutes. It is your cats chance to approve of your sitter as much as it is yours! This is also a great opportunity for you to see how your cat sitter interacts with your cats before you make your final decision.
Ask you sitter how long they intend to spend with your cats. Whilst many sitters will schedule just enough time to perform basic feeding and cleaning duties. At Minnie’s Moggies, we spend more quality time with your cats, ensuring they have the level of social interaction that meets their specific needs.
Cat
Supplies
Don’t make your cat sitter search for your cat’s essential items; place everything your sitter will need in one specific place. This includes their favourite toys, food & treats. Leave out utensil to open/mix/chop food and a scoop/scales for measuring dry food if they are on a restricted diet.
Leave extra food and consumable supplies just in case, along with any medications (with clearly written instructions), paper towels and cleaning supplies, dust pan or vacuum cleaner, plastic bags for waste disposal, litter and scooper. It’s always a good idea to clearly write out and review with your cat sitter any special instructions you want them to perform while you are away.
Check Your
Thermostat
Unless your cats are free to venture outside while you’re away, they will be in your locked home while you are away. Make sure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature for your feline friends.
Consider leaving instructions on how to adjust the temperature on your thermostat in case of a power-outage or emergency.
Visitor
List
If appropriate, let you neighbours know that your cat sitter will be visiting, and if you plan to have friends, family or someone else also checking on your house and cats in your absence, let the cat sitter know.
Clearly explain what the cat sitter is responsible for and what the other visitors will be doing to avoid confusion. Also let the sitter know about gardeners or other service providers who might also be on the premises in your absence.
Security
And Access
Are there areas in your home where your cats are not allowed? Make sure you close off the rooms and let the sitter know that those areas are to be kept off limits. Close and lock doors, including the garage, and any patio doors and windows before you leave.
Use timers to control indoor lights so your pet’s day/night schedule is similar to when you are at home. Check to make sure gates and fences are closed and locked.
Cat Proof
Your Home
Cats can be more inquisitive and bored when they are left alone and we know they like get into mischief! Put toilet lids down, close cupboards and closets, store medications, perfumes, loose small objects and household cleansers away and out of your cat’s reach.
In Case Of
Emergency
Your cat sitter should have the information about where to take your cat in case of a health emergency. You should ideally notify your vet that a sitter will be watching your pet and authorise the vet to provide medical care during your absence if necessary.
You should also communicate with your sitter how often you would like to get updates about your pet, via messenger or WhatsApp.
Prepare
Your Cat Sitter
Preparation is the key to make sure your cat sitter has all of the information they need to properly care for your cats while you are away. If they don’t have to search around for your supplies and instructions, they will have more time to spend giving love and attention to your furry friends.
If you are you ready to make a booking or check my availability, please head over to my availability calendar. Or, if you have any questions, then please contact me.