People are often concerned when looking for a cat sitter and have many questions, and rightfully so. It’s only natural to wonder what a cat sit visit will actually include. We’re frequently asked questions such as: Will you scoop the litter box? Can you give medication? There is no one-size-fits all answer, and besides the standard tasks such as scooping the litter and feeding, our answer is that every visit is designed around your cat’s unique needs, because no two cats are the same. Some may need extra playtime, others just want quiet company, and some require medication. We always strive to provide a tailored experience that makes both you and your cat feel comfortable. This personalized care begins right at the intake stage. For all new clients, we schedule a consultation first to get to know you and, most importantly, your cat(s). In this article, we’ll walk you through what is typically included in a cat sit visit, so you know what to expect.
Feeding
Cats can be picky eaters, and this can become even more noticeable when they feel stressed by changes in their routine, such as their human going away. Our sitters will carefully follow the instructions you provide during the consultation and, if your cat’s eating habits change after you leave, this will always be brought to your attention. Together, a plan will be made so that adjustments are approved and handled the way you prefer.
We also pay close attention to special diets. Whether your cat has allergies, a sensitive stomach, or other specific dietary restrictions, our sitters take this seriously and will ensure everyone (in case of multiple cats) receives the food that is theirs. In addition, our sitters keep track of supplies, and if food is running low, you will be notified so more can be ordered.
Water
Fresh water is important for everyone, and especially for cats, who often do not drink enough on their own. Our sitters will make sure your cat always has access to clean water and will keep an eye on their drinking and urinating habits, flagging anything that seems unusual. No request is too small. If your cat prefers running water, sitters can turn on taps, and they will clean and refill water fountains to keep everything fresh and inviting.
Medication
All of our staff are trained to give basic medication to your cat, such as tablets, liquid medication, or inhalers. Medication is always given with care and patience, and we carefully follow the instructions you provide to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for your cat.
In addition, we have sitters who can provide more advanced medical care when needed, such as expressing bladders. Some members of our team are also veterinary assistants, which means they are qualified to safely administer injections and give subcutaneous fluids. These more complex medical services will depend on the availability of the sitter.
Litter box
Maybe not the most pleasant part of a cat sit visit, but certainly one of the most important. Our sitters will scoop the litter box at every visit and do a full change when required or as outlined in your instructions. They will also keep track of your cat’s urine and stool, noting any changes or concerning signs in the visit feedback. This can help catch potential health issues early, so they can be addressed promptly. Any accidents outside the litter box will also be flagged in the report, and our sitters will take care of cleaning up to keep everything fresh and comfortable for your cat.
Play and Love
The favourite part of all our sitters’ visits is the time for love and play. Once the basic care tasks are complete, your cat will receive plenty of attention, whether that means cuddles, relaxing on a sitter’s lap, or playing their favorite game. Our sitters make sure each cat gets the interaction they enjoy most, helping them feel happy and comfortable while you’re away.
Brushing and other care
Some pets love a good pamper session, while for others, grooming is crucial to prevent matting. Our sitters are happy to brush your cat’s fur or perform other simple care tasks, such as wiping their eyes.
Of course, some cats absolutely will not let a stranger touch them. In these cases, our sitters work slowly to gain your cat’s trust, gradually introducing grooming over time. We will never force a cat to be brushed if they are clearly uncomfortable and won’t allow it.
Tidying up
While our sitters will not perform full house cleaning, they are happy to handle simple tidying tasks. This includes cleaning up litter that may have been scattered, taking care of any accidents, or addressing minor messes your pets might create during the visit.
They are also happy to help with small household tasks if needed, such as taking out the trash if you left in a hurry, or removing laundry from the washing machine that was forgotten.
Water plants
On request, our sitters can also water your indoor and outdoor plants, just let us know which ones and how often they should be watered. Our sitters have a basic knowledge of plants that can be harmful to cats, as we understand it’s not always easy for pet parents to know what might pose a risk. If they come across something potentially dangerous, they’ll flag it to you and set it aside out of your cats reach until we receive confirmation on next steps.
Updates
At the end of each visit, the sitter will write and send you a visit report via email. This report includes all the important information about your cat, such as whether they are eating and drinking well, their urine and stool habits, and how they are behaving and feeling. The report will also include some cute photos of your pet to brighten your day.
Conclusion
Caring for a cat while you’re away is about more than just feeding and cleaning. It’s about providing comfort, attention, and keeping an eye on their health and well-being. Our sitters are dedicated to tailoring each visit to your cat’s unique needs, and providing them with the best care.
If you would like more information about our cat sitting services, feel free to send us a message. Our team will be happy to help.