Cat Sitting Tips (5 Ideas for a Purrfect Pet Sit)

Although cats have a reputation of being easier to look after compared to dogs, cat sitting is far from simple.

Some would be shocked to learn that cat sitting is an art that takes more effort than many think. 

Read on to master the essential techniques to make you a pro cat sitter and make that scaredy cat trust you quicker! 

Create a Checklist

You may already be provided with basic information such as the cat’s age, daily food requirements, and basic pet care.

However, It is important to ask and gain specific information about the cat’s age, health conditions, and behavior before accepting a cat-sitting assignment. 

You should create a cat sitter checklist template and send it to the homeowner 3-4 days before a sit.

This information will not only allow you to make a wise decision about whether or not to take up an assignment but also help you in taking better care of the cat. 

Include Playtime 

Although some breeds of cats are more known for their playful nature, most cats enjoy a little bit of playtime and socialization. 

Playtime enriches their lives by improving their physical and mental health and boosting their confidence. Moreover, it can be an amazing way to bond with the cat too! 

Hence, you will have to keep your energy levels up to play with your cat regularly. 

Become A Cat Whisperer 

Cats can suffer from serious separation anxiety when left alone.

This causes cats to feel stressed and lead to unhealthy behaviors like vomiting, crying, excessive grooming, loss of appetite, or binge eating. 

Understanding this can be your one-way ticket to mastering cat-sitting as you behave around the cat accordingly.

Entering a house gently, knowing that the cat may already be feeling slightly stressed out can be helpful. 

By keeping calm and ignoring the cat instead of playing and stroking the cat as soon as you arrive, you give the cat time to relax and approach you in its own time. 

Attention And Affection

Multiple studies confirm that cats sought human attention over food, toys, or social interaction.

Furthermore, the availability of human interaction can affect the quality of the cat’s life. 

Hence, cat sitters need to be generous with their affection and provide the cat with enough attention.

This can include always being available to provide a good head scratch, chin rub, or back rub when your furry friend may need one.

Keep Organized 

Although it is important to forge a good cat-human bond while cat sitting, staying organized is a skill that every good cat-sitter should be mastering. 

You may have the key to the door, but getting the knack of opening it is crucial.

You may know where the cat food is, but knowing where the cleaning products are may be essential when handling a spill or accident.

Hence, it is important to prioritize organization when it comes to taking care of another life. 

Prioritize Daily Visits

Anything can go wrong when a pet is left alone, and time is critical when preventing and getting help in the case of an accident or illness. 

Furthermore, experts say cats should not be left alone for more than 24 hours as lethal ailments and potential home damages are serious accidents that could prove to be fatal. 

Prioritize making daily and frequent visits to the owners’ home and clearly state it in your service contract.

Not checking on a cat daily may have costly, and tragic consequences for your cat owner and pet-sitting business. 

Get Them Moving 

It is important to remember that cats need exercise and you can play an instrumental role in helping them achieve their activity goals. 

Not only does exercise keep their muscles strong and allow them to maintain healthy body weight, but it also provides mental stimulation to keep their minds active. 

Groom The Cat 

Enhancing your cat-sitting visits by offering simple brushing or combing as add-on services can be helpful.

Grooming is important for cats as it keeps cats feeling good, controls hairballs, and gets them comfortable with regular handling. 

As long as you keep the cat’s comfort level in mind, it is a great way to bond with your kitty-client and allow the owners to appreciate your services more! 

Expect The Unexpected 

Preparing for unexpected circumstances such as the cat not liking you or any medical emergencies that may arise is always important. 

Cats may not understand that their owners’ are going to come back after being separated from them.

This change can throw them off balance and lead to them being more upset and cranky than usual. 

It is also important to handle the cat’s medical needs and emergencies, should they arise.

A good way to do this is to stay up to date with the numbers of the pet’s veterinarian, emergency care clinic, and animal poison control. 

Cat sitting can be one of the most fun and relaxing jobs to take up and can also be a nice break from outdoor dog walks.

Moreover, there’s no better feeling than having a shy, timid cat finally warm up to you.

Follow the tips above, and you are sure to become a professional cat sitter in no time.