How to Find a Cat Sitter
Family, Friends, and Neighbors
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for cat care, you can consider asking a close friend, family member, or neighbor to take care of your cat in your home. Depending on your cat's behavior and requirements, you can have someone visit your home two to three times a day to provide food and medicine, clean the litter box, and engage with your cat. Additionally, you can request the caretaker to stay in your home overnight to provide companionship for your cat. Moreover, your loved one can assist you with other household tasks such as watering plants, bringing in the mail, and performing light cleaning duties.
Having a familiar person look after your cat in your home is a great option for shy cats who might become stressed if you were to take them to a boarding facility. It’s also a low-cost option—some good friends or family might watch your cat for free, or you might offer to pay a nominal amount for their help. Taking care of a cat is also a great opportunity for an older, responsible neighbor child looking to earn a little money. If your cat is OK with changes to routine, you could also bring your cat and all of its things to your family member or friend’s home.
Cat Boarding Facilities
If you need to leave your cat somewhere overnight, you have a couple of options. You can choose to board your feline friend at a pet boarding facility or your veterinary clinic if they provide such a service. Pet boarding facilities typically have staff members who look after the pets for approximately 10 to 12 hours per day. During the night, the cats are usually left alone in their designated areas, where they can feel safe and cozy. However, a few facilities may offer overnight care as well. Although most pet boarding establishments cater to both dogs and cats, the latter are placed in separate quarters to avoid distress caused by the presence, scent, and noise of the former. Additionally, some specialized boarding facilities exclusively cater to cats, providing them with a serene and tranquil environment.
If you have a sociable cat who can handle being away from home, pet boarding facilities are a viable alternative. Additionally, if your cat has specific medical requirements that require monitoring, it may be beneficial to board them in a facility where a veterinary technician or veterinarian is present. This ensures that your cat receives the necessary medical attention and medication they need.
Fees for cat boarding can range depending on the type of facility. Boarding your cat at a boarding facility tends to be less expensive than some professional pet sitting services but more expensive than having family, a friend, or a neighbor look in on your cat. When you board your cat, you generally provide your cat’s regular food and possibly a bed or blanket. The facility typically provides a litter box and cat litter, although you can bring your own if your cat is picky.
Professional Cat Sitter
If you can’t find a family member, friend, or neighbor to watch your cat, a professional cat sitter is a great option. Professional cat sitters can come to your home several times a day to feed and play with the cat and clean up the litter box. Some professional pet sitters will also move in full-time while you’re away so the cat always has someone around. Like non-professionals, pet sitters will do other household tasks such as pick up your mail, water your plants, and take out the trash.
To locate a proficient cat sitter, there are several methods to consider. Seeking advice from your veterinarian or groomer, as well as asking acquaintances, relatives, or neighbors for suggestions, are options. If personal recommendations are unavailable, browse through social media groups dedicated to pets in your area to locate nearby pet sitters. Additionally, pet sitting websites can assist you in finding a certified professional pet sitter.
The cost of hiring a professional cat sitter depends on your location and the type of service you require, whether it's a few visits a day or full-time in-home care while you're away. Generally, the fees for cat sitters are similar to those of boarding facilities, though they may be slightly higher for overnight stays.
Preparing to Go Away
Before going on a trip, it is recommended to introduce the person who will be taking care of your cat to your home and your cat's routine and needs. Make sure to provide clear instructions on feeding times, medication schedules, and any other necessary care. Don't forget to also provide the contact information of your veterinarian in case of emergencies.
Tell the cat sitter where you keep your cat food, as well as the location of the litter box, litter box and cleaning supplies. If you board your cat, the babysitter will let you fill out forms, feed and other important instructions. Many cat sitters will text or email you a written report or even a photo to let you know how your cat is doing each day, so you don't have to worry when you're not around. Some boarding facilities have "pet cameras," so you can see what your cat is doing via video. Knowing your cat is happy and in good hands will allow you to enjoy your vacation or work trip without worrying about your beloved pet while you're away.
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