How to be a 5 Star Cat Sitter

With its perks of cuddles and purrs, being a cat minder for a beloved cat is a job we cat lovers adore. Whether you are a friend who loves cats, a family member, or one of our cat loving community, you’re providing a wonderful alternative to cat boarding. Take a read over our tips on how to be a great cat sitter so that the fluffy ones in your care have the pawsome experience they deserve.

Before your booking, make sure you’ve read through all the forms and checklists in the Forms & Tips section of your Dashboard

01. Arrange a Meet & Greet

When booked by a cat owner for the first time it is essential that you arrange a free meet and greet at least 2 – 3 days before your booking starts. This is the first step in how to be a great cat sitter!

Use this meeting to discuss your new furry clients needs and routines such as; when is feeding time? Where are his favourite toys kept? Does he use a litter box? Where is his favourite hiding spot etc.

You should also use this time to discuss if the owner has any security cameras, would they like their post collected, lights turned on and off and if they have any plants that need watering.

“To see what questions you should ask in a Meet & Greet, read here”

02. Follow the cat owner’s feeding instructions

Food. First things first, get some yummy food in the bowl. Follow the owner’s instructions but the general rule is that fresh wet food should be replaced at least twice daily and dry food at least once daily.

Always leave the food area nice and tidy and make sure you thoroughly wash the kitties bowl on each visit. NEVER put new wet food on top of old wet food.

03. Always give the cat fresh water daily

Water. Make sure you’ve topped up their water dishes. These are usually best placed away from their food, as on the whole, cats prefer not to drink and eat in the same place. And, because cats can’t tolerate the lactose in cow’s milk, make sure that it’s only fresh water they’re drinking.

If the cat owner has a water fountain, check it everyday and make sure it is topped up.

Tip: There are many fun ways too cool kitty down on hot days. Have a read here.

04. Make sure the toilet area is clean

Litter Tray. Then onto the litter tray. Our furry friends are clean creatures, and don’t like pooping in soiled trays. Make sure the litter tray is scooped at least once or twice a day, and for longer bookings, clean the tray once a week with a cat safe disinfectant.

There are many different types of cat litter so make sure you get clear instructions from the cat owner and never just assume how they would like it cleared. This can lead to an unnecessary misunderstanding.

Tip: When taking the litter to the bin outside, always make sure you have the house keys on you – you don’t want to lock yourself out!

05. Provide plenty of play and cuddle time with kitty

Playing. When reading up on how to be a great cat sitter, don’t forget to keep your fur friends happy with some playtime. Ask the owner to leave a few toys or bring your own. LED lights and mice on a string are a favourite. As well as exercise (vital for indoor cats), playing creates a wonderful bond with your newest furry friends.

Cuddles. Remember the cat decides when it wants a hug. As much as we all love a cuddle from a cat, the best cuddles are the ones that come with patience… Best not to make kitty grumpy!

Grooming. Check with the owner, but typically long-haired cats will need to be brushed daily and short-haired cats groomed once a week. Remember to brush first, then comb. Start with a wide-toothed comb detangling matted hair. Then work front to back in small sections using a wire brush to remove dead hair.

Outdoor & Indoor Cats. Indoor cats need play time to keep them mentally stimulated. Outdoor cats may not be there when you visit. If that’s the case, check that food and water have gone down. If you are still unsure that the cat has been there, leave out a tasty treat and see if that’s gone on your next visit. You can read more about how to find “Mr Whiskers” here.

06. Send daily updates

The Kitties Owners. It’s important to always keep the owner updated. Let them know what you and your new furry friend are getting up to by sending daily photo updates and videos. Even if kitty is out when you’ve come to visit please let the owner know. You want the owner to know that they’ve left their kitty in the safe hands of a star sitter …. a 5 star cat sitter 😉

And remember, bookings should never be shorter than 20min, unless approved by the cat owner.

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