We all have times when we are away from home for work, emergency, or just to have a little bit of fun. During these trips, more often than not, it is just not practical to bring our cats with us. So, as responsible pet-parents, what are we to do? Should we just set out a big bowl of food and some water and hope for the best?
Well, hopefully, the answer is obvious. We hire a responsible and dependable cat sitter to look after our pets so that we do not have to worry about our cat’s physical or emotion well-being while we are away from home.
When we choose to hire a pet sitter in our absence, we are trusting that individual with both our pet and our home. Therefore, finding someone dependable and trustworthy is important. Beyond this what are we are looking for in a cat sitter?
First and foremost, the person we entrust with our cat must love cats. This probably sounds pretty obvious, right? But if it is so obvious, why do so many pet parents leave their cats with a neighbor who just tolerates them? A good cat sitter will take the time to focus attention on your cat because quality pet sitting is not just about feeding your cat and emptying the litter box.
A lot of people choose to put their cat in a boarding facility when they are away. They do not realize that it is important for their cat emotionally to remain in familiar surroundings.
What are some of the services that you should expect from your sitter?
- A free initial meeting to become familiar with your cat’s needs and daily routine.
- Your cat sitter should be making at least one visit (45 minutes to an hour) to your cat each day. A second visit would also be appreciated by your cat. However that is truly a luxury.
- Your sitter should be putting out fresh food and water every day.
- Cleaning the litter box should be performed every day.
- Your sitter should be spending time each visit playing or cuddling with your cat.
- Your sitter should be willing to administer medicine if needed.
In addition to the duties related directly to your cat, your sitter should be performing some other light duties around your home.
- Watering your plants.
- Bringing in your mail and newspapers.
- Your sitter should adjust your blinds and lights to make your home looked lived in to others.
If you follow these simple guidelines, your next trip should be worry free and your cat will be glad you did.