There are many reasons why a cat may be your perfect pet, from their people-like personalities to their sense of independence. Of course, no two cats are the same, and while one kitty has no problem waiting at home while you’re at work all day, another may start experiencing problems as soon as their owner walks out the door. Whether you have a cat in the latter category or you’re preparing to go out of town, there are many situations in which a cat sitter comes in handy.
That’s easier said than done, however. Unless you have a friend or family member who’s up for the task, it can be hard to know how to find a cat sitter for your beloved feline friend. Not only do you need to locate someone who’s qualified to care for an animal, but you also need to make sure they’re not a sketchy person! I wouldn’t trust just anyone to care for my pets, and I know most cat owners feel the same way. That’s why we’ll walk you through the best ways to find legitimate cat sitters, whether you’ll be away for a few hours or a few weeks.
How to find a cat sitter
While a quick internet search can help you get started, it can still be tricky knowing whether the cat sitters you find are real people, let alone responsible ones. Luckily, there are many trustworthy ways to look for someone to care for your cat, so keep your eyes peeled.
Visit local pet stores, daycares, and events
You might find a babysitter’s phone number on a community board in a cafe or bookstore, and you also might find cat sitters’ information in the same way. Many local pet stores, grooming salons, and daycares keep bulletin boards for pet-related notices from customers, but they’re great places to ask for recommendations by word of mouth, too.
If you live in a town with a large community of pet owners, check local events and social media pages to see if anyone is advertising their services. Whether it’s an in-house cat sitter or a feline-friendly boarding facility, you never know what you may find.
Ask family, friends, and neighbors
You already have a built-in resource for cat owners with friends or family who also have cats. Don’t be afraid to ask one another for ideas and referrals, or — better yet — see if they’d be willing to step in. There’s no one better to care for a cat than another cat owner, and your kitty may be more comfortable spending quality time with someone they already know. As a bonus, you just might save a lot of money. Giving your cat sitter a thank-you gift (or check) is a considerate gesture if they’re doing you a favor, but don’t worry about this step if they’re a sitter or kennel charging for their services.
This may be the best option for a nervous kitty that needs some extra comfort while their human is away. Staying in their own home can provide some sense of normalcy, while spending time with a friend they already know can help them feel safe, too.
Feline boarding facilities
If your cat needs more careful or frequent care, or if you’re unable to find a sitter who can stay at your house as often as you like, a boarding facility or kennel might be your safest bet. This way, you know that your buddy will be safe and sound in their own private space, and they’ll have someone around in case of emergencies. Some pet owners go this route to ensure their animals get their medications or special diet, though others prefer the extended one-on-one time that a pet sitter can provide.
You found a cat sitter … What now?
If you’ve asked a friend, neighbor, or family member to keep an eye on your furry friend, invite them over to observe your cat’s routines. Showing them little details in person, like how to operate and when to refill a cat’s automatic water fountain, may be easier to remember than a long list of instructions. Besides, it will give your cat more time to bond with their caretaker without the stress of you being gone.
If you’re enlisting the help of a sitter you’ve never met before, arrange for at least one meeting before you leave your pet in their care. It’s essential to trust your decision for your well-being and your pet’s, so it’s always best to do more research than necessary. This way, you won’t have to worry about your kitty while you’re away!
For those who are dropping off their kitties at boarding, be sure to take a tour of the facility, including anywhere your cat may be throughout their stay. Don’t book a stay with kennels that refuse to show you the entire space. This is a major red flag and a sign that things may not be up to par, but you can always consult online reviews from other pet parents before deciding where to visit.
Going out of town — even for the day — can be a lot of work, but knowing that your cat is in the hands of someone you trust can take a major weight off your shoulders. It won’t be long until you’ve found the place or person that’s best for you. Good luck!
