HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CAT SITTER FOR YOU? 13+ THINGS TO CONSIDER
How to find the right cat sitter? As much as we love our feline friends, there are times when we have to leave them behind.
Whether for a day trip or a week-long vacation, finding the right cat sitter is crucial for your cat’s well-being and peace of mind. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right cat sitter for you?
In this article, we’ll guide you through finding the perfect cat sitter you and your cat will love.
MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SEARCHING FOR A CAT SITTER
As a cat owner, finding the right cat sitter is crucial for your feline’s well-being and peace of mind.
Choosing the perfect cat sitter can be daunting, whether you’re going on vacation or want someone to check on your cat during the day.
We will guide you through finding the ideal cat sitter, from what to look for in a sitter to how to prepare for their arrival.
Here is how to find the right cat sitter for you:
1. Experience
Look for a cat sitter with experience caring for cats, especially if your cat has specific needs or medical conditions.
When searching for a cat sitter, it’s essential to consider their experience with cats. Look for someone with experience caring for cats and understanding their unique behaviors and needs.
Ask about their previous experience and how they handle situations such as administering medication, dealing with emergencies, and managing litter boxes. A sitter with experience will be better equipped to handle any situation and provide the best care for your feline friend.
2. References
Ask for references from previous clients to ensure the sitter is trustworthy and reliable.
While looking for accredited training in a cat sitter is not necessary, it can be a helpful indicator of their level of knowledge and professionalism.
Accredited training programs can provide cat sitters with a deeper understanding of feline behavior and health, which can be invaluable when caring for cats.
However, experience and references are also essential factors when choosing a cat sitter. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what qualifications and qualities are most important to them in a cat sitter.
3. Availability
Ensure the sitter’s availability matches your needs, especially if you need someone to check on your cat multiple times daily.
4. Services Offered
Determine the sitter’s services, such as feeding, litter box cleaning, and playtime.
5. Communication
Choose a sitter who communicates well and is willing to provide updates on your cat’s well-being.
6. Bonded and Insured
Consider a bonded and insured sitter in case of accidents or damages.
Cat sitters should have insurance to protect themselves, the cats they care for, and the owner’s property. Insurance can cover accidents, injuries, and damages during the cat-sitting period.
The insurance should include liability coverage, which protects the cat sitter if the cats they are caring for cause property damage or injury to someone else.
It should also cover veterinary expenses if the cats become sick or injured while caring for the cat sitter. Additionally, the insurance should cover theft or damage to the owner’s property caused by the cat sitter.
Overall, having insurance is an essential factor to consider when choosing a cat sitter, as it can provide peace of mind for both the owner and the cat sitter.
7. Price
Compare prices among different sitters to ensure you are getting a fair rate.
The price of hiring a cat sitter per hour can vary depending on several factors, such as location, level of service, and the sitter’s experience. However, according to a survey by Thumbtack, the average cost of a cat sitter is around $16-20 per hour.
This rate can be higher or lower depending on the specific services required and the sitter’s experience and qualifications. It’s important to note that some sitters may charge a minimum fee for their services, regardless of how many hours they are needed for.
Some sitters may offer discounted rates for longer periods, such as overnight stays or extended trips.
8. Location
Look for a sitter near your home to minimize travel time and stress for your cat.
9. Pet First Aid Training
Consider a sitter who has pet first aid training in case of emergencies.
10. Compatibility
Choose a sitter who is compatible with your cat’s personality and preferences. To determine if a cat sitter is consistent with your cat’s personality and tastes, looking for a sitter with experience working with cats and understanding their behavior is essential.
A good cat sitter will approach your cat gently if they are shy and enthusiastically if they engage quickly and ask for attention.
One way to find a suitable cat sitter is to ask for referrals from your veterinarian or groomer or to search for a professional cat sitter on websites such as Care.com. When selecting a sitter, read their profile carefully, check their availability and rates, and review their previous jobs.
Engage in an online conversation with two to three candidates, compare their responses, and invite your preferred one for a free meet and greet.
During the in-home meeting, observe how the sitter interacts with your cat and discuss details of your cat’s routine, food, water, litter, and key management.
11. Security
Ensure the sitter has proper security measures to protect your home and cat.
12. Background Check
Consider a sitter who has undergone a background check to ensure no criminal history.
13. Meet and Greet
Schedule a meet and greet with the sitter before hiring them to ensure they fit your cat and home well.
Setting up a Meet and Greet session before hiring a pet sitter is essential for several reasons. First, it allows you to observe how the sitter interacts with your pet and determine if they fit your pet’s personality and preferences well.
Second, the sitter can become familiar with your pet’s routine and environment. Third, it will enable you to ask questions and discuss special needs or concerns. Finally, it helps establish a relationship between you, the sitter, and your pet.
14. ARRANGE A TRIAL WITH A CAT SITTER
Arranging a trial with a cat sitter before hiring them offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to observe the sitter’s interaction with your pet, ensuring they are a good match and your cat feels comfortable around them.
Secondly, it allows the sitter to become familiar with your pet’s routine and environment, making it easier for them to provide the best care possible.
Additionally, a trial session provides an opportunity to discuss any special needs or concerns you may have and to establish a relationship with the sitter.
Overall, a trial with a cat sitter is essential in ensuring that your pet receives the best care while you’re away.
WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES SHOULD A CAT SITTER HAVE?
A good cat sitter should have a few key qualities. Firstly, they should be patient, calm, and gentle, as cats can be sensitive creatures and may become stressed or anxious if handled roughly.
Secondly, they should be knowledgeable about cats’ behavior, needs, and preferences and be able to recognize signs of illness or distress. Thirdly, they should be reliable, responsible and trustworthy, and able to follow instructions and routines.
Finally, they should be communicative, friendly and approachable, and able to build a rapport with the cat and the owner.
IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A CAT SITTER?
Yes, have a cat sitter if you are going away for an extended period and want to ensure your pet is well cared for. A good cat sitter should have patience, knowledge about cats, reliability, and communication skills.
Arranging a trial with a cat sitter allows for observation of the sitter’s interaction with the pet, familiarization with the pet’s routine and environment, and discussion of any special needs or concerns.
Overall, a trial with a cat sitter is essential for ensuring the best care for the pet while the owner is away.
CAN YOU TRUST CAT SITTERS?
Yes, you can trust cat sitters if you take the necessary precautions to find a trustworthy and reliable one.
It is important to carefully read the cat sitter’s profile description and reviews from previous jobs, engage with candidates online, and invite your preferred cat sitter for a free meet and greet to ensure you can trust them with your cat.
During the meet and greet, you can observe how the cat sitter interacts with your cat and ensure you feel good about them.
Additionally, a good cat sitter must have patience, knowledge about cats, reliability, and communication skills to provide the best care for your pet while you are away.
HOW CAN I FIND SOMEONE TO WATCH MY CAT?
You can find someone to watch your cat using pet sitter services like TrustedHousesitters. TrustedHousesitters is a platform where pet owners can find sitters who will take care of their pets and home while they are away.
The platform has a large community of verified and reviewed sitters who exchange their time and care for free homestays. To find a suitable sitter for your cat, you can browse the profiles of the sitters on the platform and read their reviews.
You can also engage in an online conversation with them and invite them for a free meet and greet to observe their interaction with your cat. TrustedHousesitters offers mandatory ID and criminal background checks in the USA, insurance options, email alerts, two-way reviews, and an app.
You can also find trustworthy cat sitters by requesting recommendations from friends, family, or your vet. You can also search for local cat-sitting services on social media platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor.
When you have found a potential cat sitter, engaging in online conversations with them is important to discuss their experience and qualifications and any special needs or concerns you may have.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I leave my cat with a sitter for a week?
Yes, you can leave your cat with a sitter for a week. Many pet sitters offer overnight or extended care services for pets. When choosing a sitter, it’s important to discuss the length of time you will be away and ensure that the sitter is available for the entire duration of your absence.
You should also provide detailed information about your cat’s feeding schedule, litter box habits, and any medical needs. Additionally, it’s a good idea to provide your sitter with your contact information and the contact information for your veterinarian in case of an emergency.
Is a cat sitter once a day enough?
A cat can benefit from at least one daily visit around the same time every day, even if the cat is shy and hides from the sitter.
Pet sitters should not let owners persuade them to make exceptions to their policies regarding regular visits, as anything can happen when a pet is left alone.
Therefore, daily visits are necessary when pet-sitting cats. However, the frequency of visits will depend on the owner’s preference, which should be communicated to the sitter.
It is essential to discuss the length of time the cat will be left with the sitter and provide detailed information about the cat’s needs.
Do cats remember sitters?
Yes, cats have good long-term memory and can remember their sitters if they bond with them.