Boarding Catteries & Cat Sitting Advice

While us humans enjoy escaping our daily routines from time to time, it’s clear that our pets love theirs. Cats may have a reputation of loving their own company but they still miss their human company (from time to time) and still rely on a daily routine with minimal changes. That’s why it’s no surprise that more and more cat owners are opting for in-home cat sitting services over traditional boarding catteries when they travel.

If like many other kitty owners, you’ve been searching for a kinder, more homey alternative to catteries, then cat sitting may be the answer you’re looking for.

With cat sitting, you can travel knowing your kitty is safe and happy in their own home environment. But where do you begin? From professional cat sitting services to the cat sitters who care for pets for free, here’s everything you need to know…

Cat sitting services vs boarding catteries

So when it comes to booking your holiday pet care, which is the best option for keeping your cat purring while you’re away?

Boarding catteries, while probably the most common type of cat care, can be stressful. When your cat is taken out of its home and suddenly surrounded by new and unfamiliar smells and strange cats, it can be a distressing environment for both pets and their owners. And that's before all the hassle that comes with attempting to transport your cat there.

On the other hand, cat sitting services — in particular, in-home cat sitting services — keep your kitty in the one place they feel truly relaxed — their own home. A more personal cat sitting service also means you can receive daily updates on your cat, including photos and messages for reassurance while you’re away. Vets around the world agree that cat sitting is the pet care alternative to catteries that cats prefer.

How much does cat sitting cost? 

The average cost of a cat sitter can vary greatly, depending on the duration of your holiday, the level of care they are giving and the type of cat sitting they provide. Our blog post, What are normal pet sitting rates? goes into detail about how much you can expect to pay for a pet sitter.

Of course, if you’d prefer to keep your cat in the care of someone who pet sit purely for their love of animals, then joining TrustedHousesitters may be the perfect solution.

In our caring community, none of our pet sitters charge to care for people's cats – or any other pet, for that matter! Put simply, they pet sit because they love animals and the unique experiences that pet sitting offers. And, because they’re not motivated by money, you can be sure that your kitty is in the safe hands of a fellow cat lover.

Find a cat sitter near you

When searching for a cat sitter, there are many places you can look. Professional cat sitters usually advertise their services online or on their own website. You can also find a local cat sitter near you by checking out your local area’s notice boards, or at veterinary practices.

The other option is to find a cat sitting website. On TrustedHousesitters, you can connect with thousands of caring cat sitters to keep your kitty purring while you're away. As well as reading their profiles and exploring their pictures, you can read references and reviews from other pet owners — just like Mary Beth, who found the perfect cat sitter to care for her two beloved cats, Ted and Red…

“I can honestly say this website has changed my life for the better, wondering if my husband and I would ever be able to travel again after taking two beautiful cats that needed a home. I could not imagine putting them in a kennel and I needed someone to be in the house full-time. All the sitters we've had have been absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much for developing this network of support.” — Mary Beth, Owner, Australia

Like Mary Beth, many pet owners choose to use TrustedHousesitters instead of paid cat sitting services because of the mutual trust and shared love of pets involved. Alison, an owner from the UK, loves the fact that no money exchanges hands between our members, as it means she can find a cat sitter she can truly trust:

“TrustedHousesitters has changed my life! It is such a brilliant system that relies on goodwill with no money exchanging hands. My partner and I can actually go away together instead of taking turns going away on solo trips, secure in the knowledge that our two cats will be well cared for and happy. I have just waved goodbye to my fourth trusted house sitter and she was as charming, responsible and efficient as the first three.” — Alison, Owner, UK

Plus, with sitter verifications and a range of trust and safety tools behind you, you can connect with confidence.

How to find the right cat sitter

With so many kind and caring cat sitters to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

Some key things to keep in mind when choosing your pet's perfect cat sitter include their previous pet sitting experience, whether they suit your specific needs, and if they click with your kitty. Our blog post, 7 things to look for in your next pet sitter will help you to know what to look for in your next cat sitter so that you can head off on your next trip with total peace of mind.

Tips for Cat Sitting

Here you’ll find a list of the six most important things you need to make sure your purr-fect cat sitter is aware of. Make sure you check it twice!

1. Stick to a routine

Cats are creatures of habit and can get unsettled if their routine is disrupted. Make sure your cat sitter is aware of your cat's routine to make sure they're as content and settled as possible. If they like going outside in the early evening and nap during the morning or vice versa, then make sure your sitter knows this.

2. Ask the right questions 

As the owner, you should make sure your sitter is fully aware of your cat’s health and behaviour before the sit. As well as answering any questions they have such as the cat’s age and any ongoing health problems, you should also make sure you brief them about your cat’s behaviour so they can take care of them as best as possible.

Questions they may ask include; 

• How does your cat react when you’re absent? 
• Does he/she have any hiding places? 
• Is there anything your cat dislikes/reacts to (e.g.) thunderstorms, neighbourhood cats, men, etc.

3. Get cats active

Playtime is a crucial part of a cat's daily care and your sitter will be more than happy to interact with your kitty in this way. Award-winning feline practitioner Dr. Letrisa Miller recommends 30 minutes of moderate activity per day for most cats. Not only does it help stimulate their brain to play with a toy but it also keeps their muscles strong and maintains a healthy body weight.

4. Medications and emergency care 

From daily medications to flea protection, it’s important to let your sitter know what’s expected of them. Some treatments will be straightforward, such as mixing medication in with food, while others, like insulin, may require a pet sitter who is more experienced in administering this. Regardless, it’s important to make this clear well in advance and provide a detailed list of all medications, dosages and details of veterinary care in case of emergencies to get the best possible care for your cat.

Remember, all TrustedHousesitters members have access to a free, 24/7 Vet Advice Line while on a sit. Just head to your member dashboard to connect with our trusted team of veterinary experts.

5. What’s normal… and what’s not! 

Are hairballs a common occurrence for your cat? Is he/she elderly and slow when they first wake up? Just like us, every cat is different and has different needs. In addition to briefing your sitter about your kitty’s daily routine such as food and activity levels, make sure you tell them about any quirky habits they have so they know what’s normal and what isn’t about your cat.

Cat sitting is one of the most rewarding visits you can make as a sitter. There’s nothing quite like having a shy or timid cat warm up to you during your visit, and if you’re like us there’s nothing you like hearing more than that contented purr.

For all other questions about cat sitting — from how to prepare for your sitter to etiquette around house sitting, our Community Forum is the place to be. Join today and share advice, find support, and discuss all things house sitting, pets, travel, and more.