Cat vacation care: Drop-ins vs cat sitters

Updated 16th Jan 2025

Cat vacation care can sometimes be a head scratcher. You know your kitty is unhappy in a boarding facility, so you want to make sure they can be kept safely at home. So, do you choose a cat drop-in service or an in-home cat sitter? And are pet sitters trustworthy?

We’ll compare the pros and cons of daily drop-in visits for cat care against those of connecting with a TrustedHousesitters cat sitter. Remember, whatever you decide, make sure it’s what’s best for your kitty.

What does a cat drop-in do?

These are hired people who provide daily drop-in visits to provide basic cat care for your kitty while you’re away from home. They’re usually only at your home for 10 to 15 minutes to check in on your cat and make sure they’re okay, feed them, change their water, and empty their litter tray. Some daily drop services pop around a couple of times a day depending on what they offer and your cat’s needs.

What does a trusted cat sitter do?

A trusted sitter provides in-home cat sitting - they stay in your home to provide round-the-clock care and attention to your kitty, sticking to their routine, and providing security and comfort for them throughout the day. 
In-home cat sitters can also perform chores around the house, like bowl and litter tray cleaning, and simple cleaning to keep your home in order.

Wondering if you can trust somebody new in your home? Find out about our Evident background check.

Cat drop-ins: Pros

It’s a good alternative to a boarding facility for cat vacation care. This allows your feline to remain in the comfort of home, avoid the stress of traveling and the difficulties that can come with staying at a cattery. The drop-in service can send you updates during or after each visit to update you on how your cat and home are doing. They can also agree to not leave your home until they’ve at least found seen your cat - albeit even if they’re hiding under a bed!

Cat drop-ins: Cons

While drop-in visits are often preferable to an unfamiliar boarding facility, the daily attention and monitoring some cats need can’t be provided. Although the drop-in service can make sure everything is okay at home once or twice a day, they won’t be around constantly to offer personable care and enrichment for kitties. For shy cats who prefer peace and quiet, this may not bother them too much. However, most cats need some form of human attention at some point - even cats can experience loneliness.

Safety wise, although a daily check up is better than nothing, it doesn’t prevent accidents from occurring during the day. Even the most cat-proof home can hold a few small hazards.

Trusted cat sitters: Pros

Trusted cat sitters can be instructed to meet all of your cat’s needs and tailor their attention to what suits your cat’s personality. If they love company and attention, your trusted cat sitter is there when they need a cuddle. For those kitties who prefer to be more solitary, your cat sitter can make sure they feel quiet and safe.

It’s round-the-clock security with a human presence who can message you, the pet parent, in real time if anything should happen. Plus, you can make use of our extra handy perks like our 24/7 vet advice line during sits. On the flip side, they can send you regular updates throughout the day about how your cat is doing and how they’re coping without you.

Related article: How much is pet sitting per hour UK?

Trusted cat sitter: Cons

While all is well and good to read about on paper, using an in-home cat sitter requires an exchange of trust. You’re entrusting your things most precious to you - your pet and your home - to a new person. All of our pet sitters are verified and require a minimum of two external references. We always encourage pet parents to have at least one video call with their cat sitter before agreeing to the sit, and it’s recommended you’re there to greet the sitter and show them around in person before you leave.

What’s the most cost-effective vacation cat care?

Naturally, you want what’s best for your fur babies, but you also need to think about what’s best for your bank balance! 

To help you make the right choice for your home, pets and pocket, check out our cost of pet care calculator. Simply tell us about your pets and the type of pet care you currently have, and you’ll find out whether you can make any savings by welcoming a trusted pet sitter.

Which is best for cat vacation care?

The benefits of cat sitting vs. a cattery are a bit more obvious (it’s the difference between keeping them happy at home or moving them to a kennel), but it’s difficult to weigh the pros and cons of in-home cat sitting vs. a drop-in service because each situation is unique. Some people may feel more comfortable knowing someone is caring for their kitty and home while they’re away, others may think it’s not necessary.

Look through both options carefully and find what suits your cat best and which routine will make them most comfortable until you’re back home.

Why wait to find the purr-fect cat sitter? Browse our paw-some cat sitters near you and discover a feline friend for your precious pet. If you’re not one of our pet-loving members yet, have a look at our membership plans to see which one would suit you and your pet best.