Creating a cat-friendly environment for cat sitters

Updated 27/02/2024

Cats are true creatures of habit. As lovers of all things stable, predictable, and comfortable, anything that doesn’t live up to their standards is, quite frankly, unacceptable. Since they are so sensitive to change, opting for an in-house cat sitter is the best option for furry friends when their pet parents are away. Sitters take care of their feline friends as if they were their own, and they are also absolute pros at creating a cat-friendly home (or they will be after reading this!). 

So, caring cat sitters, we’re talking to you! We know that looking after your (albeit temporary) feline friend is your number one priority, which means you’ll be responsible for their safety and happiness while their pet parents are away. But taking care of a cat also means ensuring their home is up to scratch. While this certainly doesn’t mean moving furniture around without the pet parent’s permission, here are a few simple ways of creating a cat-friendly environment for cat sitters. 

Keeping your cat safe 

When it comes to creating a cat-friendly environment, sitters should prioritize the safety of their furry friends at all times. 

Remove toxic items 

• While pet parents shouldn’t have toxic house plants or flowers in their homes, many people don’t actually realize how many varieties are poisonous to cats. Among the ones to watch out for are certain ferns, cheese plants, aloe vera, and lilies. 
• Many household cleaning products and detergents are poisonous to cats, so lock these away after using them and make sure to wipe surfaces well after cleaning to avoid accidental residue ingestion. 
• Many common foods such as chocolate, garlic, and grapes are also poisonous to cats, so don’t leave them lying around. 

Store hazards out of reach

• Choke hazards like curtain cords, pieces of string, and cables should be tied up and out of the way wherever possible. Plus, you really don’t want your feline friend nibbling through any electrical cords!
• Keep breakable ornaments out of harm’s way - cats have a certain tendency to knock things off surfaces, whether intentional or not. 
• Make sure floors and surfaces are clear of small objects like hairbands and coins which are easy for your feline friend to choke on. 
• Dirty plates and glasses left too long are pretty yucky, and if you’re taking care of a cat, it’s extra important to keep on top of the washing up. Your feline friend won’t know that licking your bowl of leftover melted chocolate will make them ill. 

Maintain a comfortable temperature 

• The ideal temperature for cats is 68-77°F (20-25°C). 
• Chatting to the pet parents about the weather before starting the sit isn’t just a way of making small talk. They’ll be able to show you how to maintain the right temperature, whether that means providing you with a fan to keep the home cool or showing you how to turn on the heating in the winter. 

Lock up

• Keep windows and doors locked at all times to prevent your kitty from escaping, especially if you’re taking care of an indoor cat! 

Keeping your cat happy

As well as keeping your feline friend safe, you also need to make sure your cat feels safe. This means creating a stress-free environment filled with everything your cat needs.

Encourage playtime 

• Your feline friend should have a range of fun, interactive toys to play with, both alone and with the help of a pet pal like yourself. Leave catnip-filled toys around the house for a game of “cat and mouse”, tantalize your kitty with their favorite magic wand, or test out their hunting skills with a game of catch the laser. 
• That being said, it’s best to avoid leaving too many toys just lying around, as they’ll soon become part of the furniture! Keep some toys aside and swap them out so things don’t get boring. 
• Some toys are unsuitable for kitties to play with unsupervised, so make sure you pop these away when playtime is over. 

Give them space

• Your feline friend should have space to roam around as they please, of course, as long as the pet parent permits it. 
• They’ll also need a number of quiet places to hide away from the hustle and bustle of the household. This is to ensure there’s always somewhere that feels safe for them to retreat to whether you’re vacuuming in the living room or you’ve got friends over in the kitchen - but more on this later! 
• Other cats from the neighborhood should not be allowed inside the home while you’re cat sitting - this can make your furry friend feel like their territory is under threat. 

Take your time 

• Many cats are naturally aloof and can take a while to warm up to new people. Take things at their pace, not yours, and wait for them to approach you. This may need a little bit of trial and error, but your feline friend is sure to put you in your place. 

Access to the essentials 

Next, you’ll need to make sure your furry friend has everything they need at their paw-tips. 

Food and water

• Your feline friend should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Follow the pet parent’s instructions regarding how much to feed them and when, and never give cats any new food items without checking with the owner first. 
• Some pets are on a prescription diet for conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes, so only feed this food, and do not change to another variety. If the bag runs out, you will need to head out to the vet clinic to get some more of the same diet they have been eating. 

Safe spaces

• Your furry friend will need at least one comfortable place to sleep, plus an assortment of other places to hide away from the rest of the household. 
• As cats deposit feel-good pheromones by massaging their paws onto things around them, you should avoid washing their bedding, blankets, and cushions too often - this could completely mess up their feng shui and feeling of security within the home which is vital when their pet parents are away! 
• Keep hold of any cardboard boxes you come across during your sit - pet parents may work five days a week to pay for top-of-the-range beds and blankets for their precious pets, but there really is nothing better than a cozy cardboard box! 
• Cats love finding space up high (above cupboards and at the top of the cat tree) and down low (under furniture and beds), so make sure you don’t restrict access to any of these spaces. 

Litter trays 

• Litter trays should be kept in the same place and be clean and sanitary - you wouldn’t want to be using a mucky toilet either!

Cat flaps

• Make sure your furry friend’s cat flap’s working properly and they have the freedom to come and go as they please. 

Maintaining stability 

The “less is more” approach is your final step to setting up a cat-friendly home. Their pet parents might be away, but that doesn’t mean anything else has to change for your furry friend. 

Build a routine

• Sticking to a routine can greatly reduce a cat’s stress and anxiety and should encourage positive behavior.  
• Feed your furry feline in the same place at the same time each day. 
• Schedule in regular playtime - this doesn’t need to be put in the diary, but make sure your feline friend has a chance to let off steam at regular intervals. 

Be consistent 

• If your furry friend isn’t usually allowed to sleep on the bed at night, as a cat sitter, you shouldn’t be allowing them to do so either. The danger in letting things slide “some of the time” is that your furry friend won’t understand when it’s okay and when it’s not. This confusion can cause cats to feel unstable and unsure about their surroundings.

Now you know the basics of creating a cat-friendly environment for cat sitters, it’s important to remember that every cat has different needs. Some cats may need more space than others, some may need access to more than the listed “essentials”, and some may prefer to enjoy playtime on their own. Chat to the pet parents about what’s expected of you before starting the sit so that you know exactly how to create the perfect cat-friendly house for their particular puss. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.