Preparing for a Cat Sitter: What to Leave, Say and Check Before You Go

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Leaving your cat with a sitter can give you peace of mind, but only if the sitter knows what to do. A few hours of preparation before your trip can prevent mistakes, reduce stress and make emergencies easier to handle. This guide gives a checklist.

Choose and meet the sitter

Choose someone reliable, whether a friend, a professional or a neighbor. For a professional, check references, insurance and experience with cats. Ask about their experience with medication or special needs. Arrange a meeting before your trip, so that your cat meets the sitter while you are home. Show the sitter the house, the supplies and the cat's habits. See cat sitter vs boarding.

Write instructions

Provide a clear, written sheet:

• Feeding: type of food, amount, times, where it is stored, and what treats are allowed. See how much should I feed my cat.
• Water: where, and how to clean the fountain. See cat water fountains: worth it.
• Litter box: where, how often to scoop, where to put waste. See how often to clean a litter box.
• Medication: drug, dose, times and how your cat takes it. See how to give a cat a pill.
• Play and affection: favorite toys, and how long to play.
• Habits and quirks: hiding spots, fears, what to avoid.
• House details: alarm codes, thermostat, trash, mail.
• Signs of trouble: see below.

Emergency information

Leave:

• Your phone number and travel dates, with time zone.
• A backup contact, such as a neighbor or friend.
• Your vet's name, address and phone number. Use the US vet directory to confirm.
• The nearest emergency clinic.
• Written permission for the sitter to authorize emergency care, with a spending limit.
• Your cat's microchip number.
• A recent photo.
• Vaccination records.

Tell your vet that a sitter will be in charge. See cat first aid kit.

Prepare the home

• Stock extra food, litter and medicine.
• Put away hazards, such as toxic plants, cords and small objects. See cat proofing your home and toxic houseplants for cats.
• Check windows, screens and doors for escape routes.
• Leave a carrier accessible.
• Set the temperature safely.
• Leave a light on at night.
• Make sure the litter box is clean.
• Show the sitter where the cat likes to hide.

What the sitter should check

Ask the sitter to look for:

• Appetite and thirst.
• Litter box use, with normal urine and stool.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or limping.
• Hiding or lethargy.
• Open-mouth breathing.
• Straining in the litter box. See signs of a urinary blockage in cats.

Tell them to call the vet if something seems wrong. See cat emergency warning signs.

Staying in touch

Ask for a daily text with a photo. Agree on how and when you will talk. If you use cameras, tell the sitter. Do not expect instant replies, since sitters may be busy.

Visit frequency

Healthy adult cats do best with at least one visit a day. Kittens, seniors and cats on medication need two or more. Some cats are lonely, so ask for extra play time. See leaving a cat alone and cat separation anxiety.

Special cases

• Multi-cat homes. Provide notes on each cat, and feed separately. See aggression between cats.
• Shy cats. Ask the sitter to sit quietly and wait.
• Medical conditions. Practice medication with the sitter before you go.

Payment and thanks

Agree on payment and expenses in advance. Leave a thank-you note.

After you return

Check your cat's weight, appetite and behavior. If something seems off, call your vet.

Using technology wisely

A pet camera or a smart feeder can help you to check on your cat, but they should not replace visits. Test devices before you leave, make sure the sitter knows where they are, and respect the sitter's privacy. Share an app group where the sitter can post updates. Keep your phone charged, and agree on how you will be reached in an emergency, including an alternative contact if you are on a flight.

A sample instruction sheet

Keep it to one page, in plain language. Put the most important points first: feeding times and amounts, medication, emergency contacts and where the carrier is. Add a short note on your cat's personality, such as where it likes to be stroked and which noises scare it. Add a line on what is normal for your cat, so that the sitter can tell when something is wrong. Print a copy and keep a copy on the fridge.

When to see a vet

If your sitter reports a problem, call the vet. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.