What to consider when someone takes care of your beloved felines

By Midge Raymond

Unlike dogs, cats are not travel friendly. Despite the abundance of social media posts of cats in cars, on boats or in backpacks, most cats prefer nothing more than to stay in their own environment even when you’re not there. And while some dogs enjoy going to a boarding facility where they have play groups and lots of social time, boarding for cats usually means they spend your vacation in a kennel. The best option, if possible, is to keep your felines at home and have a trusted human come in to care for them.

Your cat sitter may be a neighbor, a friend or a professional who is licensed, bonded and insured. To find the right human, ask for recommendations from family and friends, your vet or the rescue where you adopted your kitty. Also consider cost: while a friend or family member may look after your cats for free or for a trade when they go out of town, professional pet sitting fees range from $25 to $50 per day for visits, and from $70 to $100 or more for overnight stays. 

Here are a few tips arranging your cats’ care while you’re away. 

Know what your cats need

At the minimum, you’ll need your cat sitter to feed your cats according to their usual schedule, to keep their litter boxes clean and to provide some enrichment in your absence. If your cats have other feline companions, they’ll have each other to play with, but solo felines especially need human company while you’re away; it’s not enough to have someone feed them and leave them alone. Contrary to popular opinion, cats actually love — and depend on — human company. So to avoid stress while you’re away, consider your feline situation and what will be the best option for your cat(s) in your absence. 

Find the right fit

Always have a prospective cat sitter meet the cats first, so you can see how your kitties react and whether they will be a good fit. Make sure the sitter is comfortable with your cat’s personality; whether your cats are shy or feisty, you’ll want to find someone who patiently and compassionately meets them where they are. 

Make sure the cat sitter can keep your cats’ routines so there’s as little disruption to them as possible. Cats dislike changes in their schedule and environment, so someone who can step in to meet the cats’ needs as closely as you do is the best person for the job.

Keep in mind that even the best cat sitter is still not you. While you’re away, your kitties may be a little stressed; they may not devour their food as enthusiastically or may not be playful. Let cat sitters know what your cat’s normal behavior is like, so they can let you know if anything is off.

If your cats are snugglers, or if you have a solo cat, do arrange for a sitter who spends the night. If your cats love to sleep with humans, let an overnight sitter know to expect this — and make sure they will love it as much as the cats do! For safety reasons, it’s also great to have someone in the house overnight and to have a car in the driveway while you’re away. Cat sitters can also bring in mail, water plants and otherwise look after your home, so this more expensive option can be well worth it. 

What the cat sitter needs (for the cats)

Provide notes with detailed information about the cats, both when the sitter first meets them as well as in the home for reference — you never know when the sitter might need a reminder about feeding, meds or other cat details. As one example, for many years, we had two black cats who looked very much alike and one of whom needed medication, so we had to detail exactly how to tell the two apart.

And speaking of medication, if needed, have a list of medicines and dosages; it’s helpful to leave a file with all of their medical information, microchip info and veterinarian contact info — you might also leave a credit card on file at your vet, in case of an emergency. Note any allergies as well as food preferences. 

Be sure to include your own travel info, especially how to reach you in case of emergency. List at least one local emergency contact in case you can’t be reached — someone who is nearby and who knows your cat — for example, in case the cat needs to be handled or coaxed out of a hiding place. And speaking of hiding places, make a list of these places so your cat sitter can check that your cats are safe and no one has escaped. 

Be specific about feeding — what they eat and what times of day. This helps take some of the anxiety out of your being away. If you have shy or anxious cats, let your cat sitter know about treats (a.k.a. bribery) to make them feel more comfortable. 

Let cat sitters know about litter box habits, so they’ll be able to identify when something’s off that may require a call to the vet. Alert them to your cats’ favorite toys and sleeping spots and anything else that is part of their daily routine. 

For a good template, the cat box company Less Litter offers this detailed document can help you provide all your cat sitter will need to know.

What the cat sitter needs (for the human)

Let cat sitters know any essential information they may need about your home, from where the electric panel is to what the Wi-Fi password is. If your cat sitter will be staying in the house, make it comfortable; note how to access TV and streaming devices, clear out room in the fridge and prepare the guest room or sleeping spot. 

It’s a great idea to let your neighbors know a new face will be popping in and that a different car will be in the driveway. Your neighbors might also be good contacts for the sitter in case anything goes wrong. 

Finally, let your cat sitter know what you need while you’re away — cats aren’t the only ones who are anxious when you travel! Cat sitters will gladly send photos and texts letting kitty parents know how the kids are doing.

Ashland resident Midge Raymond is co-founder of Ashland Creek Press and author of the novels “Floreana” and “My Last Continent” and co-author of “Devils Island.” Email suggestions and questions for Catty Corner to her at [email protected].