So, your friend needs a cat-sitter for the weekend, and you want to help them out? Well, kudos for being an amazing friend. You’re thinking might be cool to cuddle up with this cute bundle of joy on the sofa. Who could blame you? Cats are extremely lovable and snuggly. However, taking care of cats can be a challenging task, especially if you’re a first-time cat-sitter. Therefore, you shouldn’t take this decision lightly. Perhaps, be good to let your friend know about the option of contacting a local Professional Cat Sitter. Prepare yourself for more than cuddling and playing with this feline friend. So in order to help we curated for you a list of things to consider before you offer to be a cat sitter.
Before you offer to be a cat-sitter, you’ll have to think about some serious stuff.
Cat Sitter are you Allergic to cat hair?
One of the first things to consider before you offer to be a cat-sitter is your allergy status. Are you allergic to cat hair or not? You don’t want to take on this cat-sitting gig and then realize you can’t because you’re constantly sneezing in its presence. Also, if you’re sitting in your home, the cat’s hair, furballs, and dander will remain in the house for some time. So, make sure you can handle it all. Your health is important, so go to the allergist and check.
The home you are cat-sitting at?
Some sitting gigs will take place at your house. If that’s the case, you have to prepare for some unwanted scenarios. Many cats, and other animals, may behave differently when they’re in unknown territory. So, don’t be surprised if they start destroying your belongings. That’s why you adjust the surroundings to them. Additionally, if you have a pet of your own, think about how they will get along and what you will do if they don’t.
On the other hand, if you’re cat-sitting at the owner’s house, you have to be extra careful with their belongings. Yes, the cat will be in a familiar place, so you won’t have the problems we mentioned earlier. However, get acquainted with the house rules and follow them while you’re cat-sitting.
Additionally, you may notice that the owner doesn’t have many valuable items displayed in the house. That’s because many pet owners choose to downsize and live in a clutter-free household. The less stuff they own, the fewer unwanted accidents happen. It’s just more convenient if you have a pet, especially a cat, they like to climb everywhere.
You can cat-sit at your home or at the owner’s – either way, you have to be prepared for any possible scenario that may come.
As Cat Sitter how will you handle emergencies?
Before you start cat-sitting, you must think about emergencies. They don’t happen often, but you must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. It would be best to talk this through with the owner. Having their phone number is a must. It’s always wise to have the vet’s number as well. Also, know if you are allowed to make medical decisions on your own, or you have to call the owner or the vet first. Additionally, some cats have common emergencies that can be handled easily, so make sure to familiarize yourself with these kinds of situations as well.
Feeding: What, When, and How?
Feeding the cat is a huge part of sitting. Therefore, you must know what food the cat eats and what’s the feeding schedule. Ask the owner if their cat has special needs food-wise: prescription foods, or a weight-loss diet modification, allergies, etc. Additionally, check if the cat has a specific reaction to the food so that you can be prepared for everything.
Ask the owner what, when and how often you should feed the cat. Also, don’t forget to ask for the tricks used to encourage the cat to eat. For example, started a new diet and are not eager to eat, you’ll have to warm it a little bit or add little water to the bowl. Also, cats need plenty of water, so don’t forget about that either! All things considered; feeding should be on top of your list of things to consider before you offer to be a cat-sitter.
Knowing a cat’s feeding routine is one of the most important things when it comes to cat-sitting.
How will you give medication, if needed?
From daily meds for therapeutic interventions to nutritional supplements and flea prevention, you should be aware of any medical treatments the cat you’re sitting may require—and how to provide them. Some treatments will be simple (such as handing a treat or putting it into food), while others (like insulin or an inhaler) may need more instruction. It’s essential to feel at ease with this, and prior experience is beneficial. To ensure that the cat’s treatment is accurate and constant, the owner must provide you with a complete inventory of all medications and dosages.
How will you bond with the cat?
Being a good cat-sitter means creating a bond with the pet. Build a foundation of trust and cuddles if you want this to succeed. Do this properly ask the owner about their cat’s likes and dislikes. Check what the cat’s specific preferences and some personality traits are. You don’t want to have a loud approach with a shy cat, right? Make sure you start on the right foot.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are some things to consider before you offer to be a cat-sitter. While it can be extremely rewarding, it can also turn into a disaster if you’re not properly prepared. Therefore, make sure to have all the information you need about the pet, its needs, house rules, and owner’s expectations before you make any decisions. Happy cat-sitting!
