How To Be a Cat Sitter

Being a cat sitter means that someone has entrusted you with the care and well-being of their pet. Cats are more self-sufficient than other animals, like dogs, but it takes more to be a cat sitter than simply having room for the cat's litter box in your home. Whether the cat is staying at his owner's house or at your home, it takes effort to be a good cat sitter. Here's how to be a cat sitter:

1. Learn the cat's temperament beforehand. If you've never met the cat you will be watching, ask the owner about the cat's usual behavior. Should you expect the cat to want to curl up in your lap, or is the cat more likely to hide from strangers? When watching a cat in the owner's home, ask about the cat's favorite hiding places so you know where to find the cat when you come to take care of him. You should also ask for the veterinarian's phone number and the contact information for the closest animal emergency clinic, just in case something should happen to the cat while the owner is gone.
2. Food and water. Assuming that you are caring for the cat in the owner's home, open the door slowly if the cat must stay indoors. Cooped-up cats have a habit of darting out the door if it's opened just a couple of inches. Your first step is to make sure the cat has fresh food or water. The owner should leave you with the cat's usual food. Changing a cat's food can irritate their stomach and make the time away from their owner all the more difficult.
3. Fresh litter. Once the cat has fresh food and water, cleaning the litter box is the other essential daily step. Scoop the litter box and make sure there is still enough clean litter in the box.
4. Entertainment and companionship. Cats get lonely, just like people do, so be sure to visit the cat while you're there. If you can't find the cat, call the his name, and look in his favorite hiding places. If you can't find him one day, come back later to search again. Cats are very good at hiding, but it's normal to feel worried if you haven't seen the cat for more than a day. If the cat seems fearful or shy, don't be too aggressive when trying to play or pet the cat, or you may end up with scratches or bite marks.

If your neighbor, friend, or family member has asked you to cat sit while they're away on vacation, don't worry. Even if you don't have pets of your own, cats are fairly self-sufficient, and require just a little daily care from the cat sitter. As long as they have the basics, like food, water, a litter box, and companionship, the cat should stay happy until its owners return.