Cat sitter essentials

We know all too well how hard it can be to spend time away from your favourite furry friend. So we created an essential cat sitter list to provide you with everything you need to know to make this separation go smoothly. With our help and a little preparation, trusting your cat with a cat sitter can be easy.

Whether for a work trip, a holiday or even just a weekend away, there will inevitably come a time when you will have to leave your cat home alone. So how can you be sure they’ll still be taken great care of? Enter a cat sitter.

Do I need a cat sitter?

Cats have a pretty strong reputation as solitary pets. And while it’s true they like to spend copious amounts of alone time, that doesn’t mean they should be left to their own devices for too long. In general, most vets agree that cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours so long as they have access to fresh water, food and a litter box. And don’t forget a comfortable place to sleep like the Maya Donut Cat Bed!

So how do you know if you need to solicit the help of a cat sitter? If you have travel plans that will keep you away for longer than a day, it’s time to schedule some cat care help. And as a responsible pet parent, identifying a reliable cat sitter is an important part of owning a cat.

How to choose a cat sitter

Choosing the right cat sitter for your kitty is not an impossible task. In fact, sometimes the best cat sitters are friends, family or neighbours that your cat knows well and feels comfortable around. But before you hire a familiar face or a professional sitter to take care of your cat, here are some questions you should be sure to ask:

What services do they offer? Depending on how long your travels will take you away from home, you need to decide exactly what you want your cat sitter to do. Ask ahead of time if the sitter offers more than just a once-a-day stop to refresh water and food. Some cat sitters may be able to change out litter boxes or even have an outdoor play session with kitty if you have an outdoor cat enclosure.
What experience do they have? While your cat sitter doesn’t have to be a professional of over 20 years (although that would be great!), it is important that they’re knowledgeable about cat care. Most reputable cat sitters will be happy to tell you about their experience and everything they offer.
What should they do in an emergency? The best protocol for any animal emergency is a well-understood plan. No matter who you choose as your cat sitter, you need to provide contact information for your veterinarian. And then communicate with your cat care provider what they should do in the event of an emergency so everyone is on the same page.

Getting ready for your cat sitter

If you have human children, you know all too well how important lists are when leaving them in the care of a babysitter or family member. Making sure the essentials are met and routines are carried out, as usual, allows everyone to feel more at ease. Well, the same goes for your cat when leaving them with a cat sitter. Here are some examples of information you should include on your list when preparing to leave your cat with a cat sitter.

Your emergency contact details. Make sure you include any time zone changes in your travel and multiple points of contact, if possible. You don’t want to miss out on a fun FaceTime with your furry friend while you’re away!
Your veterinarian’s contact information. Be sure to go over a plan of action on when the cat sitter should call you or the vet first.
Details on your cat’s microchip if applicable. If your cat doesn’t have a microchip but enjoys outside play in a safely enclosed area, be sure you at least have a collar on them that includes your contact information.
Feeding instructions. Include where the food is kept, how much your cat should eat, and what time each day they should be fed. Overcommunication is always key to avoiding overfeeding!
Daily routine. For example, maybe your cat likes to play with cat toys after breakfast and then curl into their cosy cat bed for a long morning snooze. The more your cat sitter knows about your cat’s routine, the more comfortable your cat will be while you are away.
Potty particulars. When it comes to cleaning your cat’s litter box, make sure your cat sitter knows your cat’s bathroom etiquette. All-in-one furniture-style litter boxes like the Maya Cat Litter Box designed by Omlet are great options for your cat and cat sitters alike. Easy to clean and refill with new kitty litter, this litter box is an essential to have in your home all the time, not just when you’re away.

Omlet and your cat

Making sure your cat is comfortable is central to all of our designs – especially when you have to be away from your feline friend. Ensuring you create a stress-free environment for your cat starts with products that make them feel warm and comfortable. So before you hire a cat sitter for your next trip away from home, be sure your cat has a snuggly warm cat bed, plenty of snooze-worthy cat blankets, and several playful cat toys, such as cat scratching posts, to engage those senses. With these Omlet products and your cat sitter essentials, both you and your cat will stay happy when you have to be away from home.