Finding the right person to care for your cat while you’re away is super important! I know how stressful it can be to leave your furry friend with someone new.
Cats have specific needs and personalities that require special attention, and not all pet sitters have the skills or experience to properly care for them.
Asking the right questions before hiring a cat sitter can help you avoid potential problems and ensure your cat receives the best possible care. I’ve learned through my own experiences (and some unfortunate mishaps) that taking the time to thoroughly interview potential sitters is totally worth it.
A good cat sitter should be able to handle emergencies, respect your home, and most importantly, keep your cat happy and healthy until you return.
Why do you like being a pet sitter?
This question helps you understand a potential sitter’s motivation! When I interviewed cat sitters, I discovered this question reveals so much about their character and dedication.
A great cat sitter will light up when talking about their love for animals. They might share stories about their own pets or how caring for cats brings them joy.
Be wary of answers focused mainly on money or convenience. While pet sitting is a job, passion should shine through their response.
Look for sitters who mention specific things they enjoy about cats – like their playful nature, unique personalities, or the satisfaction of keeping them comfortable in their home environment.
Red flags include vague answers or responses that suggest they’re just doing it as a side gig with little enthusiasm. Your furry friend deserves someone who genuinely cares!
The best responses often include examples of how they’ve gone above and beyond for pets in the past. This shows they truly understand that your cat is family, not just a job.
How do you manage behavioral problems?
Cats can get a bit moody when their humans are away! I always want to know how my sitter will handle those kitty tantrums or anxious behaviors.
A good cat sitter should ask about your cat’s temperament before you even bring this up. They should want to know if your furball gets stressed, hides, or acts out when left alone.
Listen carefully to their answer! Do they have a gentle approach to coaxing shy cats out? Will they respect your cat’s space if they need it?
Red flags pop up if they mention punishment or seem annoyed by the question. Your cat’s behavior isn’t “bad” – they’re just being cats!
I love when sitters share specific examples of how they’ve helped anxious cats in the past. Maybe they sit quietly reading a book until a shy cat approaches, or they know exactly which toys might distract an upset kitty.
The best sitters understand cat body language and know when to engage and when to back off. They should never force interaction with a stressed cat!
Are you insured or bonded?
When I’m looking for a cat sitter, I always ask about insurance and bonding! It’s super important for my peace of mind and protection.
Professional pet sitters who are serious about their business typically carry liability insurance. This covers accidents or damages that might happen while they’re caring for your cat or in your home.
Bonding is another layer of protection! It safeguards you against theft or dishonesty. If something goes missing during their time in your home, you’re covered.
Red flags start waving if a sitter seems uncomfortable with this question or gives vague answers. Any hesitation here might mean they’re not fully professional.
The best sitters will proudly tell you about their coverage! They might even belong to professional associations like NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters), which often requires members to be insured.
I always ask to see proof of insurance too. Legitimate sitters will have no problem showing documentation. This simple step gives me confidence I’m hiring someone trustworthy and prepared for unexpected situations!
What is your training philosophy?
I believe this is one of the most telling questions you can ask a potential cat sitter! Their answer reveals so much about how they’ll interact with your feline friend.
A good cat sitter should emphasize positive reinforcement techniques. They should talk about patience, respect for your cat’s boundaries, and using treats or play as rewards.
Watch out for anyone who mentions punishment or dominance-based methods! These outdated approaches can stress your cat out. Nobody wants a traumatized kitty when they return home!
I love hearing sitters explain how they adapt to each cat’s personality. Some cats are social butterflies who crave attention, while others prefer more space. The best sitters recognize these differences.
Red flags include sitters who seem dismissive of cat behavior issues or those who can’t clearly explain how they’d handle common situations like a scared cat or medication administration.
Ask for specific examples of how they’ve handled challenging cats in the past. Their stories will tell you volumes about their real approach beyond just the buzzwords!
How will you ease my pet’s separation anxiety?
Many cats experience separation anxiety when their owners leave. A good cat sitter should have strategies to help your furry friend feel comfortable during your absence.
I always look for sitters who suggest longer visits rather than quick check-ins. The search results confirm that house sits or extended drop-in visits can significantly reduce separation anxiety in pets.
A quality sitter might mention providing interactive toys like food puzzles or sniff mats. These keep your cat mentally stimulated and distracted from your absence!
Red flags include sitters who seem annoyed when you mention separation anxiety. If they dismiss your concerns or don’t have any strategies to help, that’s a big warning sign!
I love when sitters ask about your cat’s routine and favorite comfort items. The best ones will try to maintain your cat’s normal schedule to minimize stress.
Some great sitters even offer to send you updates and photos throughout their visits. This isn’t just reassuring for you – it shows they’re spending quality time with your anxious pet!
Can you provide references?
Asking for references is a must when hiring a cat sitter! A reliable sitter should have no problem providing contacts from previous clients who can vouch for their service.
I always recommend asking for at least 2-3 references. This gives you a better picture of their experience and reliability. When a sitter immediately offers references without hesitation, it’s usually a good sign!
Don’t skip checking these references! When you call, ask specific questions about the sitter’s punctuality, how they handled any issues, and if they followed instructions well.
A red flag? If a cat sitter can’t or won’t provide references. This could indicate they’re new (which isn’t always bad) or that previous clients weren’t satisfied.
Another warning sign is if they provide references but those people are difficult to reach or give vague answers. Trust your gut feelings here!
Experienced sitters often have reviews or testimonials ready to share. Some may even have a website with client feedback that you can browse before making your decision.
Are you knowledgeable about pet health?
I always ask potential cat sitters about their pet health knowledge because it’s super important! A good cat sitter should recognize when my fur baby might be feeling under the weather.
They should know basic signs of illness in cats, like changes in appetite, unusual litter box habits, or lethargy. When I’m away, I want someone who can spot these issues quickly!
I love asking specific questions about what they’d do if my cat vomited multiple times or stopped eating. Their response tells me a lot about their experience level.
A great cat sitter should also be familiar with common cat medications and how to administer them. Many cats need daily meds, and proper administration is crucial.
Red flags include vague answers or dismissive attitudes about health concerns. If they say something like “cats are pretty self-sufficient,” that’s a big warning sign!
I always feel more confident leaving my kitty with someone who has basic pet first aid knowledge. Bonus points if they’ve taken a pet first aid course!
Do you have experience with cats specifically?
When I’m looking for a cat sitter, I always make sure to ask about their specific experience with cats. Not all pet sitters are cat experts!
Cats have unique behaviors, body language, and needs that differ from dogs and other pets. A great cat sitter should understand these differences.
I want to know if they’ve actually owned cats themselves or just worked with them professionally. Both can be valuable! Someone who has lived with cats likely understands their quirky personalities and habits.
Ask how many cats they’ve cared for in the past. More experience often means they’ve encountered different cat personalities and situations.
Red flags include sitters who talk mostly about dog experience or seem to lack basic cat knowledge. If they can’t tell you how to recognize signs of stress in cats or don’t understand litter box basics, that’s concerning!
The best sitters can share specific stories about cats they’ve cared for. This shows they’ve truly connected with cats and gained real experience.
Remember, cats need special understanding and attention. Your furry friend deserves someone who truly “gets” cats!
What is your emergency plan if something goes wrong?
I can’t stress this enough – emergencies happen! A good cat sitter should have a clear plan ready if your kitty gets sick or injured.
Ask them what steps they’ll take if they find your cat unwell. Will they call you first? Do they have a preferred vet they work with? This shows they’ve thought ahead!
The search results mention that sitters should discuss health concerns during the initial meeting. This is super important! Make sure your sitter knows about any existing conditions your cat has.
Also find out if they have backup support. What if the sitter gets sick or has an emergency themselves? You need to know who’ll be caring for your fur baby if the primary sitter can’t make it.
Request that they document the emergency plan in writing. Having contact info for vets, neighbors, and backup sitters all in one place gives amazing peace of mind!
Remember to provide your sitter with your cat’s medical history and vet contact info. Together you can create the perfect safety net for your precious kitty!
1How often will you update me about my cat?
When I’m away from my furry baby, I want to know they’re doing well! A good cat sitter should send regular updates without me having to ask constantly.
Find out if your potential sitter offers daily check-ins or updates after each visit. Some amazing sitters will even send cute photos of your kitty enjoying their time at home!
What kind of details will they include? Will they just mention that they visited, or will they tell you if your cat ate well, played, or seemed happy? These little details can make such a difference when you’re missing your pet!
I always appreciate sitters who proactively communicate any concerns. If my cat seems unusually quiet or isn’t eating normally, I want to know right away, not when I get home.
A great sitter should understand that these updates aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential for my peace of mind! If a sitter seems annoyed by requests for regular updates, that’s definitely a red flag for me.
What activities will you do with my cat?
Finding a cat sitter who’ll give your furry friend proper attention is super important! I always ask potential sitters what specific activities they plan to do during their visits.
Most cats need more than just food and water. A good sitter should offer playtime with your cat’s favorite toys to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
I love when sitters mention brushing or grooming as part of their service. This shows they understand cat care goes beyond the basics!
Ask if they’ll spend time talking to or petting your cat. Some kitties are social butterflies who crave human interaction, especially when their owners are away.
For high-energy cats, find out if the sitter will engage in interactive play sessions with wand toys or laser pointers. These activities help prevent boredom and reduce anxiety while you’re gone.
Red flags include sitters who can’t name specific activities or those who say they’ll “just feed and go.” Your cat deserves someone who’ll give them proper attention and care during each visit!
Do you have a backup plan if you can’t make it?
Life happens! Even the most reliable cat sitter might face an emergency that prevents them from caring for your feline friend. That’s why I always recommend asking about backup plans.
A professional cat sitter should have a contingency plan ready. This might include a trusted colleague who can step in or a network of other pet sitters they can call on short notice.
When I interviewed sitters for my own cats, I was amazed at how many hadn’t thought about this scenario! The best sitters immediately explained their backup systems without hesitation.
Red flags include sitters who get defensive about this question or those who can’t provide a clear answer. If they say something vague like “I’ve never missed a visit,” that’s not reassuring enough!
For longer trips especially, backup plans are crucial. Ask if their substitute sitter is bonded and insured too, and whether they’d introduce this person to you and your cat beforehand.
Understanding Your Cat’s Needs
Every cat has unique habits and requirements that a sitter needs to know about. Understanding these specifics can make all the difference between a stressful experience and a happy kitty while you’re away!
Behavioral Considerations
Does your cat hide when strangers visit? My shy tabby took three days to warm up to my last sitter! Be sure to tell potential sitters about your cat’s personality quirks and social preferences.
Some cats need playtime with specific toys, while others prefer being left alone. I always point out my cat’s favorite spots and weird habits—like how she only drinks from a running faucet!
Warning signs matter too! Make sure sitters know what behaviors might indicate stress or illness in your particular cat. My friend’s sitter caught her cat’s UTI early because she knew that peeing outside the litter box wasn’t normal.
Ask potential sitters: “How would you help my anxious cat feel comfortable?” Their answer reveals a lot about their experience with different feline personalities!
Special Requirements
Does your cat need medication? I had to demonstrate the “pill pocket technique” three times before feeling confident my sitter could handle my cat’s thyroid meds!
Special diets are critical too! My cat needs measured portions of prescription food twice daily—no exceptions. A good sitter will take detailed notes about feeding schedules and amounts.
Older cats or those with health conditions require extra attention. Be specific about what symptoms might require a vet visit. I always leave my vet’s number prominently displayed along with a care authorization letter.
Some cats need environmental accommodations—like keeping curtains open for sunbathing spots or maintaining a specific room temperature. Don’t assume sitters will know these details without your guidance!
Qualities of a Great Cat Sitter
Finding someone who will take excellent care of your feline friend requires looking for specific traits. The right cat sitter combines practical experience with excellent people skills.
Experience with Cats
I can’t stress enough how important it is to find a sitter who truly understands cats! Look for someone who has cared for multiple cats and different breeds. They should know how to read feline body language and recognize when a cat is stressed versus content.
Great cat sitters can tell you exactly how they’d handle common situations like a cat hiding under furniture or refusing to eat. They should be familiar with basic cat health issues and know when something requires veterinary attention.
Ask about their experience with administering medications if your cat needs them. A skilled sitter won’t just scoop litter and fill food bowls—they’ll provide mental stimulation and affection in a way that respects your cat’s personality and preferences.
Communication Skills
I’ve found that the best cat sitters are fantastic communicators! They should respond promptly to your messages and be clear about their availability and services.
During the initial meeting, notice if they ask detailed questions about your cat’s routine, preferences, and health needs. They should take notes or have a form to record important information.
Great sitters send updates with photos during your absence. These shouldn’t be generic messages but specific observations about your cat’s mood, appetite, and activities.
They should be honest about any issues that arise rather than hiding problems. If something goes wrong, they’ll contact you promptly with both the problem and their plan to address it.
Clear communication about scheduling, payment, and emergency protocols is essential for a stress-free experience for everyone involved!
Important Red Flags to Watch Out For
When searching for the perfect cat sitter, watching for warning signs can save you tons of worry and your kitty from potential stress! Look beyond a friendly smile and pay attention to these key red flags before handing over your house keys.
Lack of References
I always get nervous when a potential cat sitter can’t provide any references! This is a MAJOR red flag! A trustworthy sitter should happily share contact info from previous clients who can vouch for their reliability and pet care skills.
Be wary if they make excuses like “I’m new” but can’t offer personal references either. Even new sitters should have someone who can speak to their character and responsibility level.
Ask specifically for references from long-term clients. The best sitters maintain relationships with repeat clients who trust them completely. If they seem hesitant or defensive when you request references, that’s your cue to keep looking!
Negative Reviews
I can’t stress enough how important it is to check reviews! Look beyond the star rating and actually read what previous clients have written.
Pay special attention to repeated complaints about the same issues – this shows a pattern, not a one-time mistake!
Red flags in reviews include:
- Mentions of leaving pets alone too long
- Comments about missed visits
- Complaints about poor communication
- Notes about pets seeming stressed after the sitter’s care
Don’t ignore that gut feeling!
If multiple reviews mention that the sitter didn’t follow instructions or seemed rushed during visits, this isn’t the person for your precious kitty.
Your cat deserves someone who will give them the attention and care you’ve specified.
