Planning a holiday or a weekend away? Hiring a cat sitter is a great way to keep your cat happy in their own home. But preparation is key to making the experience smooth and stress-free for both your pet and your sitter.
At Scamps & Champs Cat Sitting, we’ve cared for cats of all ages and personalities. Here’s how you can prepare your cat (and your home) for a successful visit.
1. Schedule a Meet & Greet
Before your trip, arrange a meeting between your cat and the sitter. This helps build familiarity and lets the sitter understand your cat’s temperament, routine, and preferences.
Tip: Cats may not always approach strangers — and that’s okay. Let your sitter observe from a distance without forcing interaction.
2. Stick to a Routine
Cats love predictability. Write out their daily schedule, including:
- Feeding times and amounts
- Litter box maintenance
- Favourite toys or games
- Hiding spots or off-limits areas
- Any medications or special needs
This helps the sitter mirror your cat’s usual routine as closely as possible.
3. Leave Emergency Info
Ensure your sitter has:
- Vet contact details
- Your emergency contact information
- Medical history or allergies
- Pet insurance details (if applicable)
Leave it somewhere visible, like on the fridge or in a pet care folder.
4. Stock Up on Supplies
Before you go, make sure you have enough of the following to last your entire trip:
- Food (wet & dry)
- Treats
- Cat litter
- Medication
- Cleaning supplies (just in case!)
Label everything clearly, especially if multiple brands or doses are used.
5. Secure Your Home
Your sitter will be entering and leaving your home while you’re away, so:
- Check doors, locks, and windows
- Let your sitter know about alarms or security codes
- Hide anything valuable or fragile
- Inform a trusted neighbour that a sitter will be visiting
6. Help Your Cat Feel at Ease
If your cat is shy or nervous:
- Leave out familiar-smelling items (blankets, beds, worn t-shirts)
- Keep their environment calm and unchanged
- Avoid rearranging furniture or introducing new items right before leaving
Let your sitter know if your cat has calming aids, such as Feliway diffusers or anxiety supplements.
7. Stay in Touch
Most professional sitters will send you daily updates and photos. Let them know how you’d prefer to communicate — via WhatsApp, email, or text.
At Scamps & Champs, our clients love receiving daily snapshots and updates for peace of mind while they’re away.
🐱 Final Thoughts
Preparing your cat for a sitter’s visit helps reduce anxiety and ensures they receive the care and attention they need in your absence. With a little planning, your cat will feel safe, content, and well-loved — all from the comfort of their own home.
Need reliable cat sitting in Stockport or Tameside? [Contact Scamps & Champs today] to book a professional cat sitter you (and your cat) can trust!
