Finding the right cat sitter can make a big difference when you are away from home. Cats may seem independent, but they still need fresh food, clean water, a clean litter box, attention, and someone who understands their routine.
Whether you are booking drop-in visits, house sitting, or cat boarding, asking the right questions before confirming can help you feel more confident and make sure your cat is cared for properly.
Here are the most important things to ask and share before booking a cat sitter.
1. Do you have experience caring for cats?
Not every pet sitter has the same level of experience with cats. Some sitters mostly care for dogs, while others are very comfortable with shy cats, senior cats, kittens, or cats with specific routines.
Before booking, ask:
- How long have you been caring for cats?
- Have you cared for kittens or senior cats?
- Have you cared for cats with medication or special feeding needs?
A good cat sitter should understand that cats have different personalities. Some cats want playtime and attention. Others prefer space, patience, and a calm presence.
2. What type of cat care do you offer?
Before booking, make sure the sitter offers the type of care your cat needs.
Common cat care options include:
Drop-in visits: A sitter comes to your home to feed your cat, refresh water, clean the litter box, and spend time with them.
House sitting: A sitter stays in your home, which can be helpful for cats who need more company, medication, or a consistent routine.
Cat boarding: Your cat stays in the sitter's home. This can work for some social cats, but it may not be the best fit for cats who get stressed in new environments.
On Hello Marshy, you can browse local cat sitters and check which services each sitter offers before reaching out.
3. Will you follow my cat's routine?
Cats usually do best when their routine stays consistent. Before booking a cat sitter, ask if they are comfortable following your instructions closely.
You may want to share details like:
- Feeding times
- Wet food or dry food instructions
- Litter box routine
- Favourite toys
- Hiding spots
- Medication instructions
- Any rooms or areas that are off-limits
This is especially important if your cat is nervous, elderly, picky with food, or easily stressed.
4. Are you available for the visit length I need?
On Hello Marshy, pet parents can choose the visit length that works best for their cat's routine. Some cats may only need a shorter visit for food, water, and litter, while others may benefit from a longer visit with playtime, brushing, medication, or extra company.
Before booking, ask:
- Are you available for the visit length I need?
- What would you typically include during that time?
- Can you send updates or photos after the visit?
For many cats, a visit is not just about food and litter. It is also a chance for the sitter to check that your cat is eating normally, using the litter box, and acting like themselves.
5. Will you send updates while I'm away?
Updates can give you peace of mind, especially if this is your first time leaving your cat with a sitter.
Ask the sitter if they can send:
- Photos
- Short updates
- Feeding confirmations
- Litter box notes
- Medication confirmations, if needed
- Any changes in behaviour
Even a quick message can help you relax while you are away.
6. Are you comfortable giving medication?
If your cat takes medication, do not assume every sitter will be comfortable giving it.
Ask directly:
- Have you given cat medication before?
- Are you comfortable with pills, liquid medication, or topical medication?
If your cat needs insulin, inhalers, injections, or more advanced care, be very clear before booking and choose someone with relevant experience.
7. What emergency instructions should I leave for the sitter?
Before your booking starts, make sure your sitter knows exactly what to do if something unexpected happens. Even if your cat is healthy, it is helpful to leave clear instructions so the sitter is not guessing in a stressful moment.
Share details like:
- Your vet's name, phone number, and address
- The nearest emergency vet clinic
- Your preferred instructions if your cat seems sick or injured
- A backup contact, such as a family member, friend, or neighbour
- Any medical history the sitter should know
- What symptoms you would want to be contacted about right away
- Whether the sitter has permission to take your cat to the vet if they cannot reach you
You can also let the sitter know what is normal for your cat. For example, if your cat hides from new people, skips food sometimes, or has a sensitive stomach, sharing that context can help the sitter understand what is normal and what may be a concern.
8. Do you have other pets in the home?
This question is especially important if you are considering cat boarding.
Some cats are fine around other animals, while others become very stressed. If your cat is staying in someone else's home, ask:
- Do you have cats or dogs?
- Do you board multiple pets at once?
- Is your home quiet?
If your cat is nervous, territorial, or not used to other pets, in-home drop-in visits or house sitting may be a better option than boarding.
9. Can we discuss my cat's personality before booking?
Every cat is different. A good sitter should want to understand your cat before caring for them.
Tell the sitter if your cat is:
- Shy
- Social
- A door dasher
- Aggressive when scared
- Sensitive to noise
- Not friendly with strangers
This helps the sitter approach your cat in the right way and avoid unnecessary stress.
10. How do payments and bookings work?
For safety, it is best to book and pay through a secure platform instead of sending cash or e-transfers to someone you do not know.
Booking through a platform like Hello Marshy helps keep your booking details, payment, sitter communication, and support in one place. It also gives both the pet parent and sitter a clearer record of the care being arranged.
Final thoughts
The right cat sitter should make you feel confident, not rushed. Before booking, take time to ask about experience, services, availability, updates, rates, and your cat's specific routine.
Before the booking starts, share clear care instructions, emergency contacts, and vet information so your sitter knows exactly what to do while you are away.
Whether your cat needs drop-in visits, overnight house sitting, or a sitter who understands anxious cats, asking the right questions helps you find someone who is a good match.
If you are looking for a local cat sitter, Hello Marshy helps you browse sitter profiles, message sitters before booking, and book securely through the platform.
Your cat gets care that fits their routine, and you get peace of mind while you are away.
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