Find a Cat Sitter – three tips to make the right choice
21 Jan 2020.
Once you have decided to use a cat sitter, you need to select the right individual for the job!
Before going away, you need to book a cat minder who can provide the level of service you need – whether that be daily visits or overnight care.
Here are Cat in a Flat’s top tips on finding a reliable cat sitter near you:
1. Find a local cat sitter you can trust
Cat in a Flat has designed a service to make sure you can find a cat sitter you can trust. Follow the steps below to select a carer you know will be a safe pair of hands.
Read cat sitters’ profiles carefully
Each cat carer has a personal profile description. Read each sitter’s profile carefully to get an idea of who they are and what cat sitting services they offer. Cat minders set their rates and availability, and each profile features reviews from previous jobs. Every piece of information is there to help you make an informed decision on who you would like to contact.
Engage with the cat sitter in an online conversation
When you are in the process of finding the best cat sitter, it’s advisable to contact two or three candidates. That way, you can see who replies the quickest and compare their responses. Pet sitters should reply within 24hrs, be polite, enthusiastic and have constructive questions or replies to your queries.
Invite your favourite cat sitter for a free meet and greet
Once you have decided on your preferred cat sitter, you should invite them for an interview. Sitters should come and meet you and Mr Whiskers to make sure you feel that you can trust them implicitly. Always go with your gut when interviewing possible cat nannies. Your impression of your initial online conversation should be reflected in their behaviour when you meet them. Cat sitters should be interested in your kitty and be proactive in asking questions about their routine, likes and dislikes. If they seem uninterested, you might need to find an alternative sitter.
2. How do I find a cat sitter who is reliable, competent and experienced?
You need to know you can rely on your cat minder to do more than refill bowls and clean the litter box. These tips may help you when it comes to finding your cat sitter:
- See if your cat carer has owned a kitty of their own. Most of the cat sitters that are part of the Cat in a Flat community have personal experience in caring for a kitty. By speaking to them about their background, you will get a good idea of how they will care for your cat.
- Ask your prospective cat minder if they have any qualifications. While this is not essential, it might be relevant if you have a cat with a complex medical problem. You can find a cat sitter competent in administering medication and who will be quick to detect problems and changes in behaviour.
- Ask your cat sitter what they do for a living. Their daily routine gives you an insight into their roles and responsibilities. And you can tell if their daily rhythm works within your requirements or not. You will want a carer who has enough time to spend with your kitty.
- Find out whether your cat sitter knows what to do in an emergency. Your carer should be aware of what steps to take if something goes wrong. And they should be relied upon to act in your cat’s best interests at all times.
- Ask your prospective cat sitter whether they are familiar with different breeds and the care they require. If you own a particular breed that requires grooming or special attention, you need to know your cat carer is comfortable with the responsibility of looking after them.
3. Arrange a trial booking
You should get to know your cat sitter to see if they are a good fit for you and your fur family. You will feel so much more comfortable if you know your pet sitter and can communicate clearly and honestly. If you are planning a long trip, you should consider booking a trial day a few weeks before you leave. A trial booking has several advantages, including:
- You will have the chance to assess how they get along with your cat.
- You can check how your kitty reacts to being cared for by a new person.
- It will give your cat sitter the chance to familiarise and orientate themselves within your home.
- You can go through your cat’s routine and any medication they require in detail.
- You can introduce your cat sitter to your neighbours so that they are aware a new person will be visiting your home.
IMPORTANT: To avoid any misunderstanding, always confirm your booking through Cat in a Flat and leave clear instructions for your cat sitter.
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