How to prepare your cat for a cat sitter: a checklist

A little preparation makes the stay calmer for your cat and easier for the sitter. Go through this list a few days before you leave.

One or two weeks before

• Meet the sitter, ideally with the cat present.
• Check vaccinations and flea and worm treatment, especially for cat boarding.
• Make sure the microchip or tag details are up to date.

Food and supplies

• Food for the whole stay plus a few days extra — do not switch food right before the trip.
• Litter, a scoop and bags.
• Treats, toys and a blanket or bed that smells of home.
• For boarding: the carrier, the usual bowls and litter box if possible.

Health

• Medication with a written schedule and doses.
• Your vet’s contacts and the nearest 24-hour clinic.
• Written permission and a spending limit for a vet visit.

What to tell the sitter

• Feeding times and portions, what the cat refuses.
• Hiding places, habits and what frightens the cat.
• Normal behaviour: how much it usually eats, drinks and uses the litter box.
• How often you want photo updates.

For home visits

• Keys or a code, and a backup contact who also has access.
• Close windows that the cat could open; hide cables and plants that are toxic to cats.

In CatStay you can describe your cat’s care in its profile — food, medication, behaviour — so the sitter has everything in one place.