Choosing the Right Cat Sitter: SOME Essential Tips
Table of Contents
There’s a reason people say cats and dogs are totally different animals—because, well, they are. And when it comes to pet care, those differences matter.
Caring for a cat while their human is away takes a unique understanding of feline behavior, needs, and routines. Whether you’re planning a vacation or just working long hours, hiring a professional cat sitter—one who truly understands cats—can make all the difference in your pet’s comfort, safety, and happiness.
Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing someone to care for your cat while you're away.
Cats Aren’t Just Low-Maintenance Dogs
Yes, cats can be more independent than dogs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need (or want) attention. While some cats are content with one daily visit, others need more interaction to feel secure, especially during longer absences. A good cat sitter knows how to read these cues and adjust the care plan accordingly.
Unlike dogs, cats:
Tend to hide when they’re unwell—so subtle changes in behavior, litter box use, or appetite are easy to miss unless your sitter knows what to look for
Often need special feeding schedules or medication (sometimes twice a day or more)
Can get messy—kicking litter, shedding fur, and even occasionally knocking over their water bowls
A skilled sitter doesn’t just feed and dash—they observe, clean up, and make sure everything is as it should be.
Why Experience (and Support) Matters
When you're trusting someone to care for your pet and home, experience matters—but so does having a reliable system and team behind that person. With platforms like Rover, you're often hiring individuals who provide pet care as a hobby, undercharge and overpromise, and may not have the training or support to manage real-life issues like:
Emergencies (medical or environmental)
A cat that suddenly stops eating or using the litter box
Escapes or unexpected behavior changes
Medication refusals or sudden GI issues (hello, mystery vomit)
What to Look For in a Cat Sitter
Here are the key traits to look for in a qualified, professional sitter:
✅ They are Experienced
There’s no substitute for experience. A seasoned cat sitter knows how to gently coax out a shy kitty, safely give medications, manage mealtime quirks, and spot subtle red flags that others might miss.
✅ They are Patient
Cats take time to warm up. A good sitter doesn’t force it—they let the relationship build naturally. If a sitter is too hands-on, too fast, it can stress out even the friendliest feline.
✅ They are Observant
Because cats are so good at hiding pain or discomfort, it’s critical your sitter notices the little things: Are they eating less? Is their litter box use different? Did they vomit or skip the windowsill perch they usually love?
✅ They are Communicative
You deserve to know how your cat is doing each day—not just that someone “showed up.” A strong sitter will send photos, updates, and flag anything unusual right away. You should never feel like you’re chasing information.
✅ They are Flexible
Every cat is different. Some do fine with one visit a day. Others, especially kittens or those with separation anxiety, may benefit from two visits, or a combination of quick “pop-ins” and longer social check-ins. Your sitter should work with you to design a plan that fits your cat.
Pro tip: At The Perfect Pooch NYC, we often create customized visit combos—like a 15-minute pop-in in the morning for meds and litter, and a 30–40 minute afternoon session for playtime and cuddles.
Pet Sitting vs. Pet Boarding for Cats
While boarding can work well for dogs who love new environments and playgroups, cats are creatures of habit who usually prefer the comfort of home. Removing a cat from their territory can lead to stress, digestive issues, and behavioral changes.
Unless your cat needs 24/7 medical monitoring, in-home pet sitting is almost always the least stressful option.
And if your cat does need more attention—whether it’s frequent medication, anxiety support, or just some extra love while you’re away—overnight care can be a great solution. Just be sure to ask what’s included, as some sitters only cover the sleeping hours and charge extra for day visits.
The Bottom Line
Whether your cat is independent, cuddly, quirky, or a little of everything, they deserve a sitter who respects and understands them. It’s not just about feeding and scooping—it’s about trust, safety, and attention to detail.
Hiring a professional cat sitting company ensures you have trained caregivers, backup support, and a team that treats your pet and your home with care.
Your cat will thank you. (Eventually. Maybe. You know how they are.)
Want to dive deeper in with a full guide and checklist for hiring a cat sitter? Check this out:
At The Perfect Pooch NYC, we’re a professional team with decades of experience, support systems in place, and high standards for training, accountability, and communication. When you hire a company like ours, you’re not just getting a sitter—you’re getting a trusted partner in your cat’s well-being. If interested, check out our Cat Care page for more information and feel free to reach out to us at anytime!