The Ultimate Cat Sitter Checklist: Complete Care Guide

Planning a getaway or facing long workdays? As a devoted cat parent, you want to ensure your feline friend receives the best possible care while you’re away. Whether you’re hiring a drop-in cat sitter for a few hours or need overnight care, having the right cat sitter instructions makes all the difference.

I’m Monja Madan from Pet Watch, and as someone who shares my home with Toto, my independent yet affectionate cat, I understand the anxiety that comes with leaving our beloved pets. After years of experience and numerous successful pet-sitting arrangements, I’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you prepare the perfect cat-sitter instructions template.

Why a Detailed Cat Sitter Checklist Matters

Your cat thrives on routine and familiarity. A well-prepared checklist ensures your sitter can maintain your cat’s regular schedule, reducing stress for everyone involved. Additionally, clear instructions help prevent emergencies and provide you with peace of mind while you’re away.

When Toto first started staying with sitters, I learned the hard way that assuming “cats are easy” leads to problems. Now, my detailed instructions ensure every sitter knows exactly what to expect.

Essential Cat Sitter Instructions: What to Tell a Cat Sitter

Creating Your Cat’s Profile

Start with the basics that every cat sitter needs to know:

Personal Details:

Your cat’s full name and any nicknames
Age, breed, and physical description
Weight (significant for medication dosing)
Microchip information and registration details
A recent clear photo showing distinctive markings

Personality and Behavior:

Is your cat shy, social, or somewhere in between?
Favorite hiding spots when scared
How they typically react to strangers
Any behavioral quirks or triggers
Preferred ways to be petted or held

Toto, for example, loves being scratched behind his ears but will bolt if approached too quickly. These details help sitters build trust faster.

Detailed Feeding Instructions for Cat Sitters

Daily Feeding Schedule:

Exact meal times (cats are creatures of habit!)
Portion sizes for each meal
Type and brand of food
Location of food and treats
Water preferences (bowl, fountain, or both)

Special Dietary Considerations:

Any food allergies or sensitivities
Forbidden foods and treats
Medication mixed with food
Whether your cat is a fast or slow eater

Pro tip: Leave pre-measured portions in labeled containers for easy access. This prevents overfeeding and makes the sitter’s job easier.

Litter Box Management Guidelines

Clean litter boxes are crucial for your cat’s health and happiness. Your cat sitter instructions should include:

How often to scoop (usually twice daily)
Complete litter change frequency
Type of litter preferred
Location of supplies
Disposal method for waste
Signs of health issues to watch for

I always tell sitters that changes in Toto’s litter box habits are often the first sign something’s wrong, so monitoring is essential.

Exercise and Enrichment Activities

Even indoor cats need mental and physical stimulation:

Daily Activity Requirements:

Preferred toys and games
Play session duration and frequency
Interactive puzzle feeders or treat dispensers
Window perches for bird watching
Scratching post preferences

Indoor vs. Outdoor Access:

Whether your cat goes outside
Supervised outdoor time requirements
Harness and leash instructions (if applicable)
Catio or balcony access rules

Health and Medical Information

Essential Health Details:

Current medications and dosing schedules
Vaccination records and dates
Known health conditions
Signs of illness to watch for
Emergency symptoms requiring immediate vet care

Veterinary Information:

Primary vet contact details and hours
After-hours emergency clinic information
Pet insurance details
Authorization for emergency treatment

Creating the Perfect Cat Sitter Instructions Template

Emergency Contact Information

Your template should include a complete emergency contact section:

Primary Contacts:

Your phone number and backup contact method
Travel itinerary with time zones
Local emergency contact (friend/family member)
Backup cat sitter in case of emergency

Professional Contacts:

Veterinarian details and authorization letter
Emergency animal hospital information
Pet Poison Control Hotline
Your home security/alarm company

Home-Specific Instructions

Daily Household Tasks:

Mail and package collection
Plant watering schedule
Trash and recycling day
Basic tidying expectations
Alarm system operation

House Rules and Guidelines:

Areas off-limits to the sitter
Visitor policy
Use of appliances and entertainment systems
Parking arrangements
WiFi password and home quirks

Red Flags: What to Watch Out for in Pet Sitters

After connecting countless pet parents with qualified sitters through Pet Watch, I’ve learned to identify warning signs:

Communication Red Flags:

Slow response times or poor communication
Reluctance to meet before the sit
Inability to provide references
Vague answers about experience

Professional Concerns:

No insurance or bonding
Uncomfortable around your cat
Doesn’t ask detailed questions about care
Seems rushed or disinterested during meet-and-greet

Behavioral Warning Signs:

Dismisses your detailed instructions
Suggests dramatic changes to your cat’s routine
Shows impatience with shy or anxious cats
Lacks basic knowledge about cat behavior

Drop-In Cat Sitter vs. Overnight Care: Making the Right Choice

Drop-In Cat Sitting Works Best For:

Independent cats are comfortable being alone
Short trips (1-3 days)
Cats with simple care needs
Budget-conscious pet parents

Overnight Care Is Better For:

Anxious or social cats
Longer absences
Cats with medical needs
Senior cats require closer monitoring

Through Pet Watch app, our professional sitters offer both options, allowing you to choose what works best for your specific situation and your cat’s personality.

Preparing Your Cat for Their Sitter

Week Before:

Schedule a vet check-up if needed
Update vaccinations and flea prevention
Introduce the sitter gradually if possible
Stock up on all supplies

Day of Departure:

Clean the house thoroughly
Set out all supplies in prominent locations
Leave detailed instructions in clear view
Do a final walkthrough with your sitter

When I first started leaving Toto with sitters, I made the mistake of not preparing him gradually. Now I always arrange a meet-and-greet visit so he can get comfortable with his caregiver before I leave.

Technology and Communication Expectations

Modern pet sitting benefits greatly from technology:

Photo and Video Updates:

Request daily photos
Specify preferred communication frequency
Share your social media preferences
Establish emergency communication protocols

Smart Home Integration:

Pet camera access and instructions
Automatic feeder settings
Smart litter box monitoring
Climate control preferences

Pet Watch’s app makes this seamless, providing real-time updates and photo sharing that keep you connected with your cat throughout your absence.

Supplies Checklist for Cat Sitters

Essential Cat Supplies:

Food (extra week’s worth)
Treats and medications
Fresh litter and waste bags
Cleaning supplies for accidents
First aid kit basics
Favorite toys and comfort items

Household Necessities:

Spare keys in a secure location
Flashlight and emergency supplies
Contact list prominently displayed
Cash for emergency expenses
Important documents folder

Building Long-Term Relationships with Cat Sitters

After the First Sit:

Provide honest, constructive feedback
Discuss what worked well
Address any concerns promptly
Consider booking future dates

Maintaining Professional Relationships:

Respect agreed-upon rates
Give adequate notice for bookings
Be understanding of sitter availability
Refer good sitters to friends

The best cat-sitting relationships develop over time. Toto now has several favorite sitters who know his quirks and preferences, making each experience smoother than the last.

Why Choose Professional Cat Sitting Services

While asking friends or neighbors seems convenient, professional cat sitters offer distinct advantages:

Professional Training and Experience:

Understanding of feline behavior and health
Emergency response training
Insurance and bonding protection
Reliable scheduling and backup plans

Peace of Mind Benefits:

Thorough background checks
Established communication protocols
Professional accountability
Emergency support networks

At Pet Watch, our certified pet sitters undergo rigorous screening and training. We understand that your cat isn’t just a pet – they’re a family member. Our comprehensive services include everything from basic feeding and litter box maintenance to medication administration and emergency care.

Getting Started with Pet Watch Cat Sitting Services

Finding the perfect cat sitter doesn’t have to be stressful. Pet Watch connects you with verified, experienced professionals throughout the UAE who understand the unique needs of cats.

Our services include:

30-minute feeding and play sessions for busy schedules
Extended 60-minute visits for high-energy cats
Full day care up to 12 hours
Overnight boarding in your sitter’s home
Additional services like medication administration and basic grooming

Every Pet Watch sitter is background-checked, insured, and trained in pet first aid. Our app provides real-time updates, photo sharing, and direct communication with your chosen sitter.

Ready to give your cat the best possible care while you’re away? Download the Pet Watch app today and discover how easy, stress-free cat sitting can be. Your peace of mind – and your cat’s happiness – are worth it.

Remember, a well-prepared cat sitter checklist is your secret weapon for successful pet care arrangements. Take the time to create detailed instructions, choose the right professional, and watch as both you and your feline friend enjoy the benefits of quality, reliable care.

Your cat deserves the best – and with Pet Watch’s professional cat sitting services, that’s precisely what they’ll get.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Sitting

What information should I leave for a cat sitter?

Leave comprehensive contact information, detailed care instructions, emergency protocols, house rules, and your cat’s complete health records. Include your vet’s authorization for emergency treatment and a backup contact who can make decisions if you’re unreachable.

What are the red flags in a pet sitter?

Watch for poor communication, lack of references, no insurance coverage, a dismissive attitude toward your instructions, an inability to answer basic pet care questions, and a reluctance to meet beforehand. Trust your instincts if something feels off.

What do I need for cat sitting?

Ensure adequate food, litter, medications, cleaning supplies, basic first aid, emergency cash, spare keys, important documents, and detailed written instructions. Don’t forget comfort items like favorite toys and blankets.

How to be the best cat sitter?

Follow instructions precisely, maintain consistent routines, provide regular updates with photos, watch for health changes, keep detailed notes, respect the home, and build genuine relationships with both cats and their owners.

By Monja Madan, Founder of Pet Watch App.

July 29, 2025