Heading off on holiday should feel exciting - not stressful. If you're a cat parent, it's totally normal to feel a little anxious about leaving your feline friend behind. But with a trusted sitter and a little preparation, your cat can stay safe, happy, and relaxed in the comfort of their own home.
Here’s our simple guide to help you prepare your cat - and your home - for a smooth, stress-free sitting experience.
Leave Clear Instructions (But Keep It Simple)
Every cat has their own quirks and routines, and we love getting to know them. Providing clear, written instructions helps us keep things familiar for your cat. Include:
- Feeding schedule and food types
- Litter tray preferences
- Favourite toys and hiding spots
- Any health notes or medications
- Personality traits or triggers (e.g. scared of the hoover, loves to sit in the sink)
A short daily routine overview is incredibly helpful - we want to match your rhythm as closely as possible.
Stock Up on Essentials
Before you leave, make sure you have plenty of:
- Food (wet, dry, treats, special diets)
- Litter
- Medication or supplements
- Clean bowls and scoops
- Bin liners and cleaning supplies
We can handle the daily care, but having everything in place means there’s no need to improvise while you’re away.
Set Up a Cat-Friendly Space
Ensure your cat has access to their favourite spots - window perches, cosy blankets, or cardboard boxes included. Keep dangerous items out of reach (e.g. rubber bands, string, lilies), and make sure doors to safe rooms are left open, not shut by accident.
If your cat likes to hide, that’s totally fine! Just let us know where they tend to go, so we don’t worry if we can’t spot them immediately.
Arrange Access with Confidence
Whether you're leaving a key with us or a neighbour, make sure we have clear instructions on how to get in - and how to lock up. If you have an alarm, label the code and instructions clearly (and maybe do a quick test run).
We always double-check doors, windows, and switches before we leave - but if you have any particular quirks (tricky locks, sensitive lights), let us know in advance.
Let Us Know How Often You’d Like Updates
Some owners like a photo and a little note after every visit, others prefer one every few days. Just tell us what makes you feel comfortable. We’re happy to keep you posted on food eaten, naps taken, and anything cute we manage to capture.
And yes - cats do pose for the camera. Sometimes.
Leave Emergency Contacts Just in Case
It’s very rare that anything unexpected happens, but we always like to be prepared. Please leave:
- Your holiday contact info
- Your vet’s details
- A trusted local contact in case of emergencies
Peace of mind is everything.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a cat sitter isn’t just about practicalities - it’s about making sure your cat feels safe, loved, and settled even when you’re not there. With a little planning and communication, we’ll take it from there.
Bon voyage - and give your cat a cuddle from us before you go!