You should ask your cat sitter, here are the top 8 questions. Many cat owners will find the idea of leaving their furry companion in the hands of a stranger stressful and unsettling. In fact, people feel less than confident even when they are trusting a family member to look after their cat in their absence. After all, no one knows your pet better than you do. But, you cannot be around your cat round the clock. Sometimes, you may have to leave for extended periods as well. What do you do in such situations? This is where you can hire a reputable cat sitter to care for your pet.
This ensures that your beloved cat is able to stay at home even when you are not around and in the company of a friendly and experienced visitor. However, you should ask a lot of questions before you hire a cat sitter because you need to ensure they are skilled and trustworthy. If you are wondering what to ask, here are the top 8 questions that should be on your list.
Do they have cats?
Most people who decide to become cat sitters have a lot for cats and this means that they have their own feline companions at home. While it is certainly not necessary for a cat sitter to have a cat of their own, it can certainly benefit if they do. This is because it ensures that they have been around cats for a while, which means they understand how they think as well as their likes and dislikes. In addition, they are more likely to be aware of common cat-related tasks that non-cat owners may not think about, such as cleaning the litterbox in your absence.
What services do they provide?
Generally, pet sitters offer a variety of services and you need to ensure that the cat sitter, or the cat sitting services you are considering can provide the specific services you are interested in. For instance, some sitters will only visit once a day to check on food and water. Others might spend some time to play with your cat, or may also groom them. Likewise, there are also those who offer emergency care, as well as overnight stays. You need to know what type of services you can expect from your cat sitter to ensure you are on the same page.
How much experience do they have?
You do not need a cat sitter who has 10 years of experience in handling cats; you just need one who is good at their job, but having experience is certainly helpful. It is best to hire someone who has dealt with felines in the past because this shows that they are capable of handling them. A reputable sitter will have no issues in talking about their experience, including the types of cats they have dealt with and how long they have been working.
What rate do they charge?
It is also recommended that you be on the same page about the cost of cat sitting services. It should be noted that rates can vary significantly among private and public companies, as well as individuals. The charges also depend on what services you require. It is best to discuss this early on. Some cat sitters charge on an hourly basis, per visit basis or some may have a flat rate for your booking. You need to do a comparison to find out which option gives you value for money.
Can you provide references?
References are extremely important because they help you check the performance and success of the cat sitter in the past. You will feel secure when you come across glowing references of the cat sitter you are considering. They should fully satisfy their clients with their services. If the sitter is hesitant or unwilling to share references, then you should consider it a warning sign because it shows that things may not be as they appear.
What will they do in an emergency?
There are cat sitters out there who know how to administer medication, or have animal CPR training. They are capable of handling a variety of health issues. Even if you have a healthy cat, it is better to choose a sitter who remains calm in every type of situation and can handle emergencies. This includes a plan of what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency. You can provide the sitter with the contact information of a vet if you want, or they can contact one on their own. You should discuss this beforehand to ensure that you can make arrangements for your pet’s care.
How often will they update?
You are leaving your furry friend in the hands of someone else, so it is natural to feel worried. You would want to receive frequent updates, as it will help you feel better. A good and professional cat sitter will update you according to your preference. Whether you want to receive updates daily, every few days, or at the start and end of every visit, they are more than willing to comply. You can discuss a proper schedule with the cat sitter beforehand. If they are not willing to follow your requirements, you can look for a different one.
How will they communicate?
You have established that the cat sitter will stay in contact with you and provide updates about your feline companion. But, how will they do so? Your cat sitter should be able to reach out to you easily and as quickly as possible, especially if there is any problem. It is best to discuss and choose an effective means of communication and backup options as well. For instance, if you do not respond on your phone, where should the sitter contact you? Consider all scenarios to prevent problems in the future.
As long as you hire an experienced and reputable cat sitter, they will do their best to keep your feline friend happy, safe and comfortable in your absence.