Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Sitting

Question 1

How often should I have someone check on my cat?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, once per day. Cats need fresh food, clean water, and a scooped litter box every day. For cats on medication, the visit schedule should match the medication timing. Kittens and senior cats typically need two visits per day. If you are gone for more than a day or two, daily visits are the baseline for responsible cat care.

Question 2

Do cats really need a sitter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cats are low-maintenance compared to dogs, but they are not no-maintenance. They need fresh water daily, scooped litter, monitored food intake, and at least some human interaction. Cats who are left completely alone for multiple days often show stress behaviors: over-grooming, hiding, loss of appetite, or elimination problems.

Question 3

Can you give my cat medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cathy's Critter Care sitters handle pills, liquids, insulin injections, subcutaneous fluid administration, topical treatments, ear drops, and eye drops. Written veterinary instructions are required before the first visit. Sitters follow them exactly. If a procedure is outside what our sitters are trained to handle, we tell you upfront so you can make other arrangements.

Question 4

What if my cat hides from the sitter?

Accepted Answer

Many cats hide, especially during the first visit or two. This is normal. Cathy's Critter Care sitters are experienced with shy cats and do not force interaction. They serve food, clean the litter box, and give the cat space. Over time, most cats come around. The pre-service meet and greet helps because your cat has already encountered the sitter once in a low-pressure setting.

Question 5

How much does cat sitting cost?

Accepted Answer

Cat sitting pricing at Cathy's Critter Care depends on visit length (30, 45, or 60 minutes), the number of cats, and the frequency of visits. For accurate pricing, the best starting point is the pre-service meet and greet ($35 for 30 minutes). That visit lets us understand your household and provide exact costs before you commit to anything. Call (210) 864-6189 to get started.

Question 6

What is included in a cat sitting visit?

Accepted Answer

Every visit includes feeding, fresh water, litter box care, brief companionship, a home check (mail, plants, lights), and a photo report sent through the client portal. Medication administration, extended play, and additional home care tasks are included in longer visits. The specific scope of each visit is set during the meet and greet based on your cat's needs.

Question 7

Do you handle multi-cat households?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our clients have two, three, or more cats. We handle separate feeding schedules, prescription diets for individual cats, cats who cannot share space, and different medication routines across the household. Each cat is treated individually, not as a group.

Question 8

How is cat sitting different from boarding?

Accepted Answer

With cat sitting, your cat stays home. A sitter comes to your house on a set schedule to handle feeding, litter, medication, and companionship. With boarding, your cat is transported to a facility and kept in an enclosure. Cats are territorial and typically experience significant stress when removed from their home environment. Boarding stress can cause loss of appetite, urinary issues, over-grooming, and behavioral changes that last days after returning home. Cat sitting eliminates that stress entirely.

Question 9

What happens if my cat gets sick during a visit?

Accepted Answer

Cathy's Critter Care sitters hold Pet First Aid and CPR certification through PetTech. If a sitter notices signs of illness, they contact you immediately and follow the emergency plan established during the meet and greet. If veterinary care is needed and you have authorized it, the sitter can transport your cat to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

Question 10

Do I need a meet and greet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The meet and greet is required before any cat sitting visits begin. It is a 30-minute visit in your home that costs $35. During the meet and greet, your sitter confirms home access, collects emergency contacts and vet information, reviews care instructions, and meets your cat in person. Cats who have had a meet and greet are consistently more settled during the first solo visit.

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