A Cat Sitter’s Guide to a Successful Meet and Greet
Cat and dog owners may have an age old rivalry, but they both appreciate a great first impression–that’s why we recommend you always have a Meet and Greet. They’re a great way to build trust with a potential new client, and ensure that their beloved pet is a great fit for you. If you’ve recently started offering cat sitting services here are four tips and tricks to help your next cat Meet and Greet go smoothly.
Schedule
This one should sound familiar! Like dogs, cats have a routine they’re used to and as their sitter, you should try your best to emulate their normal schedule. At the Meet and Greet ask the owner about their cat’s:
- Drop ins: How many times does the owner want you to visit per day?
- Mealtimes: Check in on frequency, and if the cat has any allergies.
- Quality Time: Ask the owner about the kind of attention their cat needs.
- Litter Box: It’s always good to align on when the litter box needs to be cleaned.
- Medications: If a cat is on any medication, be sure to ask how often it needs to be administered.
After learning about the cat’s normal schedule, it’s time to move on to some questions about them!
Personality
Cat parents know their cat best. To get to know your new feline friend, ask the owner about their cat’s personality. Some example questions are:
- Is your cat friendly? Some cats absolutely love attention, while others may be afraid of strangers. Make sure you know so you aren’t surprised if your new friend spends the stay hiding under the couch.
- Is your cat playful? If playtime is in order, ask the owner about what kind of games their cat enjoys.
- Does your cat have any quirks? Maybe the cat loves being petted in one spot and not another.
- How is your cat when you’re away? Perhaps the cat is fine when their owner is home, but behaves differently when they’re away.
- Is the cat exclusively an indoor cat? Prevent indoor cat escapes by checking in with the owner if the cat is allowed outside.
- Where is the cat allowed? Some cats have run of the house, others are only allowed in certain areas. And check if the cat is allowed on furniture or countertops.
Asking for details not only helps you be more prepared, but it lets owners know you really care about getting to know their pet. Once you feel like you’ve gotten to know your new feline friend, it’s time to ask their owner about what their expectations are for the stay.
Expectations
One of the most important facets of pet sitting is having a clear communication plan and making sure you and the owner are on the same page. To set clear expectations and to have a successful stay, ask the owner the following:
- How much time should you spend with the cat?
- How often would the owner like to be updated?
- How often should the litter box be cleaned?
- Are there any areas in the house that are off limits?
- Can the owner leave emergency contact and vet information in case they can’t be reached.
- When are the owners departure and arrival times.
Body Language
Before your first stay, brush up on cat vocalizations and body language. Knowing what a cat is trying to tell you will help you become the best cat sitter possible. We have some great resources to help you understand what your new cat friends are saying.
- An Insider’s Guide to Cat Behavior
- How to Care for Cats
- 8 Tips for Caring for Cats and Caged Pets
- How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone?
Meet and Greets are an important part of your pet sitting business and asking questions helps set you up for success. Your cat clients may have slightly different needs than your dog clients, but they still need a sitter to love and care for them when their owner is away. Use these tips to help you provide the best experience for your Rover cats, and your cat loving clients. Remember, we’re here to support you as your build your cat sitting business.