7 Tips for Caring for Cats as a Pet Sitter

If you’re a pet sitter who regularly cares for cats, you know they’re a diverse bunch. The secret to great cat care? Recognizing and meeting that wide range of personalities and preferences where they’re at.

Whether you’re an old hand looking to polish your cat-sitting business or a newbie seeking tips to get started, we have you covered. In this article, we’ll outline the fundamentals of feline care, from what to address at the meet and greet, feeding & litter box maintenance tips, cat-proofing considerations, fun ideas for playtime, and tips for communicating with clients.

Learn About Your Rover Cat

Your first order of business will be setting up a meet and greet with your new client. This gives you the chance to gather important details about the cat. It’s also a good way to build trust and rapport. Here’s what to cover.

Meet the cat(s)

A cat meet and greet gives you your first glimpse of a cat’s unique personality and preferences. Even though you’re probably excited to meet this sweet kitty, play it cool and let the cat approach you when they’re ready. Back off if you notice signs of stress or overstimulation, like rapid tail flicking, body tension, or avoidance. If the cat shows interest by approaching and rubbing against you, pet them with short, gentle strokes.

Ask questions about care

This is the time to ask owners about their cat’s routine and any special needs you’ll have to take care of. Consider hitting these points:

How much should I feed them, and how often?
Are treats okay or off-limits? What about any human foods?
(For multi-pet homes) How do you keep cat food away from the dog or other pets?
Do they have any favorite hiding spots? (so you know where to look when they’re nowhere in sight)
Do you let your cat outdoors?
Do they have any stress triggers?
Is it okay for me to pet or pick up your cat? Do they like being held?
Does your cat ever have accidents? Where do you keep your cleaning supplies?
Where do you keep a cat brush, and how often should I brush them?
Are they spayed or neutered? If not, what care instructions do I need to follow?
Are they taking any medications? If so, how and when should I administer it?

Locate supplies

Most cat-sitting jobs occur in the owner’s home, so you’ll need to find out where your client keeps essential supplies. Ask where they store food, water bowls, litter, cleaning supplies, and any medications. You should also know where the cat carrier is kept, in case there’s an emergency and you need to transport the cat.

Agree on security and communications

For everyone’s peace of mind, get clear on your client’s expectations for communication. Ask how often they’d like updates. Would they like daily photos or videos?

Additionally, you’ll want to address security protocols, including how you can get into the house. Is there a key, a lockbox, or a door code? What about locking up when you leave—is there a security system you need to turn on? Blinds that should be shut? Lights that should be left on?

To avoid misunderstandings, it’s not a bad idea to ask if neighbors are aware that a pet sitter is coming over.

Screening clients

Not all cats will be a good fit for your situation. Before agreeing to a sit, consider carefully whether you’re equipped to take on the following:

Kittens. While undeniably cute, kittens are tiny balls of energy that require a lot of effort and time. They need multiple short play sessions and a lot of supervision to keep them out of trouble.
Super seniors. Older cats often come with health challenges like mobility issues, arthritis, or cognitive decline. Some will need medication or very particular dietary routines. Make sure you’re comfortable handling any special needs.
Intact cats. You might not run into many cats who haven’t been neutered or spayed. If you do, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared.
Cats incompatible with other pets. If you’ll be boarding a cat and you have other pets, make sure they play well with others.

Andypott via iStock

Meet Your Rover Cat Where They’re At

To be a standout cat sitter, earn your Rover cat’s trust. Here’s what you can do:

Let the cat take charge of the relationship. Some cats are cuddle fiends; others prefer space. Respecting a cat’s boundaries and letting them set the tone for your interactions can win you a friend.
Familiarize yourself with cat body language. Cats communicate with you through ear movements, tail positions, and body posture. Learning what these subtle signals mean can help you respond to match a cat’s intent.
Maintain a quiet presence. Cats startle easily, so avoid jerky movements and keep your voice calm and low. Try the slow blink: it’s a way to show a cat you’re friendly.
Get on their level. Sitting down on the floor can make you seem less intimidating and encourages a cat to come to you when they feel ready.
Give them time. Cats take time to get used to new people and resist change. Be patient, and they’ll come around when they’re ready. (Or they won’t. And that’s okay, too.)

Follow a Schedule for Feeding and Hydration

One of your most important tasks will be keeping your feline charges well-fed and hydrated. Make sure you know what to feed your Rover cats, plus how much and how often.

Water

Cats need to drink about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily. For an average 10-pound cat, that’s about 1 cup per day. If a cat eats wet food—which can be up to 80% water—they may drink less.

Ensure water is always accessible and refresh it often. If they use a water fountain, make sure you know how to clean and refill it.

Feeding schedule

Since cats feel more secure with a predictable schedule, try sticking to your Rover cat’s meal routine as closely as possible. Generally, you can expect to feed adult cats twice a day, in the morning and evening. Kittens, on the other hand, should be fed three times a day until they’re about six months old.

Serve wet food at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated from a previous meal, warm it slightly to get it up to room temperature. Unlike dry food, wet food can harbor bacteria if left out too long. Try to pick up uneaten food within an hour or so. You can store any leftovers in a container in the fridge.

Dry food is more forgiving when left out, but you should still ask pet parents about how to handle uneaten food. Also, make sure you store dry food correctly, per the client’s instructions, whether that’s in a storage container or a sealed bag. Improper storage can cause kibble to become stale or rancid.

Some cat parents soften their cat’s dry food with a bit of water or broth to make it more palatable and add hydration. If the owner instructs you to do this, don’t leave the food out longer than an hour. And don’t add more water if it dries out, as this can make the food’s texture unappetizing and attract bacteria.

What to do if a cat isn’t eating or drinking normally

Sometimes, a cat will forgo food and water when they’re stressed, which may be the case if they’re anxious about their owner being away. Make sure the cat isn’t just being picky because they’re unhappy with their food setup. Check that food and water bowls are clean, and place them in a low-stress area with minimal traffic and distractions. If the owner approves, you may be able to entice the cat with an appetizing meal topper.

If a cat hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours, it could point to a health problem, so it’s a good idea to reach out to the owner for guidance and consider a vet visit.

Keep the Litter Box Clean and Pay Attention to It

Maintaining the litter box (or boxes) will be a big part of your job. Many cats find a dirty litter box stressful. They may even refuse to use it and go elsewhere, like the couch or a laundry basket.

Aim to scoop the litter box at least once a day. In multi-cat homes, waste accumulates fast, so you may need to bump that up to twice a day.

When you scoop, remove any clumps and solid waste and dispose of them in a plastic trash bag or a Litter Genie. Then give the remaining litter a quick stir to distribute fresh particles. If the client uses non-clumping litter, you’ll scoop out any fecal matter and stir the remaining litter.

Make sure you know where the litter, scoop, and poop bags are located. Also, check with the pet owner about litter disposal preferences. Is it okay to leave litter in the kitchen trash can, or should you take it out to the dumpster or outdoor trash bins?

If you want to go above and beyond, find out where the owner keeps their vacuum or broom, and clean stray particles around the litter box.

Topping off the litter vs. changing it completely

After you scoop, make sure to top off litter as needed—typically a few cups every few days. This maintains an optimal depth of 2-3 inches.

Full litter changes can happen less frequently, usually every two to four weeks. You should only need to tackle those during very long sits. For a total overhaul, empty the box, clean it thoroughly with soap and water, and refill it with fresh litter.

Monitor bathroom habits

It might seem silly, but it’s a good idea to cover a cat’s bathroom habits during the meet and greet. You can ask the owner what’s normal for their cat, including how often they usually poop and pee. Most cats will poop 1-2 times per day and pee 2-4 times, but this can vary.

When you’re scooping, take note of any changes in color or consistency. Healthy poop is usually chocolate brown and cylindrical. Poops that are green, yellow, slimy, or dry can indicate a problem. If something seems off, put in a word to your client.

scaliger via iStock

Cat-Proof and Escape-Proof Carefully

A cat’s natural curiosity can get them into some dangerous situations. Ask the client if their cat has a history of escape attempts and what kind of precautions they take. Consider asking if a pet gate can be set up at the front door to prevent cats from slipping out. Make sure window screens are intact or keep windows closed.

You’ll also want to give the house a once-over and cat-proof the space. Make sure to:

Put away sharp objects like knives and breakable glass after use.
Avoid leaving out small objects that could pose a choking hazard, such as strings, rubber bands, and small toys.
Store all food and snacks out of the cat’s reach.
Keep garbage cans closed and take any toxic trash directly outside.
Keep electrical cords, like your phone charger, out of reach to prevent chewing.
Store cleaning products and toiletries where the cat can’t access them.
Always close the toilet lid.

In extreme weather, ask the owner how they keep their home at a comfortable temperature for their cat. Make sure to know how to operate any cooling systems or fans. Give the cat a cozy spot in cold weather and a cool place during hot weather.

Finally, in case of an emergency, make sure you have the client’s veterinary information and know the location of the closest emergency vet clinic.

Play & Enrichment

Now for the fun part of being a cat sitter! Don’t underestimate the importance of interactive play for cats. Play helps them stay healthy and diffuses stress—plus, it’s great for bonding with your new friend.

Play is especially important in drop-in situations where the cat has been alone for a long time. Aim for at least 30 minutes of playtime per day. This can be divided into two to three short sessions, each lasting 10–20 minutes.

Ask the client about their cat’s favorite toys and how they like to play. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wand toys. Move the wand in a way that mimics prey, letting the cat capture their “kill” for a satisfying play session. You can also wiggle the wand under a towel or blanket.
Small plush toys. Provide little stuffed toys that resemble mice or birds. Cats love to bat these around or roll over and give them a good bunny kick.
Laser pointers. Most cats love chasing these lights around a room. Just be careful not to shine it directly in their eyes, and reward them after play.
Catnip-filled toys. Offer toys stuffed with catnip or sprinkle loose dried catnip on toys or bedding to engage the cat.
Food puzzles. If the cat doesn’t have any special puzzle toys, you can DIY one and hide their favorite treats inside paper bags, toilet paper tubes, egg cartons, or cardboard boxes.
Cardboard boxes. A simple box can bring endless joy. Big or small, cats love to jump in and out of them.
Hide and seek. Encourage a cat to stalk and pounce on you by hiding behind furniture and peeking out.
Fetch. While more commonly associated with dogs, some cats enjoy a game of fetch. Toss a small toy, and see if the cat will bring it back.

Communicate Early and Often

Keeping cat parents in the loop during your sit benefits everyone. It puts owners at ease, bolsters your credibility, and protects the cat’s well-being. But what’s worth reporting?

Daily updates can provide a clear picture of how the cat is doing. This might include a summary of feeding times, how much the cat ate, playtime activities, and any special moments, like a long cuddle session. Include a few photos or videos, too!

It’s also important to report any changes in a cat’s behavior. Pay attention to their eating habits, fluctuations in energy levels, out-of-character hiding, and any changes in bathroom habits.

When clients feel confident that their cat is in good hands, they’ll be more likely to book with you in the future. Building strong relationships can also lead to valuable referrals. So update often, flag any changes, and let clients know their kitty is well looked after.