Cat sitting

Cat Sitting FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Rover

What does a cat sitter do?

Cat sitters on Rover care for your cats’ needs and can spend quality time with them, including activities like feeding, playing, and refreshing their water and litter boxes. Depending on your arrangement, you can schedule as many visits per day as your cat needs or find a sitter who can stay at your house overnight. Some sitters also board cats in their home.

House sitting can be ideal for cats who need socialization or care that lasts longer than a few hours. Your cat stays in their own home, on their own schedule, with care based on what you and your sitter agree on together.

Can sitters care for multiple cats at the same time?

Yes, absolutely. Many sitters on Rover are experienced in managing "full houses", from bonded pairs to larger clowders with different personalities. Set your sitter up for success by:

• Creating individual profiles for each cat. This allows you to list specific details easily, from dietary restrictions to personal boundaries.
• Detailing their routines during your Meet & Greet. Show your sitter what tricks you use to make sure your cats eat their meal—and only their own meals.
• Identifying your cats’ hiding spots. The less time your sitter spends looking for one cat who likes to hide, the more time they can spend with the other cat who likes to snuggle.

How do I know my home is safe while a sitter is visiting?

You can find what you need to review a sitter on their profile before booking with them. Each sitters’s profile on Rover shows verified reviews, a background check, and ratings to give a glimpse of how their previous visits went. You can also use the Meet & Greet to walk through your home, identifying which areas, like your bedroom, are off-limits or not. Requesting details of your home security through the app can also be a good way to have your sitter keep you updated about your home.

If you have security cameras or doorbells, Rover asks that you disclose them to sitters before you book.

Will my sitters send photos and updates while they care for my pet?

If you would like updates while you’re away, you can discuss with your sitter how many or how frequent you’d like those updates to be. The Rover app allows sitters to send photos, videos, and messages about your pet, including how many pee or poop breaks occurred. You can message your sitter at any time through the app and our support team is available 24/7 by email or chat if you have concerns.

The personalized, in-home nature of pet care through Rover can mean more individual attention for your pet.

How is in-home cat sitting different from a cattery?

With in-home cat sitting, a sitter visits your home at agreed times, allowing your cat to remain in familiar surroundings and follow their usual feeding, medication, litter-care, play, and rest routines. If your cat needs overnight company but is most comfortable at home, house sitting may be another option.

A cattery provides care at a dedicated boarding facility. The accommodation, staffing, daily routine, and number of other cats present may vary by facility.

Before deciding, consider how long your cat can comfortably be alone, how often they need meals, medication, monitoring, or company, and how they respond to travel and unfamiliar environments.

What is the Rover Guarantee and what does it cover?

The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s commitment to your peace of mind every time you book. It includes 24/7 customer support, sitter access to advice from qualified veterinary professionals for diagnostic issues, and a reimbursement program for eligible veterinary care in the rare event something goes wrong.

All bookings are backed by the Rover Guarantee, which provides up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care reimbursement.

What is a Meet & Greet?

A Meet & Greet is a casual meeting to vet potential sitters and communicate care needs for peace of mind before a booking begins. Only sitters who have never booked with you before can schedule a Meet & Greet on Rover; however, you are welcome to coordinate one in Rover messages with sitters you have previously booked. This can be helpful if you have a new pet or routine you want to go over with your sitter.

Meet & Greets can take place in person or virtually. If you are booking with a sitter for the first time, we recommend in-person Meet & Greets to get a clearer sense of how your sitter interacts with your pet or the new environment.

During the Meet & Greet, you will have a chance to walk through your pet's routine, medical needs, and unique quirks. Take the time to ask your sitter questions about their skills and expertise, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. Meet & Greets are a great way to prepare your pet and sitter for longer stays or first-time bookings. Read our tips for your first Meet & Greet.