How to Choose a Cat Sitter: Expert Tips for Stress-Free Travel

As a certified cat behavior consultant (and someone who owned a cat sitting business for nearly 20 years), I know how unsettling it can be for cats when their favorite person disappears and their routine is different. Cats don’t understand your long, heartfelt goodbye. They just know that everything has suddenly changed—and change is hard for

cats.

Hiring a professional cat sitter is one of the best things you can do to support your cat while you’re away. It’s not just about feeding them and scooping the litter box. It’s about maintaining routine, reducing stress, and preventing behavior issues before they start.

If your cat already struggles with behaviors like house soiling, pica, overgrooming, destructive scratching, or excessive vocalization, that stress can escalate in your absence. A thoughtful, experienced sitter helps keep things stable so you can enjoy your time away—and come home to a calmer cat.

Drop-In Visits vs. House Sitting

If you have the option, house sitting is the ideal choice. A sitter who stays in your home can maintain your cat’s daily rhythm with minimal disruption. This kind of consistency is especially helpful for cats who are older, have health issues, or crave human companionship.

That said, not everyone can afford or arrange for a house sitter. I did plenty of extended drop-in visits during my sitting career. If your trip is two weeks or less, drop-ins might be just fine. But for longer trips—especially anything over four weeks—I always recommended trying to find someone to stay in the home. Long absences can take a toll on even the most independent cats.

Is Boarding a Cat a Good Option?

In most cases, no. Cats are territorial animals who feel safest in familiar surroundings. Even if they’re stressed because you’re gone, being in their own home surrounded by familiar scents helps anchor them.

Boarding should be considered only in specific cases:

• If your cat is truly aggressive and it’s unsafe for a sitter to enter the home.

• If your cat needs life-saving medication that must be given at strict intervals (for example, timed insulin, seizure meds, or sub-q fluids), and you don’t have a sitter who can reliably provide that care.

In those cases, boarding at a veterinary hospital—not a generic kennel—is usually the best option.

What to Look for in a Cat Sitter

The pet sitting industry is unregulated, so there’s no universal license or standard. That means it’s up to you to screen sitters carefully.

Some things to look for:

• Someone who genuinely enjoys cats and understands feline body language.

• Bonus if they live with cats themselves.

• Pet CPR certification is a plus.

• Professional sitters should be bonded and insured.

• Membership in a professional pet sitting organization shows commitment to their work.

And don’t underestimate personality fit—reliability, organization, and good communication matter just as much as pet care experience.

I Can’t Afford a Professional Cat Sitter

I hear this excuse often—but the better question is: can you afford not to? Cutting corners on cat care can create problems far more expensive (and heartbreaking) than hiring a qualified sitter. For example, I’ve seen cats develop house soiling problems because a friend or amateur sitter didn’t bother scooping the litter box regularly. I’ve also seen water bowls go unrefreshed, leading to dehydration and kidney issues.

And then there are the horror stories. A colleague of mine told me about a client who decided to save money by hiring the neighbor kid. Instead of keeping the house cat safe, the child accidentally let a stray inside. The stray terrorized the resident cat and destroyed the home. That “cheap” choice ended up costing thousands in veterinary bills and home repairs—far more than the cost of hiring a professional in the first place.

If the cost feels daunting, try planning ahead by including pet sitting fees as part of your travel budget. That way, the expense won’t come as a surprise, and you’ll know your cat is well cared for while you’re away.

How to Choose a Cat Sitter: Red Flags and Green Flags

During your meet-and-greet, the sitter should ask thoughtful questions and take detailed notes. They may bring toys or treats (with your permission) to gently build rapport with your cat—but they should never force an interaction.

Some green flags:

• They give the cat space if needed and understand that not all cats want to socialize.

• They use a questionnaire or intake form to collect key info: feeding routines, medical needs, emergency contacts, and your cat’s preferences.

• They discuss emergency procedures and ask about veterinary care in advance.

If a sitter seems disorganized, overly casual, or ignores your cat’s body language, that’s a red flag.

Special Considerations for Senior Cats and Cats with Health Conditions

Older cats and cats with medical needs often require more than basic care. If your cat needs medication, make sure the sitter is comfortable administering it—and ask whether they’ll guarantee that it gets done. Not all sitters do. I told my clients honestly: I would never drag a cat out from under the bed or put myself (or their cat) at risk. And while I gave plenty of insulin injections and pills, I didn’t offer subcutaneous fluids.

If you’ll be out of touch, consider preparing a written “care directive” in advance. When I sat for senior cats, I asked clients to outline what kind of care they wanted if the cat became ill—including how much they were willing to spend—and to leave that information with their vet, along with a signed authorization and payment method. That way, I could act quickly if something happened.

Different Needs, Different Cats

Here’s what to prioritize depending on your cat’s age and personality:

• Kittens: A sitter who understands play and safety. Kittens need stimulation and supervision.

• High-energy cats: Someone who will engage them with active play and help them burn off energy.

• Shy or anxious cats: A sitter who knows how to read subtle body language and build trust without pushing.

• Senior cats: Someone detail-oriented who will follow routines and monitor for signs of illness.

• Cats with medical needs: A sitter with experience administering medication and spotting changes in behavior or health.

Making Your Cat More Comfortable

Regardless of your sitter’s experience, you can help your cat by:

• Leaving detailed care instructions.

• Providing access to favorite beds, hideouts, and window views.

• Making sure food, water, and litter boxes are easily accessible—especially for senior or mobility-impaired cats.

• Keeping the environment calm and predictable.

If your cat needs help getting on the bed or sofa, consider adding a ramp or step stool. The goal is to maintain their routine and comfort as much as possible.

Final Thoughts

The right cat sitter does more than check off a to-do list. They provide companionship, stability, and peace of mind—for both you and your cat. Whether you’re away for a weekend or a month, investing in good care can make all the difference.

If you’re unsure what kind of care your cat needs—or if stress-related behavior problems are a concern—I offer consultations to help you plan. A little preparation now can go a long way toward a smoother trip and a happier homecoming.