To make sure all the necessities to take the best care of your cat, please check off the items on this handy list before you leave home.
Contact your professional cat sitter to schedule care.
Then, relax and enjoy the trip—knowing your beloved cat is in good hands!
Get Prepared:
- Notify your veterinarian in writing that a cat sitter will be caring for your cat and authorize the vet to extend medical care during your absence if it becomes necessary.
- Provide written verification that your cat is up-to-date
on its shots. Have your cat wear current identification and vaccination tags on its collar. - Keep all supplies in one general and visible area. This includes food, treats, utensils, food and water bowls, medications, leash, can opener, toys, paper towels, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, litter and scoop, broom and dustpan and/or vacuum cleaner, towels (for rainy walks), newspapers (if paper training), and watering can for plants.
- Be sure to tell us about any unusual habits your cat has (e.g. destructive behavior when left alone, change in bowel or eating habits, hiding places, etc.).
- Let us know if bathrooms or any other household areas are off-limits to your cat and/or us. Secure access to these areas before leaving home.
- If your cat is prone to chew, please leave “chew toys” and take proper precautions to guard your personal items and home furnishings from his teeth while you are away.
- For the comfort of your cat, adjust your thermostat before leaving on your trip and advise us of the range it should be kept in. A closed-up home can get uncomfortably warm in a short time.
Cat Proof Your Home:
- Make sure cupboards and storage areas (e.g. the garage) are secured. A bored or determined dog can go “where they’ve never gone before.”
- Are the toilet lids down in any accessible bathrooms?
- See that medications are locked up. The sound of pills rattling in a plastic bottle may entice a cat to chew the bottle open.
- Remove candy and nuts from coffee tables or locations where a cat can reach them. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and nuts can be dangerous as well.
- Check to see that any hobby supplies (e.g. paints, glue, needles and thread, etc.) have been placed away from an inquisitive cat’s reach.
Ensure Home Security:
- Be sure you have made us aware of anyone who may be on your premises or entering your home during the cat-sitting assignment.
- Use timers on interior lights and program them to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime. Use motion sensors on exterior lights. If evening visits are scheduled to your home, we will really appreciate this safety precaution!
- Make sure doors and windows are securely locked before leaving. This should include garage doors, sliding glass doors and basement doors and windows. If outside doors have panes of glass near a push-button lock, consider installing a deadbolt lock as well.
- If applicable, advise gate security that a cat sitter will be visiting your home and authorize entry.
- Inform your neighbors of your absence and use of a cat sitter.
- Make sure any fences are secure and gates are locked.
Article courtesy of Pet Sitters International
