10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cat Sitter

Because your cat deserves more than someone who simply fills a bowl and scoops the litter box. They deserve a trusted caregiver who understands feline behavior, respects their boundaries, and notices when something is not quite right.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, asking the right questions can help you find knowledgeable, dependable care for your cat, home, and peace of mind.

1. Are You Insured, Bonded, and Background-Checked?

Your cat’s safety and your peace of mind should never be left to chance.

Ask the sitter or company to provide proof of liability insurance and bonding. If they use a team, confirm that every caregiver is background-checked and covered under the company’s insurance.

At Pink Paws & Purrs, every team member is carefully vetted, trained, and insured through our company.

2. What Feline-Specific Training and Experience Do You Have?

Loving cats is important, but professional cat care requires more than affection.

A qualified cat sitter should:

• Understand feline body language and signs of fear, stress, pain, and illness

• Recognize subtle changes in appetite, thirst, litter box habits, mobility, and behavior

• Use patient, cat-led handling techniques

• Have Pet First Aid and CPR training

• Know how to care for shy, senior, or medically involved cats

• Continue learning through professional education and industry memberships

Pink Paws & Purrs combines Fear Free principles, veterinary-care experience, Pet First Aid and CPR training, and a genuine understanding of cats.

3. What Is Your Emergency Plan?

Cats often hide pain and illness, so small changes can be important. A professional sitter should know what to do before an emergency occurs.

Ask:

• What would you do if my cat stopped eating or showed signs of illness?

• How would you contact me during an emergency?

• Do you keep my veterinarian’s information and medical authorization on file?

• Do you have a trained backup caregiver if my assigned sitter becomes unavailable?

• How would my cat be transported to a veterinary hospital if necessary?

A dependable company should have written procedures, clear communication protocols, and reliable backup coverage.

4. What Does Each Visit Include?

Never assume that every cat-sitting service includes the same care. Ask exactly what will be completed and whether anything carries an additional fee.

Services may include:

• Feeding and refreshing water

• Scooping and tidying litter boxes

• Administering approved medications

• Play, brushing, cuddles, or quiet companionship

• Monitoring appetite, water intake, litter box activity, energy, and mood

• Bringing in mail and packages

• Watering a few plants

• Checking doors, windows, lights, and the home’s general security

• Sending a detailed report with photographs

Clear expectations help you choose the right visit length for your cat’s routine.

5. Can You Accommodate My Cat’s Individual Needs?

No two cats experience care in exactly the same way. One may greet the sitter at the door, while another needs several visits before appearing from beneath the bed.

Ask whether the sitter has experience caring for cats with needs similar to yours, including:

• Shyness, fear, or previous trauma

• Daily medications or insulin

• Senior or mobility-related needs

• Multiple-cat household routines

• Special diets or detailed feeding instructions

• Door-dashing behavior

• A history of urinary, digestive, or appetite concerns

The right sitter should work with your cat’s personality instead of forcing interaction.

6. How Will You Monitor My Cat’s Well-Being?

A professional cat visit should involve more than completing a task checklist.

Ask how the sitter will monitor and document:

• Appetite and water consumption

• Urination and bowel movements

• Litter box changes

• Energy and mobility

• Mood and behavior

• Eyes, ears, coat, and general appearance

• Signs of vomiting, discomfort, hiding, or stress

These observations matter because cats can be remarkably skilled at concealing illness.

7. Can You Share Recent Reviews or References?

A reputable sitter should be comfortable sharing evidence of their experience and reliability.

Look for:

• Recent Google or Facebook reviews

• References from cat-owning clients

• Feedback mentioning shy, senior, or medically involved cats

• The company’s length of time in business

• Examples of how concerns or emergencies were handled

Reviews can reveal whether a sitter communicates well, follows instructions, and consistently shows up when promised.

8. Do You Offer a Meet & Greet?

A Meet & Greet allows you to introduce the caregiver to your cat, explain the routine, and make sure everyone feels comfortable before care begins.

During the meeting, notice whether the sitter:

• Allows your cat to approach at their own pace

• Recognizes and respects feline boundaries

• Asks thoughtful questions

• Takes detailed notes

• Reviews feeding, litter, medication, hiding places, and emergency information

• Learns how to enter and secure your home properly

A cat sitter should never chase, corner, or force affection from a hesitant cat.

9. Are You Connected to the Professional Pet-Care Community?

Professional connections and continuing education demonstrate a commitment to providing knowledgeable care.

Ask whether the sitter is connected with:

• Local veterinarians and emergency hospitals

• Feline behavior or training professionals

• Professional pet-sitting organizations

• Fear Free or feline-focused education

• Ongoing pet-care training and support networks

A professional caregiver knows when to seek guidance and has trusted resources available when needed.

10. What Questions Do You Have About My Cat?

A thoughtful sitter should want to know more than where you keep the food.

They should ask about your cat’s:

• Normal eating and drinking habits

• Litter box routine

• Favorite hiding places

• Medical history and allergies

• Medications and supplements

• Fears, sensitivities, and triggers

• Favorite toys, treats, and forms of affection

• Usual personality and behavior

• Relationship with other cats in the home

The more your sitter understands what is normal for your cat, the better equipped they are to notice meaningful changes.

Bonus: Do You Use Employees or Independent Contractors?

This can affect how consistently care is delivered. Ask who will enter your home, how caregivers are selected, and what standards they are expected to follow.

A company using employees can generally provide structured training, direct oversight, consistent procedures, scheduling support, and accountability. You should also ask whether every team member is covered by the company’s insurance and what happens if your assigned sitter becomes unavailable.

Pink Paws & Purrs hires and trains employees so every caregiver follows our feline-focused care standards.

Bonus: Why Choose a Professional Instead of a Friend or Neighbor?

A caring friend or neighbor may have the best intentions, but professional cat care provides systems that informal arrangements often cannot.

Professional care offers:

• Reliable, scheduled visits

• Feline-specific knowledge and observation

• Medication experience

• Detailed visit reports and photographs

• Insurance and established emergency procedures

• Trained backup coverage

• Respectful, cat-led interaction

• Accountability if plans unexpectedly change

Your cat deserves care designed around their health, comfort, routine, and individual personality—not care squeezed into someone else’s day.

In Conclusion

Choosing a cat sitter should leave you feeling confident, informed, and completely at ease. Ask thoughtful questions, pay attention to how the sitter interacts with your cat, and choose someone who understands that feline care is never one-size-fits-all.

Ready to meet a team that provides specialized care with patience, skill, and plenty of heart?

Book Your Pink Paws & Purrs Meet & Greet Today