How to Choose a Cat Sitter: A Checklist of Questions to Ask Before Booking

How to Choose a Cat Sitter: A Checklist of Questions to Ask Before Booking

Cats Amélie Van den Broeck 5 Aug 2026 3 min read

Cats are attached to their territory far more than they are to people. That is why boarding is stressful for many of them, and the ideal option is a sitter who comes to your cat at home. But how do you know you can trust someone with your pet and your keys? Here is a checklist.

Why Drop-in Visits Often Suit Cats Better Than Boarding

In their own flat, a cat is surrounded by familiar smells, their litter tray and their hiding places, so they feel safe. Sitter visits keep their usual world intact: your pet is fed, played with and has their tray cleaned, all without being pulled out of their environment.

10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Sitter

  • Do you have experience specifically with cats?
  • How long does a single visit last?
  • What will you do if the cat falls ill or hides?
  • Will you send a photo update?
  • How would you handle an emergency?
  • Do you have reviews from cat owners?

A good sitter answers calmly and asks questions of their own in return.

What to Tell and Show About Your Pet

Prepare a set of instructions: where the food and water are, how much to give, where the litter tray and litter are kept, where any medication is, favourite toys and spots, and where the cat likes to hide. Include your vet's contact details.

Red Flags When Choosing

Be cautious if the person has no reviews at all, rushes and does not listen, asks nothing about your pet, or is unwilling to do a trial meeting.

How a Drop-in Visit Works at Flat4Pet

All Flat4Pet sitters are vetted. During a visit they feed your cat, change the water, clean the litter tray, play and send a photo update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I keep my cat at home or take them to boarding? For most cats, visits at home are less stressful.

How many visits a day does a cat need? Usually one full visit is enough, though kittens and older cats are better with two.

How can I tell a sitter is reliable? Look for a vetted profile, genuine reviews and attention to detail.

Peace of mind about your cat starts with the right person. Find a vetted cat sitter in the Flat4Pet app.

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