Having a cat can be a wonderful thing for all pet lovers. They can be a source of light and love in one’s life. However, it is not always feasible to take your cat along wherever you go. Be it work or vacation, there are times when you need someone to take care of your cat in your absence.
This is where a cat sitter comes into the picture. Hiring a cat sitter may seem like an easy task given the numerous options available in the pet care market. However, please do not get carried away by the available facilities and make an informed decision when hiring a cat sitter.
Five things to know before hiring a cat sitter
If you are hiring a cat sitter for the first time, the following 5 points will help you get the best sitter for your little furry friend.
1. Do your research in advance
The last thing you would want to do is leave the town feeling worried about your cat’s well-being in your absence as you hired a pet sitter in a hurry. To avoid these kinds of jitters, it is best to start your search early on and take enough time to assess the options.
You can begin a month in advance by shortlisting a few professional websites and reading about their services, testimonials, and reviews. Doing in-depth research will help you to find the most efficient cat sitter in town.
2. Credibility Factor (Business credentials)
Cat sitting is no ordinary task and is a business in itself. Thus, when hiring a sitter for your cat, find one who takes it as a serious business. People with a business license, bonding, and insurance can be considered as the number one choice.
The presence of bonding will ensure that you receive protection in case of theft, and it also ensures that the cat sitter you are hiring has a clean background. One must also ensure the credibility of the person or company providing pet sitting services by seeking help from your vet, pet friends, or the social media network.
3. Meet the cat sitter and clear your doubts
Meeting the cat sitter before you hire them is the most important thing to do. It gives you a chance to know the sitter in person and determine whether they can handle your cat the way you want.
The meet and greet session is a beautiful opportunity for you to ask questions to the sitter and get an insight into their ideas and values. You can ask them questions like:
- How long will you visit, and what do you do in each visit?
- How much experience do you have in cat sitting?
- What are the terms of your contract?
- Do you know to handle an emergency while cat-sitting?
Finding answers to these questions will give you a clear idea of the nature and efficiency of the pet sitter. If you get the answers you are looking for; then you can go ahead and hire them.
4. Be particular about the needs of your cat
Every cat parent has a particular way of bringing up their cat, and this fact holds a vital place when looking for a pet sitter. It will help if you look for a pet sitter who can uphold how you take care of your cat.
For instance, if you take your cat for a walk or engage them in running sessions, the pet sitter must follow the same routine. If your cat has anxiety issues or any other particular need, it is best to hire a sitter who knows how to handle cats with such requirements and how to take care of them when any unpleasant situation occurs.
For cats with special needs, you can also consult your vet for suitable suggestions.
5. Look for certified cat sitters
Hiring a certified cat sitter has its own set of advantages. For instance, a trained pet sitter will be better at training your cat, taking care of the cat’s needs, and they are also efficient in dealing with an emergency or dangerous situation.
You can look for pet sitters who have earned their certification from renowned and official institutions. Thus, you will be at peace when you leave your furry baby in their care.
The importance of a professional cat sitter
You want to give nothing but the best when it comes to your four-legged family member. However, many people end up asking why not hire a local cat sitter? Why shell out those extra pounds and hire a professional sitter when there are plenty of local pet sitters?
Are you one of those cat parents who wonder the same thing? Let us tell you the importance of a professional pet sitter.
- Best Pet Care – Professional cat sitters do more than feed your pet. Professional pet sitters are trained in caring for the pet and providing them with the proper nourishment, exercise, and medication if the need arises.
- Vet Contacts – A professional pet sitter has emergency vet contacts on their hands which means that they will rush the animal to the doctor when the need arises without any hesitation.
- Customized service – A professional pet sitter knows that every cat has a different need. They provide services that will best suit your cat’s personality. For instance, if your cat doesn’t like to be near water, they will make bath time as enjoyable as possible.
Conclusion
It is natural to be concerned about the safety and well-being of your cat when you are not around. However, by taking note of the points mentioned above, you can minimize your worry and leave your cat in safe hands.
While you follow the points mentioned in this article, it is also essential to have a backup ready. If things don’t work as per your planning, the backup option will come in handy and not put you or your cat under any stress at the end moment.