Four Amazing Reasons to Become a Cat Sitter

Whether you’re a cat lover, a paw parent, or someone looking for a side gig, earning money cuddling cats probably sounds like a dream job! But while caring for felines is certainly rewarding, it can also feel a little intimidating at first. Are you considering starting a career as a cat sitter, but worried you don’t have the necessary experience or qualifications for the job? Cat in a Flat is here to talk you through the ins and outs of joining our amazing community of cat lovers. 

Can anyone become a cat sitter?

Can anyone become a cat sitter? Absolutely! Cat sitting is suitable for anyone, as long as you have a love for cats and want to provide the best care possible. However, keep in mind that cat sitting can be demanding, too. You’ll need to be a self-starter, able to manage and organize your own schedule, and okay with spending most your time with furry friends who can’t talk back (or at least, not in the human sense). There can be physical tasks to do, too. You’ll need to be comfortable with cleaning litter boxes, lifting the occasional bag of food or litter, and playing with your more energetic feline clients. 

Four amazing reasons to become a cat sitter

There are many reasons to become a cat sitter, here are four great ones!

1. Cat sitting suits everyone

One of the best things about working as a cat sitter is that you don’t need a degree, training, or qualifications to do it. All that’s required is a love for cats, a desire to make a positive difference, and a willingness to learn on the job. 

2. Join a diverse group

Our sitters come from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds. From retirees, to students, to those with full-time jobs looking to make some extra cash on the side, you’ll find them all at Cat in a Flat. What they have in common is a passion for providing the best possible care for their kitty clients. 

3. Be part of a supportive community

Not only will you get to connect with a variety of feline clients and their humans, but you’ll become a part of our supportive cat sitting community, too. At Cat in a Flat we value trust, compassion, and connection. We want both sitters and paw parents to feel welcome and a part of a big, cat-loving community! 

4. Earn extra income (and more!)

While you do need to work with each individual kitty client’s needs and routine, cat sitting is still a relatively flexible job. This makes it easy to earn extra income around other jobs, while in school, or raising a family. Becoming a cat sitter also offers the opportunity to get your feline fix when you can’t have a furry friend of your own. 

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How do I become a great cat sitter?

How do I become a great cat sitter? Joining the Cat in a Flat pet sitting community is a straight-forward process. However, although this is an inclusive role, you need to make sure you know how to provide the best care for all your kitty clients. When people leave their precious pets in your hands, they want to feel reassured that Mr Whiskers will be happy and healthy in their absence. Here are a few ways to up your cat sitting game:

Gain experience

It’s always a good idea to have some experience with cats before becoming a professional sitter. This will help you to attract new clients and create a greater sense of trust with them. If you haven’t spent a lot of time around felines, a good place to start is by offering to care for a family member’s or friend’s cat. A lot of kitties end up in shelters, so volunteering at an animal shelter is another way you can gain more knowledge and expertise. 

Schedule meet and greets

These are a must whenever you book a new cat sitting client. Look at meet and greets as your opportunity to do a ‘vibe check’ and see if you get along with your new furry friend (and vice versa). They’re also where you learn all about your kitty client. And remember, first impressions matter! Knowing how to approach a new cat and taking notes during the meet and greet are both good ways to show you’re serious. 

Ask important questions

Mr Whiskers is a creature of habit and their owner’s absence may make them feel anxious or ‘off’. This is why it’s important to learn as much as you can about your fur friend’s routine before their owner leaves. Don’t forget to ask about: 

• Litter box maintenance (How and when should you clean them? Where do you dispose of dirty litter?)
• Eating routines (How much and when should you feed them? Can they have treats?)
• Medication (What are the doses? When and how should you administer them?)
• Grooming (Especially important for kitties with long fur who need a little more TLC!)
• Favourites (What are your client’s favourite hiding spots, toys, and activities?)
• Allergies (What other issues should you watch for?)
• Personality (Is your fur friend shy and likely to hide away? Or a social butterfly who will make friends right away? What are their likes and dislikes?)

Get important details

Although it’s unlikely anything will go wrong during a gig, a great cat sitter should always have an emergency pet plan. Make sure your client leaves the contact details of at least one local friend or family member who can step in if there’s a sudden emergency. It’s important for you to also have the number and address for your fur friend’s vet. And don’t forget to make emergency plans for yourself! It’s a good idea to have someone you trust on standby should you be unable to finish your cat sitting gig due to illness or some other issue. 

Communicate, communicate, communicate

Every paw parent will have different expectations around how often they want to be updated. Some will be very relaxed and happy to leave their fur friend’s care up to you with minimal updates needed. Others may want you to send photos and videos every day. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what each paw parent expects. And always be communicative about any changes you note in Mr Whiskers’ toilet routine, eating habits, or behaviour. While felines tend to behave a little differently when their owners are away, it’s better to communicate with your clients to make sure there isn’t something more serious going on. 

Looking to learn more about joining our wonderful cat sitting community? Read up on the major cat sitting DOs and DON’Ts and the best ways to ensure your feline clients get enough exercise.