Overnight Stays or Drop-in Visits: Which Cat Sitting Service Is Better?

When planning to go on a trip, organising cat care is top of the list for kitty parents. However, it can be hard to decide what level of attention Mr Whiskers will need while you’re away. Many cat owners also don’t realise how many cat sitting options are available to meet you and your kitty’s requirements. Read on to learn more about Cat in a Flat’s cat sitting services and find out which one works best for you.

Cat in a Flat offers both house sitting and a daily drop-in cat sitting service!

Are overnight cat sitting services the best for you and your cat?

How do you know if an overnight cat sitting service is the best option for your cat? Overnight house sitting is an excellent alternative to the usual daily drop-in cat sitting service. If your cat is easily stressed by your absence or needs a little extra attention, then having a professional cat cuddler stay with them during the night might be a good choice. Cats are creatures of habit and can get stressed or even ill if their owners go away. An overnight pet sitting service is a fantastic option for nervous and needy cats. An overnight cat sitter can provide extra cuddles, playtime and care while you’re absent.

Elderly kitties, young kittens and felines with medical issues will especially benefit from the extra human company and supervision. You can search the Cat in a Flat database for cat carers experienced in administering medication, and even injections! Purrfect for sensitive fur friends who need a safe and caring pair of hands while their owner is on holiday. 

Overnight sitters will arrive every evening and will sleep in your home, leaving again in the morning. You could even ask a cat carer who works from home to spend their days at your home too. It’s a flexible service and cat sitters would be delighted to discuss individual requirements. A huge benefit to owners is that your house will look occupied while you’re away. You can also ask your cat sitter to water the plants and pick up the mail. Some sitters will even be happy to care for other pets, but please discuss all tasks before booking. 

A lot of cat sitters are happy to travel further afield for an overnight booking than for a daily, drop-in service. So it can be a great solution if you don’t have a cat nanny in your local area.

Read Cat in a Flat’s blog on how to prepare for your house sitter here. 

Will my cat be happy with a daily drop-in cat sitting service?

If cat owners book a daily cat sitter, they can ask them to come once or twice a day. As with all cat sitting services, it’s flexible, and you can adapt the booking to what suits you best. 

If your cat is healthy, secure and pretty happy on his own, a drop-in service is a great option. Cat sitters will always go further than just refilling bowls and cleaning litter trays. Even an independent cat needs a cuddle, someone to talk to (or meow at) and some playtime every day. Always meet your carer before you go away to brief them on your cat’s routine and preferences. Cat sitters will then follow your instructions about feeding Mr Whiskers, when to replacing the litter tray, and his favourite toys. Most cats will get stressed if there’s too much change to their environment or routine so cat carers will try and avoid disruption as much as possible. 

As well as cat care, a daily pet sitter can also collect your post, open and close curtains, switch lights on and off, and even water the plants if required. Discuss everything with your cat sitter before you go away to make sure the level of service required is clear.  

Read Cat in a Flat’s blog on preparing for your cat’s care before you go away here.

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You and your cat are in safe hands

With either cat sitting service, your kitty will receive loving, professional care and can continue to enjoy at-home holiday cat care while you’re away. Many cats find the strange environment, other cats and unfamiliar smells of catteries or boarding houses stressful. Keeping your cat at home means you can return to a happy kitty whose only concern is that they missed you. 

Cat owners who want to know that their furry friend is happy while they are away should arrange with their cat sitter to receive daily updates, including photographs and messages. Whichever service you book, all of our cat sitters are covered by our Cat in a Flat Guarantee, so you know you’re in safe hands. 

Find your purrfect cat carer by searching our database of local sitters.