Whether it’s a holiday, a business trip or a stay in hospital: many cat owners choose a cat sitter when they can’t look after their kitty themselves. Find out below what makes a good cat sitter and how much their services cost.
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Giving cuddles is part of a cat sitter’s role.
A cat sitter comes to your home and looks after your furry friend when you’re away for a longer period. This type of holiday care has one key advantage over staying in a cattery: your kitty can remain in her familiar surroundings.
As we all know, cats are creatures of habit and love routine. Many kitties like to be fed at exactly the same time every day. Outdoor cats often head off on their neighbourhood adventures at the same time each day and return promptly in the evening for feeding. And their usual sleeping and snuggling spots also give indoor cats a sense of comfort and security.
If you hire a cat sitter, your feline companion can stay at home while you’re away. A responsible cat sitter will visit your home at least twice a day, feed your cat and clean the litter tray.
Depending on what you agree with the sitter, they may also brush your kitty, play with her and/or give any necessary medication. Some cat sitters take on additional small tasks too – such as emptying the letterbox or watering the plants. A few even offer to move into the owner’s home during your absence so your cat doesn’t feel quite so alone.
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It’s advisable to choose someone your cat already knows as a sitter. This could be a family friend or a neighbour, for example. That way, your furry friend at least has a familiar person around while she has to manage without her beloved human for a while.
Ideally, the chosen person will have experience with cats or even have cats of their own. If your acquaintance is a cat owner, you could offer to look after their feline companions in return when they go on holiday.
But even people without cats of their own can take on this responsible role. Animal lovers who adore cats but can’t keep one themselves may be delighted at the chance to enjoy extended cuddle sessions with your pet.
However, bear in mind: if your acquaintance has little experience with cats, they’ll need a thorough introduction from you to topics such as cat nutrition, care and health: What and how much does your cat eat? How is the litter tray cleaned? How can you tell if a cat is unwell? What should be done in an emergency?
If no one in your circle of friends or acquaintances is able to provide holiday care, you should book a professional cat sitter. Online, there are various platforms where pet sitters advertise their services – and you’re sure to find one near you.
Scroll through the profiles and look out for positive reviews. Tip: professional cat sitters often have insurance that covers any damage should something go wrong. Once you’ve found a suitable candidate, you can arrange a no-obligation meeting at your home.
Observe how the potential sitter interacts with your cat. Can you imagine leaving your beloved pet in their care for a while? Do they ask key questions about your cat’s daily routine, likes and dislikes, and overall health?
To avoid any issues during your absence, make sure all the important details are discussed beforehand. When, where and what will your cat be fed? What games does she enjoy? Where does she like to be stroked – and where not? Where are the cat litter, food, cleaning products and carrier kept? Who is liable if something happens?
It’s helpful to summarise this information in writing and include your vet’s contact details. For extra peace of mind, you can set out general terms such as working hours, fees and agreed services clearly in a contract.
If you’re still unsure, arrange a trial day. Afterwards, you can discuss any remaining questions and, for example, agree that the sitter will send you regular photos and updates of your pet. That way, you’ll know your cat is doing well and can enjoy your holiday without worry.
The daily cost of a cat sitter depends not only on where you live but also on how the services are charged. You should expect to pay between 10 and 30 euros per hour or 40 to 70 euros per day. Travel costs may be added on top.
If you entrust your cat to an acquaintance, neighbour or friend, it’s up to you to decide how you’d like to show your appreciation. Perhaps with a thoughtful souvenir from your holiday? Or by offering to step in as a cat sitter yourself when needed?
It sounds like a dream job: stroking, feeding and caring for cats – and getting paid for it! While there’s no formal qualification, you should have plenty of hands-on and theoretical experience with cats if you want to pursue this career.
For example, you could do an internship at a cattery or an animal shelter to practise handling unfamiliar cats. If you’d like to become self-employed as a cat sitter, find out about the legal requirements in your area – such as whether you need to register a business.
As mentioned earlier, cat sitters generally charge between 10 and 30 euros per hour. However, if you don’t do the job just occasionally and exceed a certain tax-free allowance, you’ll need to pay tax. There may also be additional costs, for example for professional liability insurance.
As animals that bond closely with both people and places, cats don’t like being taken out of their familiar surroundings. If given the choice between being cared for at home by a cat sitter or staying in a cattery, most would probably choose the sitter. And if you find a reliable carer who approaches the role with dedication, understanding and expertise, you can head off on your trip with complete peace of mind.
"A life without a pug is possible, but pointless," Loriot once said. I would unreservedly agree and add: "A life without horse, cat and rabbit as well!" My heart beats for all animals big and small and I have the great fortune to be able to write about my passion as a freelance author. With my articles I would like to raise awareness for animal welfare and give useful tips to animal lovers.
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