How to Hire a Good Cat Sitter

Calm down, Fred. Your human knows finding a good person to take care of you is really important. And this article is going to show him (or her) how to do it!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A cat
• A computer (optional)
• Time to do a thorough search

1. Begin your search with the obvious places: Your vet. Your cat-loving friends. The pet store. Cat shows. Local animal welfare groups, like the shelters, rescue organizations, etc.

2. Check the Internet for national pet-sitting organizations, such as Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. They will be able to refer you to a qualified pet sitter in your area.

3. Pick the three best sitters and make an appointment to see each of them. There should be no charge for this initial consultation. If there is, find another cat sitter to interview.

4. As a former cat sitter and cat sitter hirer, these are the questions I would ask anyone who was going to care for my cat:
   
   * Is he or she neatly dressed? Friendly? On time? Appear to be well organized? First impressions count!
   * How long has she been cat sitting. Why does she do it?
   * Is she a member in good standing of any professional association? Is she bonded and/or insured? (This shouldn't be a deal breaker. Just good to know.)
   * What are her fees? How and when does she expect payment?
   * How long will she stay with your pet?
   * What does the visit consist of?
   * Is she open to special requests?
   * Can she administer medication?
   * How many customers does she typically visit in one day? (You want to make sure she's not so busy that she rushes her visit with your pet.)
   * What's her back-up plan? How will your cat be cared for if she gets sick or can't make the visit for any other reason?

Tips & Warnings

• Don't reject a cat sitter just because she isn't bonded, insured or a memeber of a professional association. Not every cat sitter is a full-time, professionally credentialed person. Those who do it part-time generally can't make enough money to afford insurance. That doesn't mean they aren't caring, responsible people. So use your gut as well as your head in making the final decision.
• Be good to your cat sitter. Pay promptly. Don't leave a messy house that will just slow her down and take time away from your pet. Call her promptly when you return to let her know you got home safe and sound.
• Try to be flexible about the time she comes for the daily visit. A busy pet-sitter needs some lattitude with timing. Asking for a morning, afternoon or evening visit is better than asking for a specific time.
• Is she the one who's going to make the visits? If she has other employees, is it okay with you if they care for your cat? Don't be afraid to ask for her exclusively.
• Be sure to check at least three of her references. You'd be surprised how many people don't. Do not skip this step -- it's too important!
• Don't bog your cat sitter down with so many housekeeping chores (switching lights off and on, watering the plants, etc.) that she skimps on time spent with your pet.
• Ask for a daily confirmation call. (Nothing fancy; just something like, "Hi, it's Tuesday, and I spent a nice visit with your cats today.") It's not that you don't trust her. It's just that anything can happen. When you check your voice mail and hear her message, you'll bereassured.

[hlthychoclitnut]

on 12/21/2008 I may be having someone cats in my home for an extended period (and getting paid) so I searched about cat sitting and of course every things on ehow Thanks
I'll make sure i give confirmation calls.

[bethjess39564]

on 12/5/2008 I love your last tip. So reassuring!

[Elizabethknows]

on 9/28/2008 Cats are a big part of someones family and they too have feelings and needs. Great article thank you for sharing your ideas=]

[Susanh]

on 9/28/2008 Excellent advice. 5*****

[showpup]

on 9/25/2008 Good advice. Same would apply to dog sitters but I'd personally avoid rescuers due to their exposure to illness and disease. Another tip would be to contact your breeder, if you have a purebred. I'm a dog breeder and I offer FREE babysitting of my 'grandkids' for the life of the dog, for any reason.