Choosing the right cat sitter

This week is National Pet Sitters Week. There are lots of us out there offering what appear to be similar services, so how do you choose the right one for you?

Some pet sitters run a dedicated cat sitting service while some might be predominantly dog walkers that offer cat feeding as an extra. The benefit of choosing a dedicated cat sitter is that they will be more experienced with cats, are more likely to understand feline behaviour and can take the time to really care for your cat, not just feed it.

From a security perspective, make sure you always choose someone that is DBS checked, this means they have been checked by the Government’s Disclosure and Barring Service which holds records of everyone’s criminal history including convictions, cautions and sometimes police intelligence.

Try and meet them before you agree to them looking after your cat too. They should be happy to pop round to meet you at no extra cost.

Of course it’s sensible to choose someone who is fully insured for the job they’re doing as well, as it helps protect your home and your cat should anything unfortunate happen while you’re away. Some will be qualified in pet first aid too, so will be able to provide care for your cat in an emergency or will be able to spot signs of illness or discomfort.

Some pet sitters will offer additional services too – they’ll take your post in, put your bins out and water your plants. Some might even get a few essentials in for you when you get back. It’s good to have someone popping in every day to keep an eye on your house and to provide reassurance that everything is secure.

Of course you’re going to be tempted by price, but the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Make sure the service your pet sitter provides is suited to what you and your cat need. If that means paying a couple of extra pounds a day to provide the reassurance you need then it’s worth it for peace of mind.