Cat sitting for indoor cats - a house cat guide

Updated 27/02/2024

Cat sitting for indoor cats is paw-some. For experienced cat lovers, it’s an excellent way of bonding with your new kitty companion and learning about their quirks. For first-time sitters, this is a great way to dip your toes into the world of house cat care - it’s easier to keep their pet parents updated with regular photos and helps you form a faster feline friendship.

If you’re a nervous cat carer or pet sitter who’s keen to try out some indoor cat companionship, we have just the biscuit for you! Here are some tasty tips on cat sitting for indoor cats and how to prepare for your next purring pal adventure.

Indoor vs outdoor cats

First off, we are not here to debate whether a cat should be kept indoors or allowed outdoors. Every pet parent has their reasons and it’s important to follow sitter etiquette by following the owner’s wishes.

What we mean by indoor vs outdoor cats is there are a few differences to highlight when cat sitting for a house cat. Cats are still cats at the end of the day - they’ll try to outsmart us at every turn and they’ll have their way of running their routines - but it’s good to know what could be different when caring for an inside cat.

Make sure Mr or Mrs Indoor Cat stays indoors

Yeah, a pretty obvious point, but don’t accidentally turn your fur friend from an indoor house cat into an outside cat. Be vigilant when opening windows or outside doors - make sure you know where they are before offering any outside opportunities. Cats are curious by nature, so even the most home-centric fluff ball will occasionally become an escape artist if they think they’re being left out. If you’re planning to go outside, occupy them with an interactive toy or some treats to distract them. Make staying inside seem way more appealing than running out the front door.

Some pet parents may have a catio for their fur family to have some daily fresh air. Otherwise, ask beforehand if they have any tricks to stop their felines from escaping outdoors, or if their kitty’s are known for pulling any sneaky tricks on their carers.

Keep the house or apartment cat-safe

Some cat lovers would argue it’s almost impossible to cat-proof a house. Whether you agree with this or not, caring for an indoor house cat does mean they will be spending all their time, well, indoors. To keep their home as safe as possible, it’s good to always follow these indoor cat-caring tips:

• While you should always keep your house sit clean and tidy, it's especially important for homes with an indoor kitten - they’re harder to find if there’s more mess.
• Make sure any small items, such as stationary or beauty products are tucked away - cats have a habit of chewing on things like sponges and paperclips which are harmful if swallowed and can be choke hazards.
• It’s best to keep breakable items either in cabinets, cupboards, or secured safety down. This includes anything on high shelves and bookcases.
• Tidy away wires and tie up dangling blind cords if you don’t want them cat-attacked.
• As mentioned above, make sure any exits to the outside are secured or blocked.
• Keep any harmful chemicals or food items in a locked cupboard or pantry.

How to keep an indoor cat mentally stimulated

An interactive indoor environment is a must for any indoor cat. This can include having a range of interactive toys, an exercise wheel, and a few puzzle brain-busting toys and treat holders for them. Their pet parents may choose to service their daily feeds in a cat puzzle feeder to make mealtimes more mentally stimulating for their fur babies.

Before any sit, ask their parents what they enjoy most to keep their kitty minds ticking and if they have any suggestions for keeping activities fresh and exciting for them.

Cat food for indoor cats

An indoor cat does not mean they are a less active cat. However, it’s always best to keep an eye on the amount of fat types of meat used in their kitty feed. Wet or dry diets with a good proportion of protein from suitable lean meat are usually the best types of cat food for indoor cats, but their pet parents can advise you best on their usual foods and eating habits.

Some kitties even enjoy human snacks like cucumber or bananas. Be sure to talk with the pet parent ahead of time to find out about their eating schedule, and if they're allowed any extra treats, and always make sure any treats are safe and appropriate.

Indoor cat essentials

As well as keeping kitties mentally stimulated, it’s important for them to express their instincts and hunting behaviors. Along with interactive toys, be sure to put time into your sitting schedule to play with them. This can be done with a simple cat teaser or even just a ball of paper!

Similarly, ask their pet parents to show you where their scratching posts are and make sure they’re using them. Any tendencies to start clawing the furniture (when they haven’t done so before) can be a sign of distress or health issues. Cats need to scratch, and most scratching posts are designed to be irresistible to stretching out those murder mittens.

Be aware of potential cat separation anxiety

Of course, this doesn’t apply to all indoor cats, but it’s more prevalent for kitties who spend most of their time in human company. Cat sitting a feline with separation anxiety can mean you encounter some concerning behaviors like excess yowling, toileting outside the litter tray, or even appetite changes. Have a careful discussion with their pet parents before you sit, keep them updated with any changes in the cat's mood whilst they’re away, and always contact them or their vet if you’re ever worried.

Cat sitting for kittens

Technically every kitten is a house kitten when you first bring them home. Even if the pet parents are planning to allow their fur family outside, vets will ask you not to do this until they are past the age of four months and have had all of their vaccinations. So, when it comes to cat sitting for a house kittenhouse kitten, all the above suggestions still apply along with any additional kitten schedules their paw parents may have.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.

As a TrustedHousesitters sitter member, you have access to our free 24/7 Vet Advice line whilst on a sit if you have any kitty concerns or questions. Not a member yet? Well, why not explore your cat's curiosity and have a look at our latest house sits? If you’re a pet parent, have a look at our choice of cat lovers who could be purr-fect to sit fur family.