Cat sitting for long-term travelers: Extended care

House and pet sitting comes in all shapes and sizes, and the responsibilities of long-term cat sitting can differ from those required for just a night or two. Rather than simply filling bowls and cleaning out the litter, cat sitting for long-term travelers involves getting to know the furry feline inside out, and hopefully forging a deep bond with them. As a traveling pet sitter house sitting full time, you also play the important role of bridging the gap between feline friends and their pet parents, making sure they’re kept in the loop during their time away. So if you’re lucky enough to be cat sitting for long-term travelers, here’s everything you need to know about extended care for cats.

Preparing for long-term cat sitting

Before the sit begins, pet parents should provide sitters with detailed care instructions, emergency contacts, and vet information to ensure the sit runs smoothly. They should outline the feeding schedule, specifying both the type and amount of food as well as roughly when their kitty cat gets fed. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of any existing medical conditions along with specific care or medication requirements. It’s also helpful to get an idea of the furry friend’s behavioral tendencies, such as hiding spots, favorite toys, or particular quirks. Having all this information at your fingertips will not only help you care for your new purr pal, but it will also give you the confidence to handle any situation that may arise.

Understanding a cat’s needs 

Whether you’re long-term cat sitting or just doing it for a couple of days, making sure your furry friend’s needs are met will be your main priority. At a minimum, the following will be required:  

• Access to food and fresh drinking water.
• Administering any necessary medications.
• Cleaning out their litter box regularly.
• Grooming the cat if necessary.
• Ensuring your furry friend is stimulated mentally and physically.
• Ensuring their environment is comfortable.
• Maintaining a routine. 

Building a relationship 

Since you’ll be spending more time with your feline friend than during your average pet sitting gig, it’s extra important to build up a strong relationship with them. Gaining a cat’s trust and affection can be tricky, and some kitty cats will warm to you immediately while others may spend the first few days hiding under the bed. Don’t fret - the beauty of cat sitting for long-term travelers is that time is on your side. The key is to respect your furry friend’s boundaries and take it slow. Regular playtime will help strengthen your bond, as will sticking to a routine and making your purr pal feel safe and secure. 

Maintaining a routine 

It’s important for cat sitters to be consistent with their furry friend’s routine - this means feeding them at roughly the same time each day, ensuring they have enough time to play, and keeping your own schedule as predictable as can be. Cats are creatures of habit, and they feel far more comfortable when they know what’s going to happen next. Keeping the environment clean and safe also helps make furry friends feel at ease. This means making sure they have access to essentials like food and water at all times, as well as cozy hiding spots, a clean litter box, and removing any potential hazards from the space.  

Managing health and emergencies

There’s always the possibility your furry friend might fall ill while you’re looking after them, so you’ll need to prepare for these situations in advance. Talk to the pet parents about their cat’s health history before they go away and make sure you have a detailed understanding of how to administer any medication. Pet parents should always provide you with their own contact details as well as those of the vet for emergencies, but should you need extra assistance, Standard and Premium Sitter plans offer access to a 24/7 vet advice line which you can use at any point during the sit.

Communicating with the pet parents  

Have a chat with the pet parents about how often they’d like to hear from you and stick to this. More often than not, pet parents appreciate receiving a message with a photo of their purr pal every few days, but they may ask for fewer updates if they’re away for a long time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share any concerns with them throughout your stay - they’ll be thrilled to know you’re taking such great care of their fur baby! 

Preparing for the pet parent’s return

All good things come to an end, and we’re sorry to say that you’ll have to say goodbye to your new-found furry friend when the pet parents return. Once you’ve come to terms with parting ways, your attention will need to turn to the home. Pet sitters should leave things the way they found them, if not better - this means cleaning and tidying things away, replacing any items you used, and packing up your own things, being sure not to leave anything behind! Oh, and don’t forget to share the highlights of your cat sitting escapades with the pet parents and leave them a review once the sit is complete.

Are you dreaming of your next pet sitting travel adventure? With pet sitting in exchange for housing, you don’t just travel; you get to see the world, live like a local, and get the full cat owner experience all at the same time! Find out where house and pet sitting could take you…

Helpful resources

• House sitting in exchange for accommodation
• Tips for working remotely
• Pet sitting tips, 14 years in the making: an expert opinion