Cat sitting for outdoor cats: Safety and security

Updated 22/04/2024

Cat sitting for outdoor cats might mean you spend a little less time snuggling on the sofa, but your furry friend still needs the same loving care and attention as their indoor cousins - if not more! 

Wondering how to care for an outdoor cat? From making sure your adventurous purr pal can come and go as they please, to keeping them warm and cozy on chilly nights, we’ve got a whole host of tips on outdoor cat care to keep your fluffy feline safe and secure.  

How to care for an outdoor cat as a pet sitter

When cat sitting for outdoor cats, it’s your responsibility to take care of the furry feline’s everyday needs while their pet parents are away. So what do outdoor cats need?

• Just like their indoor friends, outdoor cats need access to fresh food and clean water. Given their high-energy escapades, these furry explorers may need a little extra in their bowls to keep them hydrated and happy. It should also make the idea of dumpster diving less appealing if your fluffy feline’s already got a full belly. 
• Many outdoor kitties enjoy the freedom to come and go as they please through their cat flap. You’ll need to make sure the cat flap is only used by your own purr pals - some can even be programmed to recognize a certain cat which reduces the risk of unwanted visitors.
• Some kitty cats have a ‘catio’, a small enclosed area that allows them to explore and enjoy the outdoors safely. If this is the case, cat sitters may need to carry their furry friends to and from the catio and make sure it’s securely closed once they’re inside.
• Just because your furry feline spends most of their days exploring the outside world, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to play with you! Put aside time to play, cuddle, and engage with your purr pal each day. 
• As they’re more likely to be exposed to disease than indoor cats, it’s extra important for outside cats to have up-to-date vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet parents may ask you to administer medication or even take their kitties to the vet for vaccines, if necessary. 

How to keep outdoor cats safe

The grass isn’t always greener when it comes to having an outdoor cat, and while there are many benefits to allowing your furry feline outside, it does come with some added risks. 

• Outdoor cats are more likely to be injured in a road accident.
• They’re more likely to get lost.
• Outdoor cats have a knack for coming across things they shouldn’t, including toxic substances such as slug pellets, rodent poison, garden chemicals, and poisonous plants.  
• They’re more likely to encounter other kitties in the outside world, which sometimes leads to turf wars. 

As a cat sitter, it’s important to be aware of these risks and do your best to minimize them by doing the following: 

Tracking your furry feline’s movements 

• Some cats wear a trackable device so you can follow their every move.
• Outdoor cats should be microchipped and some might wear a break-away collar with ID tags attached - make sure these are up to date and in working order.

Keeping an eye on the time

• Some outdoor cats may only go as far as the garden, whereas others may roam throughout the neighborhood. Find out what’s “normal” for your kitty cat and be mindful of any unusually long absences. 
• Pet parents often have a good idea of their furry friend’s favorite haunts, so check with them if your purr pal’s out for longer than usual.

Watching out for signs something’s wrong 

• Keep an eye on your furry friend’s behavior when they’re at home. A sudden disinterest in going outside may be a sign they’re feeling under the weather or poorly. 
• Familiarize yourself with signs of illness or injury, and contact the vet if you have any concerns.  

How to keep outdoor cats safe at night

While our curious kitties might think they own the night, navigating the outdoors under the cover of darkness can be riskier than during the light of day.

• Most cat flaps can be locked at night to prevent furry felines from going on the prowl after dark. Pet parents will advise you if their kitty is used to staying in at night. 
• Some pet parents train their furry family members to return home at a certain time, and cat sitters should maintain this routine where possible. The cat’s evening meal may serve as a cue for them to come inside, or they might come home in response to being called or offered treats. 
• Kitty cats are more likely to want to stay in at night if they’ve got something to do, so make sure their space is filled with stimulating toys and exciting things to do.
• If your furry friend does go out at night time, they should wear a reflective break-free collar so they are easier to spot in the dark. 

How to keep outdoor cats warm in winter 

Here are some of the ways you can make sure your outdoor felines stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter months. 

• If food and water bowls are kept outside, it’s important their water doesn’t freeze. Check the bowls regularly throughout the day and make sure your cat has access to liquid water at all times. 
• Cats burn more calories when it’s cold outside, so their food bowls might also need filling more regularly if temperatures drop. 
• Outdoor cats should have access to an insulated shelter to protect them from the cold while outside. If your furry feline has an outdoor cat house for winter, provide them with lots of cozy bedding and make sure it’s kept warm and dry.
• Kitties should have access to the cat flap at all times in case they want to come inside to warm up. 
• Consider keeping the cat inside if the temperature plummets. This is especially important for kittens, senior cats, or those with thin coats. You may need to lock their cat flap to prevent them from going outside when temperatures are dangerously low. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Now you know how to care for outdoor cats, the world of house and pet sitting is your oyster! Get your TrustedHousesitters membership today to enjoy a whole year of pet sitting adventures, always made better with a furry friend by your side.