Cat sitting for rescued cats: building trust

Updated 28/11/2023

To build trust and create a new bond with any feline friend is a fantastic feeling, particularly if they are a rescue cat. Our furry friends bring us so much joy, so to offer a new, happy life to a kitty who didn’t have the best start is incredibly rewarding. So, as a cat sitter, someone who is a new addition to a cat’s routine, what should you be aware of when sitting a rescue?

Cats will be the first to remind you of how every cat is different. However, if your next sit is due to be with a recent rescue, or it’s an adopted cat’s first time meeting a sitter, it’s best to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Not only do you want to be sure to keep the cat as comfortable and happy as possible whilst away from their pet parents, but you also want to help build the best bond possible if you’re able to sit with them again.

So, let’s brush up on our rescue cat facts and offer some purr-fect pearls of wisdom on how to be the best rescue cat sitter in town!

How to interact with a new rescue cat

As we previously mentioned, every cat, regardless of whether it’s a rescue or not, has varying needs and quirks. Their pet parents will know best, so be sure to ask as many questions as possible before your sit (we’ve offered a few question suggestions later in this article). 

Here are some tips on how to behave around rescue to help your first meeting go as smoothly as possible.  

Let them come to you

I mean, this is the sort of rule number one for any pet person looking to become a cat’s favorite person. Cats are cautious creatures and to let them feel in control of any situation, especially greetings, will set you off on the right paw. Avoid making direct eye contact with them and be sure to offer your hand for a sniff test. If they’re feeling comfortable, they’ll let you pet them. Otherwise, if they walk away, resist the urge to pursue them, they’ll tell you when they’re ready for more interactions. Try sitting on the floor in the same room as them, often curiosity will get the better of them and they’ll come and see what you’re up to. If they do, resist attempting to stroke them, just let them sniff you, investigate and control the interaction. 

Don’t try to pick them up

Also a big no, no in the cat world, particularly if you’re dealing with a rescue cat. If the pet's parents are unsure of its past or they’re aware if it’s suffered some trauma, launching in for a snuggle is the worst thing you could do.

As a rule of thumb, avoid picking up your new fur friend for cuddles. Instead, follow the first rule of allowing them to come to you. Not all meow babies like being held anyway, so it’s best not to risk causing any unwanted stress.

Reward friendly behavior with treats

This could be a super sneaky way of befriending a rescued purr friend. If you’re sitting an especially nervous kitty, you may find they don’t want to come out of hiding for their food. Try placing their bowl near their hiding spot - if you step away, but wait in the same room, the cat will begin to associate you with food, which is good!

If the shy kitty shows their furry face to check you out, offer them some tasty treats as a way of rewarding their brave behavior. For those lucky enough to have a snuggle encounter, offer some more treats just to seal the deal.

Remember, like dogs, not all cats are food-motivated, so don’t force this on any cats who appear reluctant or uninterested, and always make sure to clear it with the pet parents first before feeding them any extra treats!

Keep the house quiet and calm

Our kitties are zen babies (most of the time) who are happiest when the world is quiet and at peace. If you’re sitting a rescue cat who is a new addition to a furry family, they will most likely be on high alert for danger whilst they settle in. By keeping noise as low as possible - this includes music and TVs - and speaking calmly, you’ll help to create a safe and chilled environment purr-fect for any kitty.

Keep to their routine

The cat brain loves a routine. To help any cat settle into any new situation, particularly those who are nervous, is to stick to what’s familiar to them. As they’ll already be in their home environment, you as the sitter just need to do what mom and dad would do. Keep to feeding times, ask if the pet parents clean at specific times of the day, and ask if they have a set time for watching TV or listening to music. This may sound cat crazy, but it makes all the difference to timid felines.

Questions to ask the pet parents before you sit

Most pet parents often supply careful care instructions before leaving you and their fur baby to bond. Facts such as whether they’re indoor or outdoor cats or if they have a medication, should be highlighted immediately. However, there may be a few extra questions to ask the pet parents to make sure you’re as prepared as you can be.

What do they know about the cat’s past?

Some rescue cats will have a more detailed history than most, some may have very little to go on. However, the shelter, vet, or foster home will have given the pet parents as much detail about the cat’s personality and triggers before adoption. Similarly, cat carers will be aware of what makes their new kitty tick. Find out as much as possible to be as prepared as you can be.

Does their rescued family member have any triggers?

Although a rescue’s past traumas may not be fully known or understood, pet parents may be able to tell you if a cat has certain triggers. For example, some rescues may be more frightened of men than women because they had a bad experience as a stray cat in their past life. Another may be extra sensitive to loud noises or sudden movements. 

If the pet parents are unsure, don’t attempt to find them out yourself. If you do notice something - they’re frightened of a particular object or sound - be sure to update the purr parents immediately.

Are they food-motivated?

This could save you time during bonding sessions. Food and treats can be a great way to break the ice, especially with a rescue cat - food is good, so if you’re giving them food you too must be good and, therefore, trustworthy. However, not every cat is food-inclined or may have special dietary requirements.

Where are their favorite hiding spots?

Ask the parents to scope these out for you, just in case. Although it’s best to leave a nervous cat alone, as a sitter you still need to check in on them. By knowing where they normally hide, you can be reassured they’re in the house and you can keep an eye on how they’re doing throughout the day.

When to be concerned

It can be difficult to pick up on a change in behavior with rescue cats, particularly if they’ve suffered some trauma in their lives. However, there are some clear signs of fear and distress you should look out for:

• Frequent urination or pooping outside the litter box - on, couches, carpets, bedding etc.
• Not using their litter box at all.
• They don’t appear to have touched their food or they’re refusing to eat.
• They haven’t moved from the same spot for more than a day.
• Panting - this is a sign a cat is feeling very distressed.

If you notice any of these symptoms whilst pet sitting, be sure to call the parents and their vet immediately.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lily

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lily Richards BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lily qualified from Liverpool University in 2011 and spent 5 years as a veterinarian working in mixed animal practice. As Lily’s passion for exotics and exploring more complicated small animal medical cases developed, she stepped into small animal-only practice. By 2018 Lily was leading a busy branch of a large hospital practice with a fantastic team, enjoying working on both surgical and medical cases. Since falling poorly in 2021 Lily has found a new passion in medical writing. Sharing medical knowledge and writing for the public is a particular passion. 

Keen to see where your next cat sitting adventure will take you? Check out the latest house sits available around the world and near you. If you aren’t a member yet, but you’re thinking of joining our pet-loving community, you can still peruse our fabulous sits if you sign up for free today!