What Does a Cat Sitter Do During a Visit?
Every cat has their own routine, personality, and preferences. A MeowSit visit is built around keeping that routine as familiar as possible while making sure your cat is comfortable, cared for, and checked on while you are away.
Although every visit is a little different, here is what you can generally expect.
Food and Fresh Water
We follow the feeding instructions you provide, including meal amounts, feeding times, wet or dry food preferences, and any special routines your cat is used to.
We also refresh water and make sure food and water areas are left clean and tidy.
If your cat does not eat as expected, we take note and let you know.
Litter Box Care
We scoop litter boxes during each scheduled visit and check that everything looks normal.
We can also sweep or tidy the immediate litter area as needed so your cat's space stays clean and comfortable.
Changes in litter box habits can sometimes be an early sign that something is different, so this is an important part of every visit.
Playtime and Enrichment
For cats who enjoy playing, we spend time with their favorite toys and activities.
That might mean chasing a wand toy, batting around a mouse, playing fetch, watching birds from the window together, or whatever your cat enjoys.
Play helps provide stimulation and gives active or social cats something to look forward to while you are away.
Attention, Affection, or Space
Some cats want attention the second we walk through the door.
Others need time.
We follow your cat's lead.
For social cats, that may mean pets, brushing, lap time, conversation, or simply sitting nearby.
For shy cats, a successful visit might mean quietly checking that they are safe and comfortable without forcing them to interact.
Our goal is not to make every cat socialize. It is to care for each cat in the way that makes them feel most comfortable.
A Quick Wellness Check
During every visit, we pay attention to how your cat is doing.
We look for things such as:
Whether they are eating and drinking normally
Their general energy and behavior
Litter box use
Vomit, hairballs, or other unusual messes
Anything noticeably different from their normal routine
We are not veterinarians, but regular visits mean someone is physically checking on your cat and can alert you if something seems unusual.
Medication When Arranged in Advance
If medication is part of your cat's routine, we can discuss those needs during the meet and greet.
Medication services depend on the type of medication, your cat's temperament, and the instructions provided.
We want to make sure both you and the sitter are comfortable with the plan before your trip begins.
Cat-Related Cleanup
Cats occasionally make a mess.
During the visit, we can take care of reasonable cat-related cleanup such as spilled food, scattered litter, or a hairball we discover.
We also leave your cat's feeding and litter areas tidy before we go.
Your Home Gets a Quick Check, Too
While our priority is your cat, being inside your home also means we may notice something that needs your attention.
If we see an obvious issue such as a leak, unusual temperature, open door or window, or something else concerning, we will let you know.
Depending on your service arrangements, we may also help with simple tasks such as bringing in packages or mail, adjusting lights, or watering a small number of plants.
You'll Receive an Update
After the visit, we send you an update so you know how things went.
That may include:
How your cat was doing
Whether they ate
Litter box updates
Playtime or activity
Anything unusual we noticed
Photos from the visit
You should not have to spend your trip wondering whether someone showed up or how your cat is doing.
Before We Leave
Before leaving your home, we make sure the agreed-upon care tasks are complete, your cat is safely inside, food and water are taken care of, litter boxes have been checked, and your home is secured according to your instructions.
Then we do it all again at the next scheduled visit.
Every Cat Is Different
There is no single perfect cat-sitting visit.
One cat may spend the entire visit playing.
Another might sleep through most of it.
A shy cat might watch us from underneath the bed for the first few visits before deciding we are okay.
That's why we learn your cat's routine during the meet and greet and tailor our visits to them.
Looking for a Cat Sitter in Chicago?
MeowSit provides thoughtful, dependable in-home cat care while you're away.
Your cat gets to stay where they are most comfortable, and you get the reassurance of knowing someone is checking in.
