Finding The Perfect Cat Sitter In Norfolk

Section 1: Finding a Cat Sitter

Cats are undoubtedly complex creatures.

They seem like they don’t need humans – as though we’re obstacles in the way of their utopia. And maybe in centuries past, felines didn’t require the assistance of humans to survive. They roamed the lands freely, hunting and gathering to their heart’s content.

However, in the 21st century, cats – despite their lust for independence – have become domesticated and need humans for survival.

So, when you go away for a few days, it’s not enough to leave some food out and allow your furry friend to then take care of themselves.

The fact is, if you’re away for an extended period (or just a long weekend), your cat will feel anxiety because they’re used to your companionship. Even the most self-sufficient cat shouldn’t be left alone for more than 12 hours. Alternatively, any cat with more intensive needs (such as regimented feeding schedules and medications) probably needs a visit every 3 or 4 hours.

Regardless of your cat’s needs, they’ll need at least 1 visit per day from a professional sitter. After all, an emergency might arise, and it’s vital to act as quickly as possible in those instances.

But how do you find the perfect cat sitter? You don’t want to entrust the care of your little furball to somebody who’s not up to the task.

As such, you’ll want to read on for a deep dive into the how to find the right person to care for your cat when you aren’t around:

Will Friends or Family Suffice For Your Cat Sitting Needs?

Amateur pet sitters likely aren’t your best bet.

Sure, friends or family might work with a tremendously low maintenance cat. Unfortunately, as the list of your cat’s needs grows more comprehensive, the less this option suffices.

Keep in mind that this isn’t your friend, family member, or neighbor’s cat. If you aren’t a professional, caring for someone else’s animal is highly inconvenient.

Professional cat sitters spend, on average, a half hour per visit feeding your cat, giving it water to drink, and changing litter boxes. Untrained sitters, in many cases, won’t be up to the task. Furthermore, if your cat has fussy eating habits, professionals are trained to manage those hurdles.

Where and How to Find the Ideal Cat Sitter

Looking for a cat sitter can be stressful if you don’t know where to look. Take solace in knowing it’s not that much of a headache. Like any other service, it just takes time and research.

First and foremost, we suggest not using an agency, as independent cat sitters tend to display more expertise and passion in the field. Sadly, and somewhat inconveniently, searching ‘local cat sitters’ on Google is likely going to turn up a litany of agencies, making finding an independent choice a touch more challenging.

Luckily, your options don’t start and end with Google.

Ask fellow cat owners about who they hire in these instances. If that method fails to bear any fruit, ask your cat’s veterinarian for suggestions.

Local Facebook groups are bound to provide a few options, as well as Craigslist. You can put up flyers around town as well – but if you’re in a time crunch, responses to flyers might not come in quick enough.

And in 2019, it only makes sense that there is now a wealth of pet sitting apps you can use to find a great candidate.

Vetting Your Cat Sitting Candidates

When someone isn’t referred to you through a trusted source like a vet or fellow pet owner, you need to know whether they’re fully qualified.

Ensure any cat sitting candidate provides a list of references – and make sure to follow up with those references.

On top of that, professional sitters should be able to discuss their cat-minding experiences in detail. One bonus (and a good sign of professionalism), is a bonded and insured cat sitter – this is something that should put any candidate at the front of the line.

Be sure to inquire how a candidate will react if there’s a natural disaster, accident, or health emergency while your beloved pet is under their watch.

What to Expect Once You’ve Hired a Sitter

Generally, sitters charge $15-$20 per day if you have one cat and an extra $5 for each additional pet.

Sitters tend to charge more for early morning and evening visits. Plus, expect premium charges if your cat needs more than 30-minutes of care per day.

It’s a good practice for sitters to provide a contract that clearly defines services, fees, and responsibilities. Some sitters will water houseplants and bring in the mail while you’re away.

Experienced sitters often visit your home a few days before they begin their duties so that they can familiarize themselves with your cat. Plus, it’s an opportunity to get a quick lay of the land and ask any questions about your cat’s schedule.