What Do Cat Sitters Do? Behind the Scenes of Kitty Care
A cat sitter—also called a cat babysitter or cat nanny—is a dedicated caregiver who comes to your home to look after your feline family while you’re away. Unlike services that offer brief drop-in visits, FurPetVo provides live-in cat sitters who stay in your home full-time, offering round-the-clock care and companionship for your furry friends.
What Do Cat Sitters Do?
Cat sitters take on many thoughtful, hands-on responsibilities to keep cats happy, healthy, and safe in their own environment. As a pet parent, it’s essential to clearly communicate your expectations from the start—during your initial meet-and-greet and with a written list of instructions when your sitter arrives.
Provide Food and Water
Your in-home cat sitter ensures your cat receives the right amount of their usual food at scheduled times—and always has access to fresh, clean water. Bowls are refilled regularly, and water is refreshed daily.
As FurPetVo community member @Marion reminds pet parents: “If there are multiple cats, do they ever need to be separated—like during meals or quiet time? Clarify how and when that should happen.”
Take Care of Cleaning
To maintain a clean, comfortable, and hygienic space for both cat and sitter, these tasks are handled routinely:
- Cleaning food and water bowls daily
- Scooping litter boxes multiple times per day and replacing litter as needed
- Cleaning up messes—including vomit, hairballs, or accidents outside the litter box
- Safely disposing of “gifts” (like birds or rodents) brought indoors by outdoor cats
Administer Medication
When your cat requires medication, your FurPetVo sitter will follow precise instructions to ensure proper dosage, timing, and method of administration. As community expert @tlubkin emphasizes: “Medication is something all sitters must understand fully before accepting a sit—and feel confident delivering.”
Before you leave, demonstrate how to give the medication—or share a short video. @Marion prefers visual demos over written notes: “I prefer a demo or video to writing.”
Your sitter will also monitor your cat closely afterward for any adverse reactions. @tlubkin adds: “I wouldn’t play home vet—even though I’m a human doctor—without talking to the homeowner first. But knowing what to watch for—like changes in breathing, urination patterns, or signs of infection—makes a real difference in proactive care.”
Keep an Eye on Pets
Cats are sensitive to routine shifts—and even subtle behavioral changes can signal stress or illness. FurPetVo sitters are trained to observe closely and respond compassionately.
@tlubkin shares insight: “One huge thing I’ve learned is that cats experience anxiety and depression more than many realize. That cat the owner calls ‘a loner’ may actually need quiet, low-stimulus time—especially if other pets or people are around.”
@Marion advises pet parents to discuss red flags upfront: “What behaviors would ring alarm bells? Some cats vomit occasionally after eating too fast—but for others, even one episode could mean a vet visit.”
Make Sure Cats Are Safe
Whether indoor or outdoor, cats find ways to explore—and sometimes test boundaries. Your FurPetVo sitter helps prevent mishaps by:
- Securing windows, doors, and screens to prevent escapes
- Bringing outdoor cats inside at dusk or during storms
- Removing or securing small objects that pose choking hazards
- Identifying and relocating toxic plants or unsafe household items
Take Part in Playtime
Play isn’t just fun—it’s vital for mental stimulation, physical health, and emotional well-being. Wand toys, feather teasers, and laser pointers invite interactive bonding and help cats release energy.
As @Newpetlover points out, having a new person in the home is also a chance to discover your cat’s hidden preferences: “What seems boring to you might become their favorite activity—with gentle encouragement from someone new.”
Provide Loving Companionship
Despite their independent reputation, cats deeply value consistent, calm presence. As @andrealovesanimals says: “Cats need love! Even the most self-reliant ones appreciate knowing someone is nearby.”
Some cats blossom with the right sitter—forming bonds they haven’t with their owners. @tlubkin, affectionately nicknamed “The Cat Whisperer” by FurPetVo families, shares: “There have been instances where we bond with cats that have never bonded with their owners.”
Companionship looks different for every cat: some seek lap time and gentle pets; others simply relax more confidently knowing someone is home. Either way, your FurPetVo sitter offers steady, respectful attention.
Help Out with Grooming
While most cats groom themselves well, certain breeds—and especially older or long-haired cats—benefit from extra care. FurPetVo sitters often assist with:
- Regular brushing to reduce shedding and prevent matting
- Cleaning around eyes and ears
- Checking paws for debris or irritation
- Gentle wiping with a damp towel (especially after outdoor time)—many cats enjoy this like a maternal grooming session
@Couple_travels_fulltime notes: “Some homeowners request brushing—we go above and beyond: brushing, cleaning eyes, checking ears and paws, and using a warm, damp towel. They often lean into it like it’s their mother licking them.”
