How to Choose a Cat Sitter
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There are a number of boarding facilities that accept cats for overnight care, but this option may be nerve-wracking for cats that are used to a far more private (and quiet) environment. Hiring a pet sitter to watch your cat at home sidesteps this issue, and is often about half the price of boarding your cat away from home.
On average, a pet sitter will charge $15 to $20 per day for one cat, with an additional $5 or so for each additional cat. It may cost more for the sitter to pay early morning or evening visits to your home. Pierce adds that if a cat requires more than 30 minutes of care or entertainment, her company charges an additional fee.
Industry organizations like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International offer training and certification to their members, as well as online member databases to help you locate a pet sitter in your area. Your cat's veterinarian or fellow pet parents also may have suggestions.
Expect your pet sitter to use a contract that details their services, fees and responsibilities -- some sitters will even water houseplants or bring in the mail. Ask the sitter how they would care for your pet if a natural disaster occurred while you were gone, or if your pet becomes sick or hurt.
Most pet sitters will come to your home several days before their services are needed. This way, the sitter can meet the cat, get a quick tour, go over the cat's schedule and answer (or ask) additional questions.
If you hire a friend or neighbor to check on your cat during your absence, you could offer to pay them $5 to $10 a day or present them with a gift upon your return. Or you could return the favor instead. For example, PetSwapUSA.com matches pet owners willing to watch each other's pets -- for free.
Whether you choose a professional or a volunteer to cat sit, the time and effort you put into planning will help ensure that your time apart is a positive experience for your feline friend.
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