Cat Sitters Guide – How to become a Cat Sitter

Cat sitting can be a very rewarding job, but also comes with a lot of responsibilities. To make sure you understand and follow the full process please read through our points below.



Before you join, make sure cat sitting is right for you:

 

  • All cat sitters are required to follow our Code of Conduct

  • You should have experience in caring for cats - either by cat sitting regularly or owning your own cat.

  • Besides loving cats, you must be reliable, responsible, organised and trustworthy

  • You must be over 18 years old

  • You have to be able to do the cat sitting job at agreed times, some cat owners will be flexible depending on their cat's routine. 

  • Respect the cat owner's house rules and follow their instructions. You are primarily a service provider and the cat owner is your client.

  • Your drop-in cat sitting visits should be at least 20 to 40 minutes. The number of visits per day depends on each individual cat's routine. If you have the time, you can also offer an overnight cat sitting service.

 


Signing Up as a Cat Sitter:


 

Yay! We are happy you’ve decided to join us!

 

  • Before submitting your profile for approval, make sure you have written a lovely description about who you are and the type of cat sitting service you would like to offer. 

  • You will also need to provide proof of address in order for your profile to be verified.

  • Familiarise yourself with your dashboard on Cat in a Flat, here you will find: your profile, photo gallery (My Clients), bookings, payments, Forms & Tips and your Settings with your Availability Calendar (please keep this updated).

  • For quick, easy and secure payment, please register your bank details in the Settings. Remember it is compulsory for all payments to be made through Cat in a Flat in order for the Cat in a Flat Guarantee to be valid. Our small service fee helps us keep this community running, so really it helps you just as much as it helps us :)




On average only 15% of people who sign up will be accepted as a cat sitter within our community. 


Before the cat sitting booking:

 

  • When you receive a booking request, you’ll be alerted by email and text. So please make sure you have signed up with an email address you use often and your mobile details are always up to date - you don’t want to miss out on those belly rubs!

  • Please always respond as quick as you can. If you are unable to do the job PLEASE let the cat owner know so they can ask someone else.

  • Remember you’re your own boss so only take the jobs that suit you and your schedule.  

  • When you accept a job, please press the ‘Available’ button and always arrange to meet the cat owner at least 2 to 3 days before they go on holiday - this gives you the chance to meet the owner and be shown the kitty's routine. 

  • Always check the keys - some doors can be tricky!
  • When the cat owner decides to go ahead with the booking, please make sure they press the ‘Book Now’ button before the cat sitting starts. This is important as it confirms the job, validates the Cat in a Flat Guarantee and ensures your payment.




During the cat sitting booking:

 

  • When cat sitting follow our top tips in our Cat Sitting Checklist

  • Each visit should be no shorter than 20 minutes - obviously if the kitty is home and wants a cuddle you will stay much longer :)

  • Remember you are looking after someone’s precious furbaby so please send them daily photos and updates.

  • When providing daily fresh food and water always clean the bowls and keep the eating area tidy.

  • If the cat uses a litter box, the poop and wee clumps need to be scooped EVERY day. If you’re unsure of how to dispose of the cat litter please ask the cat owner. Do NOT put it down the toilet.

  • Playtime and cuddles are a must (if the kitty will let you!)

  • Water plants and collect the post if required.

 

To avoid any misunderstandings, always make sure you have clear written instructions from the cat owner, even on repeat visits.

 


After the cat sitting booking is completed

 

  • Arrange to return the keys to the cat owner as soon as possible. We would suggest handing them over in person rather than leaving them through the post box. If there is an unforeseen delay you may be asked to do an extra feed.

  • Write a lovely review for the cat owner and kitty, and hopefully they will do one for you in return.

 




Happy Cat Sitting!

















Cat in a Flat

The Trusted Cat Sitting Community

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Become a Cat Sitter. Join Here


How does cat sitting work? Watch Here


For cat care tips and info visit our Blog

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