Where can I find a cat sitter for my holiday?
You can book home visits for your cat through Alvis. Before handing over a key, take a look at the sitter’s profile and read what other owners say about their visits. You can also arrange to meet at home before you leave. Even if your cat stays out of sight, you can talk through how the sitter will tell whether they’ve eaten and what you’d like to hear after each visit.
How often should someone visit a cat while you’re away?
Battersea recommends two visits a day for a cat staying at home. Start with your cat’s usual mealtimes and include the dates you travel. If you leave after breakfast and get back late in the evening, someone will still need to serve dinner on the day you return.
A kitten or a cat who needs close observation or medication at set times may need more than two short visits. Discuss their schedule with your vet and check what the sitter can do before you book. If your cat needs someone there between visits, consider arranging for a sitter to stay in your home.
What should you show your cat sitter before you leave?
Invite them round when you’d usually feed your cat. Show them a normal portion, where you put the rest of an open pouch and which water bowl your cat actually uses. If you have two cats, mention who finishes first. A cat who heads straight for the other bowl is a good reason for the sitter to stay through the meal or feed them separately, just as you do.
From the bowls, head to the litter tray. Leave the scoop, bags and spare litter nearby. Show the sitter the carrier, your cat’s favourite hiding place and the door they like to wait behind.
One short note with portions, your number, the vet’s number and a contact who’ll answer while you’re travelling is easier to find than a detail buried in a message thread.
How long a visit should you book?
Picture the moment the sitter has washed the bowls and scooped the tray. What would your cat do next? If they usually fetch their feather toy or curl up beside you, allow time for that too. If your cat prefers to watch a visitor from a shelf, show the sitter where it is. They can spend a quiet few minutes nearby and let your cat choose whether to approach.
You can compare visit lengths on our cat sitting page. Tell us how many cats are at home and what it takes to feed each one. That makes it easier to choose a visit with time left for company once the chores are done.
What can a cat sitter’s report tell you?
The photo shows Poldek drinking from the tap. The sitter’s note adds that he followed her to the sink and that she topped up his water bowl afterwards. If there is something you would especially like to hear about while you are away, tell the sitter before the first visit.
Read the full report from Poldek’s visit
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What if you get home a day late?
Before you leave, agree who can get into your home if you’re delayed. Try the spare key and leave extra food and litter. If your plans change, contact your sitter or coordinator while you can still make a call. Get confirmation of who will cover the extra visit.
Questions cat owners ask before a holiday
Can I leave my cat with an automatic feeder for the weekend?
Arrange for someone to visit even if you use a feeder. Someone still needs to check whether your cat has eaten, refresh the water and clean the tray. Show the sitter where to find food if the feeder stops working.
What if my cat hides from visitors?
Point out where your cat usually waits until the house is quiet. Agree what the sitter will check and when they should call if they can’t find your cat. A photo for you can wait until your cat chooses to come out.
How can the sitter tell whether both my cats have eaten?
Show them how to tell your cats apart and where each one eats. Ask for a note about each cat at mealtime. Two empty bowls tell you very little if one cat had access to both.
What should I leave for a sitter if my cat takes medication?
Leave your vet’s current written instructions and the practice number. Before confirming the booking, discuss the timing of each dose and who the sitter should call if they have difficulty giving it.
When should I collect the keys after my holiday?
Arrange the handover once you know you’ll be home. If you’re on a late flight, meeting the next day may be easier for both of you. Let the sitter know when you’re back with your cat.
