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    Home » Travel

    The Ultimate Cat Sitting Checklist

    Published: Aug 29, 2016 · Modified: Aug 8, 2018 by Kerri Jablonski · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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    This Ultimate Cat Sitting Checklist is a sponsored post.Sleeping Nixie #PerfectPortions AD
    You’ve finally booked that well-deserved vacation – the one you’ve been waiting to take for over a year, but when you get home, your cat gives you the STARE. In most situations, it’s better to leave your kitty at home, where they are most comfortable. Cat care when you’re out of town goes well beyond a good cat sitting checklist, but it’s a start. There are a number of things you want to make sure you talk to your cat sitter about before you’re leaving on a jet plane.

    You can either hire someone to take care of your cat at home or you can board your kitty. My last kennel experience was a horrible one, so I prefer to have someone we know come in and care for Nixie and Milo.

    I’m also fairly certain they don’t ever want to leave comforts of home.
    Cozy Kitties #PerfectPortions ad

    The Ultimate Cat Sitting Checklist

    Kitty Details
    Our neighbor usually takes care of Nixie and Milo, but if you're using someone "new" it's good to include details on your cat sittig checklist like names, descriptions and basic details about them.

    Veterinary Information
    Make sure you leave your veterinarian's name, address, phone number and office hours. Don't forget a letter authorizing your pet sitter by name to seek emergency care for your cat(s.) If your cat is chipped, let your sitter know!

    Where You’ll Be
    Leave your itinerary and contact number on your cat sitting checklist. Let your sitter know they can call you if they have questions about your cats care. You may even want to set up a Facetime call for your cats.

    Hungry kitty #PerfectPortions adInstructions for Feeding
    Nixie and Milo are fed at the same time every day. As we approach that time, Nixie starts going CRAZY. To make it easier on a cat sitter, I leave SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™ - they are the perfect portions for feeding my sweet kitties. Each serving includes the right amount of ounces per kitty – so they don’t overeat and also there is no waste. SHEBA® WHAT CATS WANT™ - just ask my kitties! Make sure there is always fresh water and that pet dishes are kept clean.

    SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™ and cat sitting checklist #PerfectPortions ad

    Cleaning the Litterbox
    Earlier this summer, be built a catio and moved the litter box outside. It takes more effort to make sure it’s kept clean, but it also keeps the stink down. Make you're your cat sitter keeps things scooped and also to keep an eye out for any red flags. Loose stools, or stools with mucous or blood are all reasons to call your veterinarian without delay. If you’re going to be gone more than a few days, leaving fresh litter isn’t a bad idea either.

    Playing with Cats
    Cat sitting is more than dumping some food in a bowl and scooping the cat box. Ask your cat sitter to play with your cats, and maybe even leave them some treats to give them (under supervision of course) SHEBA® Meaty Tender Sticks are savory snacks for your kitty, and a treat for them whether you are at home or away.

    Pretty kitty boy Milo #PerfectPortions ad

    Everything else:
    Don’t forget to talk to your cat sitter about other important things. I don’t let my cats outside other than their catio. Nixie will try her hardest to tell you otherwise, so I make sure anyone who is taking care of her and Milo know that. If my kitties were on medication, I’d let the sitter know about that too.

    Feeling overwhelmed? I've created this handy FREE cat sitting checklist you can download and print out to use.

    The Ultimate Cat Sitting Checklist #PerfectPortions ad

    The alternative: Taking Your Cat With You
    If you want to take your cat with you, make sure they are microchipped! Get them a collar with an ID tag and make sure everything is up to date. When riding in the car, the safest place for them and you is in the carrier. Don’t forget their water dish and SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™ for easy feeding on the go!

     

    Don't forget to pin this cat sitting checklist for later!

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    About Kerri Jablonski

    Kerri Jablonski is a Seattle Mom Blogger. She lives with her 3 kids (2008, 2010, 2013), her husband and cats. Two of her children have Autism. Kerri enjoys cooking, travel, movies and spending time with her family.

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    1. Courtney Buteau

      August 29, 2016 at 9:59 am

      Love your printable! There's so much to keep in mind when leaving our pets for a short time. But, writing things down definitely helps people remember. Thank you for sharing those adorable pics of your cat! #client

      Reply
    2. Anne

      September 04, 2016 at 8:38 am

      I also think leaving your cats at home and getting a good cat sitter is far better than getting a cat on the road. One more thing I found that needs to be done is have a local point of contact for the sitter back home. A neighbor, a good friend of a relative, in case something happens, the sitter needs help and can't get a hold of you.

      Reply
      • Kerri Jablonski

        September 05, 2016 at 11:01 pm

        That's a good point Anne about the point of contact. And very true. About 10 years ago, I was cat sitting for a friend who was in Australia. We knew her sweet June Bug was near the end of her life (she had cancer) and sadly, her time came when she was with me. It would have been wonderful to have had someone else to talk to during that time. Sweet June passed in my arms. I know that's worst case scenario, but it's also the importance of have a good cat sitter and backup! <3

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. The Ultimate Cat Sitting Checklist #cat #petsitter #kittens says:
      September 1, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      […] checklist! I think it’s also a handy list for your dog’s sitter to follow! Thank you to I Am The Maven Blog for sharing this great post!! Get the tips and more photos by heading -> -> […]

      Reply

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