They are independent, stylish, and elegant. Sometimes aloof but affectionate in their own way. Many cat lovers would be happy to wax poetic about how amazing our feline companions are.
It can be harder for pet-sitters to gain the trust and love of cats than it is with dogs. You have to work hard for a cat’s love, but it is so rewarding once you get it.
Our community is full of experienced people. As always, our members were more than happy to offer their advice when asked about cat owners’ top tips and how they could help sitters on the Community Forum. Follow these tips to ensure your cat sitting adventure is smoother than a British shorthair’s coat.
Tips for cat sitting
The cat lovers in our Forum rushed to respond to this new Forum thread about cat sitting tips. Our feline-loving Forum members spilled the beans on everything from the best places to hide a cat, to the most effective ways to feed them and get a cat come to you.
How can you make a cat come to you when you call it?
When I first meet a cat, I literally bow down. I then put my back hand out to let it come. The cat has to smell you. If allowed, I will stroke their tops of heads and see what they do.”
The most important aspect of cats is their ability to decide whether they are going to accept someone approaching them and petting them. It is best to approach your hand gently; the cat will let you know what they are likely to do.
I think that it is important to respect cats as beings and give them space. They like to watch you a little & we become friends!
What are some of the common hiding places that cats use?
They can be anywhere. They can hide anywhere: under beds, couches and closets. Basements, bathrooms, kitchens… It’s best to leave them alone. As long as you don’t lock them up, they will eventually come out. “Trying to make a cat come out will only cause it to retreat even more”
Cats like to be routine
All the cats that we have had were creatures of habit. They will repeat the same routine if it isn’t disturbed.
The most important part is to keep them in their daily routine! We used to have our neighbors feed the cats two times a day. But when we returned, their fur was not as glossy as usual and they seemed to be out of it. We have always found someone to look after the house and cats. When we returned home, we thought that the cats had not noticed we’d been gone for more than a week!
The cat is a creature of habit
Clean your litter box with these hacks
The litter box needs to be cleaned every day or the cats will go elsewhere. Make sure that you are aware of this!
It was mentioned that the litter box should be kept clean. Also, they can be picky when it comes to the kind of litter. “Cat Attract works great if your cat is not using the litter box.
What and how much do cats consume?
Cats can be very particular about what they eat and when. Follow their advice. Owners are the best source of information on what to feed, when, and how. They can also tell you about their likes and dislikes as well as any special requirements. “A good Welcome guide and an in-depth conversation with the owner is best.”
Do not wait until they remind you that it is time to eat or to scoop litter or water from the bowl. Not all cats meow when they are hungry or come to get you.
Cats are very particular eaters and won’t eat anything they dislike. Once you buy a lot of a particular food, your cat will no longer accept it. The bottom of their food bowl may make them act as if they’re starving because it is clearly visible …”
What is the communication method of cats?
You have to be able to understand body language. If a dog is wagging its tail, it usually means he’s excited and happy. If a cat does the “whip” with their tail, it means they’re in a playful mood. They might bite you if they feel threatened or on the defense.”
Stop petting the dog if its tail begins to twitch. It’s because they don’t want to be touched. Cats don’t just yell at you when they dislike something. The signals may be subtle, but you must watch out for them. “You can tell quite a bit from their ears, for instance.”
Sometimes cats bite or scratch when playing… You will learn to recognize when your cat dislikes something.
Why do dog people not understand cats?
You have to learn their personalities to understand them. Two cats are totally opposites. The other cat loves to have her back rubbed, is happy in her space and doesn’t want to be picked-up at all. She’ll come whenever she pleases. One only wants head rubs. “If you pet her, she’ll grab your hands with sharp claws”
They’re not the “quirky”, free-spirited people that popular culture portrays. They are often surprised at how much they love the cat, and vice-versa.
“Many cat owners do not realize that boarding their cats in a facility while they’re away on vacation can cause them to be distressed.”
Here are some things you should never do when cat-sitting.
It is a disservice to the family and animal.” This is both a disservice for the family and animal.
Cats need positive reinforcement, not negative.”
What is a cat-sitter?
So, then, Human. Are you up for the challenge of being the Feline King and Queen of TrustedHousesitters’? Great! Our top 10 tips for becoming a cat-sitter are:
- Join TrustedHousesitters. It sounds so obvious. If you’re not already a member of our community for pet lovers, it’s time to join. With Christmas right around the corner it is a wonderful opportunity to explore a new place with your furry cat friend!
- Create a profile for a cat-sitter. Sign up for TrustedHousesitters and you’ll be able to create your own pet-sitter profile, complete with pictures and information on you and the pet you care for, as well as why you are interested in pet sitting. You can also sit for other animals besides cats! TrustedHousesitters has a variety of pets looking for loving and kind pet sitters. These include dogs, cats and other animals such as chickens, horses and rabbits. Just don’t let the cats know!
- Get your profile verified. It is best to apply for free background and ID checks in order to assure pet owners that you are the person you claim you are. Don’t forget about requesting references for pet sitting and house sitting. Adding at least three of these to your profile can increase your chances to find a house or pet sit by up to 20%.
- Find a house sitter. After you have updated your profile as a pet sitter, you are able to search for house sittings near you and abroad. Set up a Saved Search and receive alerts when house sites that match your criteria are posted.
- Send your application. It’s now time to send in the applications. Write up your message. It’s your time to shine, so give it plenty of attention and personalise each message for the pet and owner. You’ll be making furry friends within no time.