Family safety7 min read
The cat sitter handoff: a calm checklist for shy-cat households
Cat sitters need different briefs than dog walkers. The cat may not appear during the visit. Setting the expectation, the routine, and the “leave them alone” rule protects the cat’s baseline and the sitter’s sanity.
The Driyu team
Pet safety editorial
Quick answer: A one-page note covers: feeding routine (food brand, amount, timing), litter routine, water refresh, where the cat hides (do not extract), how to know the cat is okay (food eaten, water down, litter used), and what to do if the cat does not eat for 24 hours.
Set expectations first
Many cat sitters expect the cat to greet them. Many cats do not. Tell the sitter what is normal for your cat: “She will hide for the first 2 visits and may not appear at all on day 1. Do not pull her out. Check food and litter for evidence she is fine.”
Setting this expectation in writing prevents a panicked text on day two.
Seven fields a cat sitter reads first
- Feeding: brand, amount, timing, where the food lives.
- Water: location, refresh daily, dishes vs. fountain.
- Litter: location, scoop frequency, where waste goes.
- Hiding spots: usual ones — do not extract.
- Signs the cat is okay: food eaten, water lowered, litter used.
- If something is wrong: 24 hours of no eating, no litter use, or visible distress.
- Emergency contacts: you, a local backup, your vet, nearest emergency clinic.
What not to do
- Do not pull a hiding cat out for petting
- Do not move the litter box
- Do not introduce new toys or treats during the visit
- Do not let the cat outside unless explicitly authorized
- Do not invite guests or pet-sit other animals in the home
Multi-cat household notes
Multi-cat households need clarity on which cat eats which food, who gets along with whom, and any resource-guarding patterns. A short labeled diagram (or a photo with names) reduces sitter confusion.
Medication handoff
If the cat is on medication, the handoff includes the medication routine sheet (see the senior-cat medication post). Pill-pocket location, syringe location, and prescribing vet contact belong on the same page.
How Driyu fits
A Driyu pet profile holds the cat-sitter brief in one place: feeding, water, litter, hiding spots, signs the cat is okay, emergency contacts. The same brief travels for any sitter you use this year or next.
Related reads from Driyu
- The pet sitter handoff: a calm, complete handoff pack
- Cat scratching and enrichment: notes to leave with a caregiver
- Senior cat medication routine: a calm caregiver checklist
Sources and further reading
- Pet Sitters International
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
- AAFP — Cat-friendly handling
Frequently asked questions
How often should a cat sitter visit?
Once a day is typical for healthy adult cats. Senior cats, kittens, cats on medication, or cats prone to UTIs may need twice-daily visits. Some sitters offer overnight stays.
What if my cat does not eat for the sitter?
A 24-hour appetite drop in an adult cat is the line for a vet call. Many cats eat overnight after the sitter leaves; check the bowl in the morning. Persistent refusal needs a vet.
Should the sitter take pictures?
Yes, when reasonable. Photos of food, litter, and the cat (when visible) reassure you and create a small record.
How long can a cat be left with sitter visits only?
Most healthy adult cats handle daily visits for a week comfortably. Beyond that, consider twice-daily or overnight. Senior or chronically ill cats often need shorter intervals.
