How to Leave Feeding Instructions

One of the most important parts of preparing for professional cat sitting is providing clear feeding instructions.

While feeding your cat may feel second nature to you, what seems obvious after years of daily care may not be obvious to someone stepping into your routine for the first time.

Clear instructions help ensure consistency, reduce confusion, and support your cat's comfort and wellbeing while you are away.

Think Like Someone New to Your Home

When writing feeding instructions, imagine that the person reading them has never fed your cat before.

Ask yourself:

• Would they know which food to use?
• Would they know how much to feed?
• Would they know where supplies are located?
• Would they know what is normal for your cat?

The more clearly you answer these questions, the easier it becomes to provide consistent care.

Include Feeding Times

Start with your cat's normal feeding schedule.

Examples:

• Breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
• Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
• Small snack before bedtime

Specific times are more helpful than instructions such as:

"Feed twice daily."

Routine matters to many cats.

Specify Exact Portions

Avoid vague instructions whenever possible.

Instead of:

"Give a scoop of food."

Use:

• ¼ cup dry food
• One 3-ounce can
• Half of a 5.5-ounce can
• Two tablespoons of wet food

Precise measurements help maintain consistency.

Identify Food Locations

Tell your sitter where to find:

• Dry food
• Wet food
• Prescription diets
• Treats
• Supplements

If multiple foods look similar, consider labeling containers.

Explain Food Preparation

If meals require preparation, provide step-by-step instructions.

Examples:

• Add two tablespoons of water
• Mix canned food and dry food together
• Warm food for 10 seconds
• Add prescribed supplement before serving

Never assume preparation steps will be obvious.

Explain Multi-Cat Feeding Routines

Multi-cat households often have more complex feeding needs.

Include information such as:

• Which cat receives which food
• Feeding locations
• Cats that must be separated
• Cats that steal food
• Cats receiving prescription diets

Photos can be especially helpful when identifying individual cats.

Share Your Cat's Preferences

Many cats have strong opinions about meals.

Helpful details may include:

• Preferred feeding location
• Favorite bowls
• Water preferences
• Foods they routinely refuse
• Foods they particularly enjoy

Small details often make meals more successful.

Describe What Is Normal

Tell your sitter what normal eating looks like for your cat.

Examples:

• Grazes throughout the day
• Finishes meals immediately
• Leaves a small amount behind
• Prefers wet food first
• Eats slowly

This helps distinguish normal habits from potential concerns.

Explain When You Want Updates

Let your sitter know when you would like to be contacted.

For example:

• Misses one meal
• Misses multiple meals
• Eats significantly less than normal
• Refuses medication hidden in food
• Vomits after eating

Clear expectations help everyone communicate effectively.

Leave Extra Food

Whenever possible, leave enough food for:

• Your planned trip
• Unexpected travel delays
• Emergency extensions

Extra supplies create flexibility and peace of mind.

Consider Creating a Feeding Sheet

Many guardians find it helpful to create a simple feeding page that includes:

• Feeding times
• Portion sizes
• Food locations
• Special instructions
• Medication notes

This can become part of a larger Cat Care Binder or travel packet.

Sample Feeding Instructions

Milo

• Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.
• Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
• Feed ¼ cup Hill's Adult Indoor dry food at each meal.
• Add one tablespoon warm water to breakfast.
• Treats allowed after dinner.
• Food stored in pantry container labeled "Milo."

Luna

• Feed one-half can Royal Canin Gastrointestinal wet food at breakfast.
• Feed one-half can at dinner.
• Must be separated from Milo during meals.
• Medication mixed into evening meal.

Our Philosophy

At Cats in the City, we believe feeding is about more than providing calories.

Meals are often one of the most important parts of a cat's daily routine.

Clear feeding instructions help preserve consistency, support health, and reduce stress while you are away.

The more information we have, the more closely we can recreate the routines your cat already knows and trusts.

Because successful cat sitting begins with understanding the details that matter most.

Related Articles

• Feeding Instructions Best Practices
• What Information Should I Leave for My Sitter?
• Medication Instructions Best Practices
• Travel Preparation Checklist
• Creating a Cat Care Binder
• What Happens During a Cat Sitting Visit?
• Preparing Your Home for Cat Sitting