What Information Is Included in Updates?

One of the most important parts of professional cat sitting is communication.

While you are away, updates help you stay informed about your cat's wellbeing, daily routine, and any observations made during visits.

Every pet care provider communicates differently, but high-quality updates should provide a clear picture of how your cat is doing—not simply confirm that a visit occurred.

Why Updates Matter

Updates serve several important purposes:

• Provide peace of mind
• Confirm care was completed
• Communicate observations
• Document medications
• Identify concerns early
• Maintain continuity of care

Most importantly, they help bridge the distance between you and your cat while you are away.

Care Tasks Completed

Most updates begin with a summary of care provided during the visit.

This may include:

• Feeding completed
• Water refreshed
• Litter boxes scooped
• Medications administered
• Home care tasks completed

These confirmations provide reassurance that essential care needs were addressed.

Appetite Observations

Food intake is often one of the most important things we monitor.

Updates may include:

• Ate entire meal
• Ate most of meal
• Grazed throughout visit
• Showed strong interest in food
• Delayed eating
• Changes from normal routine

Because appetite can provide important health information, these observations are often included in visit reports.

Hydration Observations

Updates may also note:

• Water refreshed
• Fountain functioning normally
• Drinking behavior appeared typical
• Changes in water usage

Hydration observations are particularly important for senior cats and cats with medical conditions.

Litter Box Observations

Litter box activity can provide valuable insight into overall wellbeing.

Updates may include:

• Litter boxes cleaned
• Normal urine production observed
• Normal stool production observed
• Changes in elimination habits
• No concerns noted

For many cats, litter box patterns are an important part of ongoing wellness monitoring.

Medication Confirmation

If your cat receives medication, updates typically include:

• Medication administered
• Time administered
• Method used
• Relevant observations

Medication documentation helps maintain accountability and continuity of care.

Behavioral Observations

Behavior often tells us how a cat is adjusting while their guardian is away.

Updates may include observations such as:

• Greeting visitors
• Playing normally
• Relaxing comfortably
• Seeking affection
• Watching from a distance
• Hiding but responsive
• Maintaining typical routines

Behavioral observations help place daily activities into context.

Wellness Observations

Professional care involves more than completing tasks.

Updates may include notes regarding:

• Mobility
• Comfort
• Coat condition
• Energy level
• Social engagement
• Emotional regulation

These observations help create a broader picture of wellbeing.

Photos and Videos

Many updates include photos.

These images may show:

• Relaxing cats
• Meal time
• Play sessions
• Favorite sleeping spots
• General wellbeing

Photos often provide reassurance that words alone cannot.

Home Care Updates

If requested, updates may also include:

• Mail retrieval
• Package collection
• Plant care
• Security checks
• Household observations

These details help guardians know that both their cat and home are being monitored.

Information About Concerns

If something appears unusual, updates may include observations such as:

• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Changes in behavior
• Changes in mobility
• Medication difficulties

When concerns arise, additional communication may occur beyond the standard visit report.

Multi-Cat Households

For households with multiple cats, updates often include observations about each individual whenever possible.

Examples:

• Luna ate immediately and greeted at the door.
• Oliver stayed on the window perch and enjoyed brushing.
• Pebble remained hidden but food, water, and litter activity were all normal.

Individualized updates help guardians understand how each cat is doing.

What Good Updates Do

The best updates do more than list completed tasks.

They answer questions such as:

• How is my cat feeling?
• How are they adjusting?
• Are they behaving normally?
• Is there anything I should know?

Good communication creates confidence.

Our Philosophy

At Cats in the City, updates are an extension of our observation-based approach to care.

We believe guardians deserve more than confirmation that someone visited.

They deserve meaningful information about their cat's wellbeing.

Every update is an opportunity to document observations, maintain continuity, and help you remain connected to your cat while you are away.

Because great communication doesn't simply tell you what happened.

It helps you understand how your cat is doing.

Related Articles

• Daily Visit Reports
• Photo Updates Explained
• Wellness Observations During Visits
• Monitoring Behavior During Visits
• Monitoring Appetite During Visits
• Monitoring Hydration During Visits
• What Happens During a Standard Cat Sitting Visit?
• Benefits of In-Home Cat Care