What Information Should I Leave for My Cat Sitter?

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth cat sitting experience is to leave clear, detailed information for your sitter before you travel.

Even if your cat's routine feels straightforward to you, written instructions help ensure consistency and allow your sitter to provide the best possible care.

The goal is simple:

Help your sitter care for your cat the way you would.

Basic Contact Information

Always provide:

• Your primary phone number
• A secondary phone number (if available)
• Email address
• Travel itinerary (optional but helpful)
• Emergency contact person

This ensures your sitter can reach someone quickly if questions arise.

Veterinary Information

Leave contact information for:

• Primary veterinarian
• Emergency veterinary hospital
• Specialty veterinarian (if applicable)

Include:

• Clinic name
• Phone number
• Address
• Medical conditions your sitter should be aware of

If your cat has a chronic medical condition, providing a brief summary can be extremely helpful.

Feeding Instructions

Be as specific as possible.

Include:

• Feeding times
• Food locations
• Portion sizes
• Wet food instructions
• Dry food instructions
• Treat guidelines
• Prescription diets
• Multi-cat feeding arrangements

What seems obvious today may be less obvious several days into a trip.

Written instructions help prevent confusion.

Medication Instructions

If your cat receives medication, include:

• Medication names
• Dosages
• Administration times
• Special instructions
• Techniques that work best for your cat

Examples:

• Mixed into food
• Given with treats
• Followed by water
• Administered separately from meals

The more detail you provide, the easier it is to maintain consistency.

Litter Box Information

Help your sitter understand:

• Number of litter boxes
• Locations
• Preferred litter type
• Any special cleaning instructions

Also note any litter box habits that are normal for your cat but may appear unusual to someone unfamiliar with them.

Personality and Behavior Information

This is often one of the most valuable sections.

Tell your sitter about:

• Favorite hiding spots
• Preferred sleeping areas
• Favorite toys
• Social preferences
• Handling preferences
• Fears and sensitivities
• Typical daily habits

For example:

• "She usually hides under the bed when visitors arrive."
• "He doesn't come out until the second half of the visit."
• "She loves wand toys but dislikes being picked up."

These details help us understand what is normal for your cat.

Home Access Information

Provide clear instructions regarding:

• Keys
• Entry codes
• Building access
• Parking instructions
• Alarm systems
• Gate codes

Reliable access is essential for uninterrupted care.

Emergency Procedures

If an emergency occurs, your sitter should know:

• Who to contact
• Where to take the cat if veterinary care is needed
• Any financial or treatment preferences you wish to communicate

Having a plan in place before you leave helps everyone respond more effectively if concerns arise.

Household Information

Depending on the services requested, it may also be helpful to include:

• Mail instructions
• Package delivery preferences
• Plant care requests
• Lighting preferences
• Home security information

These details help support both your cat and your home while you are away.

Information About Recent Changes

Please let your sitter know about any recent:

• Illnesses
• Veterinary visits
• Medication changes
• Appetite changes
• Behavioral changes
• Household disruptions

Even minor changes can provide valuable context when monitoring your cat.

Keep Instructions Organized

Many guardians find it helpful to create a simple care sheet containing all essential information in one location.

This makes it easy for your sitter to quickly reference instructions during visits.

Remember: there is no such thing as too much useful information.

Our Philosophy

At Cats in the City, we believe successful cat sitting begins with communication.

The more we understand about your cat's routines, preferences, health, and personality, the more effectively we can provide individualized care.

Every cat is unique.

Detailed instructions help us preserve the routines and experiences that make your cat feel safe, comfortable, and supported while you are away.

Related Articles

• Preparing Your Home for Cat Sitting
• Preparing Your Cat for a Pet Sitter
• What Happens During a Cat Sitting Visit?
• What Services Are Included During Visits?
• Medical Cat Sitting
• Senior Cat Sitting
• Emergency Preparedness for Cat Guardians