Here on the blog, we’ve discussed whether in-home pet sitting or medical boarding is right for your cat, and if your pet sitter should visit every other day. Once you’ve decided on daily pet sitting visits, the next step is to determine how many times a day you’d like someone to come check on your kitty.
Once a day
Many cat experts agree that giving your cat half an hour of undivided attention will make for a happy, well adjusted kitty. Having your pet sitter come once a day for half an hour is usually enough time to have them clean up and play with your cat.
On the one hand, if your cat is very playful and would benefit from extra attention, you can ask your sitter to stay for an hour. On the other hand, if your cat is very shy and you’re convinced that he or she will hide for the entire visit, you may want to inquire about fifteen-minute pet sitting visits instead. Keep in mind, though, that with a longer visit, your cat may eventually come out of hiding once he or she realizes that the pet sitter is friendly.
Twice a day or more
Twice-daily visits are ideal for cats who eat two separate meals in the morning and evening, cats who take medication, and for kittens and seniors who would benefit from being checked on more often. Again, they can be shorter or longer visits depending on your cat’s needs. If your kitty needs medicine three times a day, you could arrange for two half-hour visits in the morning and early evening, and one fifteen-minute visit late at night.
Overnight
Overnight pet sitting visits are ideal for the nighttime mischief makers out there. Since cats are more active at night, your cat sitter can respond quickly if your cat gets into trouble.
Cats who have separation anxiety will also appreciate the extra time and companionship that an overnight pet sitter can provide. Kittens in particular really appreciate the having someone there to snuggle up to at night so they feel less lonely. Overnight visits are also a good option for cats who need medicine very early and very late at night in addition to a lot of love and attention.
Still undecided about what type of visit is right for you? Contact us to be matched with one of our friendly pet sitters. We would be happy to advise you on the perfect visitation combination for your situation.
—
Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.
photo by pexels on pixabay