Cat Sitters Guide – How to become a Cat Sitter

Cat sitting can be a very rewarding job, but also comes with a lot of responsibilities. To make sure you understand and follow the full process please read through our points below.

Before you join, make sure cat sitting is right for you:

All cat sitters are required to follow our Code of Conduct
You should have experience in caring for cats - either by cat sitting regularly or owning your own cat.
Besides loving cats, you must be reliable, responsible, organized and trustworthy
You must be over 18 years old
You have to be able to do the cat sitting job at agreed times, some cat owners will be flexible depending on their cat's routine.
Respect the cat owner's house rules and follow their instructions. You are primarily a service provider and the cat owner is your client.
Your drop-in cat sitting visits should be at least 20 to 40 minutes. The number of visits per day depends on each individual cat's routine. If you have the time, you can also offer an overnight cat sitting service.

Signing Up as a Cat Sitter:

Yay! We are happy you’ve decided to join us!

Before submitting your profile for approval, make sure you have written a lovely description about who you are and the type of cat sitting service you would like to offer.
You will also need to provide proof of ID in order for your profile to be verified.
Familiarize yourself with your dashboard on Cat in a Flat, here you will find: your profile, photo gallery (My Clients), bookings, payments, Forms & Tips and your Settings with your Availability Calendar (please keep this updated).
For quick, easy and secure payment, please register your bank details in the Settings. Remember it is compulsory for all payments to be made through Cat in a Flat in order for the Cat in a Flat Guarantee to be valid. Our small service fee helps us keep this community running, so really it helps you just as much as it helps us :)

On average only 15% of people who sign up will be accepted as a cat sitter within our community.

Before the cat sitting booking:

When you receive a booking request, you’ll be alerted by email and text. So please make sure you have signed up with an email address you use often and your cell phone details are always up to date - you don’t want to miss out on those belly rubs!
Please always respond as quick as you can. If you are unable to do the job PLEASE let the cat owner know so they can ask someone else.
Remember you’re your own boss so only take the jobs that suit you and your schedule.
When you accept a job, please click the "Available" button and always arrange to meet the cat owner at least 2 to 3 days before they go on vacation - this gives you the chance to meet the owner and be shown the kitty's routine.
Always check the keys - some doors can be tricky!
When the cat owner decides to go ahead with the booking, please make sure they click the "Book & Pay" button before the cat sitting starts. This is important as it confirms the job, validates the Cat in a Flat Guarantee and ensures your payment.

During the cat sitting booking:

When cat sitting follow our top tips in our Cat Sitting Checklist
Each visit should be no shorter than 20 minutes - obviously if the kitty is home and wants a cuddle you will stay much longer :)
Remember you are looking after someone’s precious furbaby so please send them daily photos and updates.
When providing daily fresh food and water always clean the bowls and keep the eating area clean.
If the cat uses a litter box, the poop and pee clumps need to be scooped EVERY day. If you’re unsure of how to dispose of the cat litter please ask the cat owner. Do NOT put it down the toilet.
Playtime and cuddles are a must (if the kitty will let you!)
Water plants and get the mail if required.

To avoid any misunderstandings, always make sure you have clear written instructions from the cat owner, even on repeat visits.

After the cat sitting booking is completed

Arrange to return the keys to the cat owner as soon as possible. We would suggest handing them over in person rather than leaving them through the mail box. If there is an unforeseen delay you may be asked to do an extra feed.
Write a nice review for the cat owner and kitty, and hopefully they will do one for you in return.