190 Chapter 12● It is preferable for the cat sitter to visit the home at least once before the agreed
pet-sitting period, to allow initial introductions and for the cat to become familiar
with the person. It can also be a good idea, if possible, for the pet sitter to arrive
at the home some time before the owners depart. This can ease the transition for
the cat rather than being left alone and then be faced with a less familiar person
entering the house without the comforting reassurance of the owners’ presence.
● The cat sitter should initially approach and interact with the cat as described in
Appendix 17. This form of approach should continue until the cat is entirely com-
fortable with the cat sitter.
● The cat sitter should be calm and patient as it may take a while to fully gain the
cat’s confidence.
● The owner should inform the pet sitter, and preferably provide written informa-
tion regarding the cat’s normal routine, which the pet sitter should aim to keep to
as much as possible. This information should include:
● When, where and how the cat is normally fed.
● Grooming routines – how, when, and where.
● Litter tray information – cleaning routine, which litter substrate to use, etc.
● Times and places where the cat and owner usually sit and relax together.
● The rooms or areas of the house where the cat is allowed or not allowed access.
● Whether the cat is permitted to sleep on the owners’ bed at night.
● Playtimes – when and where and the cat’s favourite toys.
● If, when and how the cat is allowed outdoor access.
● The cat’s preferred resting places and usual sleeping routine.
● The pet sitter should also be made fully aware of any current or previous health issues
that might recur, and be left with contact details of the cat’s usual veterinary surgeon.
● If the cat requires medication, full details should be passed on to the cat sitter,
including when and how the medication is usually administered. Ideally the
method of administration should be demonstrated by the owner and practised by
the sitter prior to the time that the owners depart.
● Routine treatments such as flea and tick preparations, wormers, vaccinations, etc.
must be up to date when the owners depart and, unless unavoidable, should not
be left for the cat sitter to arrange or administer. If the owner is away for a long
time so that the sitter will need to apply routine treatments, sufficient product and
full instructions must be left with the sitter.
● The owner might wish to leave the house in a clean and presentable fashion for
the pet sitter, but it is important that the cat’s bedding is not washed prior to their
departure so that it retains the cat’s scent.
● Provision should be made for the cat sitter and the owner to remain in contact
with each other and the cat sitter should report any concerns or changes in the
cat’s health or behaviour to the owner as soon as possible.
Cat Cafés
Cat cafés first became popular in the Far East, but the concept has spread around the
world and there are now several across Europe and the USA.
Their popularity, especially in Japan, has been based on the beneficial effects that
interacting with, or just being close to, a companion animal can have for people