Ever come home from a trip and realize your cat barely touched their food while you were gone? That moment usually sparks a lot of questions. Did they miss you? Were they stressed? Or did something about their routine feel off while you were away?
In many cases, it’s not the sitter or the food. It’s preparation. Cats are incredibly routine-oriented, and even small changes can affect how comfortable they feel when their people are gone. A solid cat-sitter checklist helps bridge that gap, so you can keep things familiar while you’re away.
Feeding Details That Match Real Life
Start with your pet’s feeding basics, but don’t stop there. Your sitter should know not just what your cat eats, but how they eat. Write down feeding times, portions, food type, and where everything is stored.
If your cat only eats once you walk away, prefers food warmed slightly, or ignores breakfast until mid-morning, that’s important. These small details help your sitter recognize what is normal and notice early if something feels off.
Water Setup and Preferences
Some cats are not picky about water, but others are surprisingly particular. Let your sitter know where the bowls or fountains are located, how often they should be refreshed, and whether your cat has any habits worth noting.
It also helps to mention if your cat prefers tap water or filtered water. You would be surprised how many cats notice the difference. Many of our clients tell us their cat will only drink filtered water, which is why I always ask about water preferences during our meet-and-greet.
Hydration changes can be one of the first signs of stress, so the more details you share upfront, the better.
Litter Box Expectations
A clean litter box keeps cats comfortable and helps sitters spot potential issues quickly. Share where boxes are located, what type of litter you use, and how often boxes are typically scooped.
If your cat has more than one box or has recently changed litter or location, make note of that as well.
Toys, Enrichment, and Interaction Style
Not every cat wants active play, but every cat benefits from some form of engagement. Let your sitter know what your cat enjoys, whether that’s wand toys, laser pointers, quiet companionship, or simply being checked on from across the room.
Also mention your cat’s favorite hiding spots and nap locations, and whether your cat prefers space or attention. This helps visits feel familiar instead of intrusive.
Medications or Special Care
If your cat takes medication or has special needs, write everything down clearly. Include dosage, timing, and any tips that make things easier.
Even simple supplements or calming aids should be noted. Clear instructions reduce stress for everyone involved and help visits run smoothly.
Home Access and Safety Notes
Make sure entry instructions are clear and tested before you leave. Whether you use a key, lockbox, or code, your sitter should know exactly how to get in and out.
Also, if necessary, share alarm instructions and note any doors, rooms, or quirks that matter during visits.
Emergency Information
Your sitter should have your veterinarian’s information, an emergency contact, and a way to reach you while you travel. For Greensboro pet parents, it also helps to note your preferred emergency clinic.
We hope this is never needed, but preparation brings peace of mind.
Ready-To-Use Cat-Sitter Checklist
Cats may act independently, but they rely on consistency. A thoughtful cat-sitter checklist helps your sitter keep routines steady, which often means better eating, calmer behavior, and less stress while you’re gone.
Before you head out the door, a quick double check can make all the difference. This checklist covers the essentials your cat sitter needs to step in smoothly and keep your cat comfortable while you are away.
Care basics
Water and litter
Personality and enrichment
Health and special care
Home access and safety
Emergency contacts
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to cat sitting. When your sitter knows your cat’s routine, preferences, and personality, visits feel smoother, and your cat stays more relaxed while you’re gone.
If you’re looking for reliable in-home cat sitting here in Greensboro, our team at Top Tails is here to help. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to talk through what your cat needs, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to make things a little easier for you and a lot more comfortable for your cat.
Andrea is the founder of Top Tails of Greensboro LLC, a professional pet sitting and dog walking company in Greensboro, NC. She is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid and is a member of Pet Sitters International. Learn more about Andrea!
