How often should a cat sitter visit?

Most cats need at least one visit a day, and two is better for cats on medication, kittens, seniors or cats who eat wet food. A visit should include feeding, fresh water, litter and time with the cat.

What should a cat sitter report back after each visit?

Ask for a short message covering how much was eaten, what was in the litter box, and how the cat behaved. That is enough to spot most problems early.

Cat sitter instructions that actually help

By The Pet Care Card teamUpdated 2 September 2026 5 min read

Short answer

Cat sitter instructions should cover feeding amounts and times, litter box location and cleaning, where the cat hides, indoor-only rules, medication, and the warning signs that need a vet call — especially a male cat not urinating, which is an emergency.

Cats are usually cared for by drop-in visits, so the sitter has less time and fewer chances to notice a problem. Written instructions do most of the work.

Feeding

Wet and dry amounts, per meal, with times
Where food is stored and how long opened wet food keeps
Whether bowls are shared between cats
Water: bowl, fountain, or both, and how to clean it

Litter

Note the number of boxes, the location of each, the litter type, and how often to scoop. Ask the sitter to tell you what they find: changes in urine clumps or stool are often the first sign of illness.

Hiding spots and behaviour

Write down where your cat hides so a sitter never leaves worried that the cat is missing. Include how the cat normally greets people, and whether they should be coaxed out or left alone.

Doors, windows and escape risk

Whether the cat is indoor-only
Which windows must stay closed
How to enter and leave without a door dash

Medication

If your cat takes prescribed medication, write the name, the dose exactly as labelled, the time, and the method that works for your cat, such as hidden in wet food. Note what to do if the cat spits it out.

When to call a vet

Give the sitter a short, plain list of things that need a call rather than a wait: a male cat straining without producing urine, no food for 24 hours, repeated vomiting, laboured breathing, or hiding combined with not eating. Add your vet's number next to it.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a cat sitter visit?: Most cats need at least one visit a day, and two is better for cats on medication, kittens, seniors or cats who eat wet food. A visit should include feeding, fresh water, litter and time with the cat.
What should a cat sitter report back after each visit?: Ask for a short message covering how much was eaten, what was in the litter box, and how the cat behaved. That is enough to spot most problems early.