A list for Cat-sitters

[Randi]

OK, I may as well make a list of questions to ask, since it seems I'll be catsitting again soon.

I'd like some inputs from all of you for that list, if you can think of something.

So far, I would ask the following... and we'll pretend the cat is a male here.

• How old is he?
• How long have you had him?
• What is his vet story?
• Who is his vet? Address and telephone no?
• Do you want me take him to the vet if he get's sick?
• Is there anything he can't have?
• What are his favourite treats?
• Is he a door darter?
• If I can't find him, where does he normally hide?
• When is his favourite play time/sleeping time?
• Does he like to be brushed?
• Tell me about his habits.
• Who do I contact if anything happens in the house?
• Where do I contact you?
• If something happens to me, do you have a back-up?
• Back-up key?

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I think you forgat the MOST important thing, auntie Randi!!

Where is the catfood? Where is the catfood? Where is the catfood?

signed
the Gabriels Girls

[moosmom]

I had a pet sitting job recently for my friend Chris who has 5 cats, 2 of which are in their late teens.

Here are some questions I asked her:

If something happens to one of your senior kitties (Lulu and Mama), do you want any measures to keep them going? Answer: No

If something should happen to one of the seniors, do you want to be notified while away? Answer: No

If one of the seniors dies while in my care, do you want me to take them to the vet for cremation? Answer: No, she'll take care of it when she returns. Just put the body in a plastic bag and put it in the garage, which is cold.

I told her to notify her vet that she is going out of the country and I will be watching her cats so that if anything happens, I can bring them right in.

I would also go to the home to interact with the pets. This way they you won't be a stranger to them.

Good luck in your endeavors, girl!!

[emily_the_spoiled]

When I have gone out of town I have signed a "consent to treat" with my vet so they already know what to do if anyone comes in sick. (My guys are relatively young and pretty healthy so it is just me being paranoid.)

You should also see if he is a "door darter", i.e. does he run out the door the minute it is open.

How does he do with being alone for extended periods of time? i.e. will he pee on her bed

[Barbara]

Who is his vet?
If I judge he needs to see the vet, will you pay for it?
Is there a limit?

Sorry for these questions but with Filou I never know these days. Here the rule is: the catsitter has to see the vet as soon as anything is not normal and we pay for everything the vet thinks useful (this is because we trust our vet fully).

Plus:
How often does he get food?
If in doubt should he gain weight or rather not? (my sitters always seem afraid they could starve and put way too much food in the bowls).

[cassiesmom]

When I cat-sat my sister's kitties, the vet's office had a note in each of their files with her consent for the cat to be treated and her credit card number, just in case. Nothing ever happened.

The only other thing I told my pet sitter is which key opens which door, feel free to help yourself to the TV and radio, don't bother to water the plants, open the balcony door if it's nice out (but close it when you leave), and there are cans of pop under the kitchen table and ice in the freezer so please have one if you like. She never does but I always offer.

[moosmom]

Good questions, Barbara and Emily_the _Spoiled!!

[Randi]

Thanks for your inputs, you added some very good questions.

Lut, you can assure your girls that of course, the food I will make sure to know where is stored - the catlitter too.

God forbid that anything serious happen while I catsit, but you do have a point there... I should know what to do in such a case.

Also, it’s important to know whether he’s a door darter. And how he reacts to being alone for longer periods.

I will certainly ask the questions about a vet and what she expects I should do in various cases.

Ohh, and I just thought of one more.... what if I lose the key!

In my first cat-sitting job, we didn’t discuss all these things, except that I should check that Malcolm didn’t scratch a little wound open he had on his neck. Luckily, he didn’t and the hair had almost grown back when his owner came home. I did have their e-mail and telephone numbers, though.

When someone looks after Fister, whether it's a cathotel or a catsitter, I write a few pages with Fister's history - all sorts of things, and of course give my vet's address and telephone number. I also give the number to a few of my other friends/neighbors who know me and Fister.