Choosing cat sitting for your feline family member can still bring a quiet layer of anxiety. Will they eat well? Will someone notice if something seems off? What if we looked at it through a feline lens? Meet Baby, one of our longtime Slinky Cats, who’s here to show you what professional kitty care looks like through her eyes.
To me, home isn’t just where I live—it’s my territory! My sunny windowsill, my food bowl, fresh litter box, and familiar smells… oh, and my beloved human!
So, before you zip up that suitcase, let’s see what happens when my Cat Parent treats me to professional care right at home.
How do I prepare for cat sitting?
First things first: my Cat Parent schedules an in-home Meet & Greet. The team meets me on my own turf, where I feel in control! During our visit, we review my care instructions, routine, purr-sonality, and preferences. Slinky Cat can also recommend ways to prepare our home for my comfort while my human is away.
Will I always have the same Kitty Caregiver?
Not necessarily, and that is actually one of my favorite parts!
The founder of Slinky Cat at Home has trained a wonderful team of Kitty Caregivers who love what they do and speak fluent C.A.T. My human will always know who my primary caregiver is before my kitty care begins.
That means I never have to worry about a stranger entering my kingdom without knowing my routine or care instructions. Having a full kitty care support team is pretty ameowzing because someone is almost always available when my human needs to travel. Plus, us kitties can gain so much confidence making new friends! Slinky Cat starts me with a primary and backup caregiver, and over time I may get to know even more trusted members of the team. That means I have several familiar friends who know my routine and care.
How long is each cat sitting visit?
At least 30 minutes! Every visit is tailored to my needs. About 15 minutes are dedicated to focused time with me and enrichment, while the rest goes toward feeding me, refreshing my water, scooping my litter box, and taking care of my home.
Through Peace of Mind Kitty Care™, my Kitty Caregiver observes my behavior, respects my boundaries, and pays attention to what I’m communicating—whether I’m hungry, feeling frisky, or simply ready for a little extra love!
Can my Cat Parent schedule visits every other day?
Nope! Visits are required at least once every 24 hours. Daily check-ins keep my routine consistent while allowing my Kitty Caregiver to keep an eye on my eating, drinking, litter box habits, and overall wellness. If I act out of character, someone needs to notice!
What happens if I get sick while my human is away?
My Kitty Caregiver pays close attention to my behavior and overall well-being during every visit. If anything seems off, my human is contacted right away, or my emergency contact steps in if my human is unavailable.
If I ever need medical attention, my Kitty Caregiver follows my Vet Release Form and takes me to my veterinarian or, after hours, the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic. Once there, my caregiver can help keep my human connected while the veterinary team evaluates me and discusses next steps.
Can my Kitty Caregiver give me medication?
Yes! Some of us kitties just need a little extra TLC to keep our daily routine running smoothly while our humans are away.
When trained and within their approved scope, Kitty Caregivers can administer oral or topical medications, supplements, insulin, B12, or subcutaneous fluids. They observe me carefully, prepare thoroughly, and follow the established instructions from my human and veterinarian. They never guess, diagnose, adjust doses, or make independent medical decisions. If anything seems unclear, they pause and contact my human or veterinarian for clarification. Additional fees may apply for these specialized care routines.
Can I receive cat sitting for an extended trip?
Yes, absolutely! Staying home means I can enjoy my familiar sanctuary while receiving daily love, enrichment, and attention.
Slinky Cat’s long-term care options are ideal for extended vacations, hospital recovery, or military deployments. The goal is to keep us kitties happy, active, and thriving in our own home, no matter how long our humans need to be away!
Wondering how to help your kitty stay happy while you travel? My Slinky Cat friend Mookie has some tips for you!
Does Slinky Cat offer overnight care?
Overnight care is evaluated case by case. Some kitties adore sleepovers. Me? I might have questions.
Who are you? That’s not our usual bedtime routine! And why are you sleeping in my spot?
For some felines, an overnight guest can change the familiar rhythm of home. Slinky Cat at Home tailors care around each kitty’s comfort level, and I especially appreciate a long 90-minute bedtime tuck-in!
Is Slinky Cat insured?
Yes! Slinky Cat at Home is a licensed California business and carries insurance for our professional kitty care, including Animal Bailee coverage for pets in our care. Our team is also covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Does Slinky Cat provide care on holidays?
Yes. Humans might get holidays off, but us kitties still require food, water, clean litter boxes, and attention 24/7, 365 days a year!
During major holidays, Slinky Cat adjusts schedules to make sure all of us kitties receive the care we need. The holiday surcharge helps recognize our Kitty Caregivers’ commitment and availability during these especially busy times.
How far in advance should my human book cat sitting?
Ideally, I like when my human books as soon as travel plans take shape! Slinky Cat recommends reserving at least four to six weeks in advance, especially during holidays and other busy travel periods. Whether my human lives in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Oceanside, or another North County community, advance notice gives the Slinky Cat team time to prepare for my staycation.
Last-minute bookings are accommodated whenever possible, though additional fees may apply if we haven’t completed our Meet & Greet yet.
What are Slinky Cat’s hours?
The phone lines are open for calls at 619-865-9476 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
As for my pampering? Kitty Care Services are available every single day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with my visits scheduled within my designated visit window.
What happens if my human needs to cancel?
Sometimes my human’s travel plans change, and Slinky Cat understands! Cancellation terms depend on how much notice is given and may be different during peak holiday periods.
Because my Kitty Caregiver’s time has been reserved just for me, cancellation fees may apply when plans change close to my scheduled kitty care. My human can always contact Slinky Cat with questions about a cancellation or change in travel plans.
How will my human know how I’m doing?
My human gets to see what a happy, purring purrbaby I am after every single visit! My Kitty Caregiver sends a detailed update through Time To Pet with cute photos and my very own Slinky Cat PAWS Report:
- P — Potty: How my litter box is looking and if my tummy is happy.
- A — Appetite: How much of my delicious meals and treats I gobbled up.
- W — Wellness: My fresh water, energy level, behavior, and how I’m doing overall.
- S — Story: The fun stuff! Playtime capers, cuddle sessions, and all the sweet moments that make my human feel like they’re right there with me.
That means my human can enjoy their time away knowing someone is paying close attention to me, and all is well.
Ready to give your kitty Peace of Mind Kitty Care™?
Travel plans on the horizon? Give your kitty Peace of Mind Kitty Care™ right in the comfort of home! Slinky Cat at Home provides warm, cat-only care across North County San Diego. Schedule your Meet & Greet today!