Cat Sitter Instructions Template: Feeding, Litter, Medication and Emergencies

Cat sitting is not "top up the bowl and leave". Cats are creatures of habit with specific needs, preferred hiding spots and stress responses a sitter who does not know them can easily miss. A cat sitter instructions template written for cats — not repurposed from a dog guide — covers the things that actually matter. Here is what to include.

Litter Routine

• Number of litter trays and their locations
• Litter brand and type (cats reject unfamiliar textures)
• How often to scoop and where to dispose of waste
• What normal usage looks like, so the sitter knows the tray is being used

Feeding

• Food brand, type and portion size
• Feeding times, and whether your cat free-feeds or is portion fed
• Whether multiple cats must be fed separately (common with prescription diets)
• Which treats are allowed

Hiding Behaviour

A new person in the house can make some cats disappear completely. Tell your sitter this is normal and where to look to confirm the cat is safe indoors — and at what point not eating or not appearing should become a concern.

Indoor and Outdoor Access

• Is your cat indoor-only or does it go outside?
• Cat flap: does it need locking at night?
• How long your cat usually stays out, and when to be concerned
• Keeping doors and windows secured, especially with a nervous cat

Medication and Carrier

• Medication name, dose, timing and how to give it (hidden in food, pill pocket)
• Location of the carrier and how to get your cat into it safely
• Vet and out-of-hours emergency vet

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a cat sitter visit?

At least once a day for indoor cats — twice for sociable cats or those on medication. The sitter should check food, water and litter each visit.

My cat hides from the sitter — is that a problem?

Usually not. The key signs are whether food is eaten and litter used. If both are untouched for more than 24 hours, contact the vet.

Can I use a dog sitter template for my cat?

Swap the dog sections for litter routine, indoor access and hiding behaviour. A cat-specific template covers what dog guides miss.