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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

How to find a new (reliable) cat sitter?

28 replies

BinseyPoplars · 05/01/2026 16:21

Our cat sitter let us down quite badly over the Christmas holidays (basically didn’t turn up all the time, and didn’t tell us); it’s completely broken down the relationship which is sad, because they need the money, and are really nice - but of course the trust is all gone

How do we go about finding someone trustworthy, reliable and who will do what is agreed, so we are confident that the cats are being looked after properly? How did you find yours? Our neighbours who have cats use the same person as us; I haven’t said anything to them (and am not sure if I should?) I can see there are some websites but they are not exactly “agencies” - more of a “matching service” with no oversight?

Is it just a risk that cat owners take? Ours can’t go to a cattery because they are ex-feral rescues; they are with us as a last resort from an elderly relative a few years ago. They don’t even need much attention; just visits for feeding twice a day. Any tips please? TY

OP posts:
cupfinalchaos · 16/01/2026 09:02

I would definitely tell the neighbours as I wouldn’t want to think their cats were left hungry. Another vote for the Cat Butlar.. ours is amazing too. Our cats are happier with someone living at home as that’s what they're used to so I pay my cousin to move in.

Nathalie1975 · 16/01/2026 09:10

I use cat in a flat. I only choose catsitters with lots of good reviews and repeat bookings. We go away 4 or 5 times a year for 1 to 3 weeks at a time. We have had 3 different catsitters from cat in a flat and never had an issue.

Justchillinhere · 16/01/2026 15:25

I have 2 cats and would happily check in on someone's cat that lives nearby for free, I've seen people advertise on "nextdoor" with good results,

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