Cats hide their needs well, which is exactly why a sitter brief matters. A cat will not pester a stranger for food or company; it will simply withdraw, and a sitter who does not know the baseline cannot tell "normal aloof" from "something is wrong."

Sitting a different animal?
This checklist is tuned for cats. For other species, see Rabbits, Birds, Reptiles, or the general pet sitter checklist for dogs and cats.

Litter, the non-negotiable

Litter is the single most important line in a cat sitter brief. Write the box location(s), the litter type, how often to scoop (at least daily), and where the spare litter lives. A dirty box is the fastest way to a cat that stops using it — and to a mess the sitter discovers too late.

Litter brief
  • Where the box is — and any second box.
  • Litter type and brand — cats are picky; do not switch.
  • Scoop daily; full change schedule if it is a long stay.
  • Where spare litter and bags are stored.

Feeding & water

Note wet vs. dry, the exact portion, and the schedule. Many cats eat small meals; say so. Flag any food the cat begs for but should not have. Keep water fresh and mention if your cat prefers a fountain or a specific bowl — cats are surprisingly particular about how they drink.

Hiding & behavior

Tell the sitter where your cat hides and that it is normal. A cat that vanishes under the bed for the first day is not in distress — it is being a cat. The brief should say "she will hide; do not chase her; she comes out at night" so the sitter does not panic or, worse, drag the cat out.

When to call the vet

These are the signs a sitter should never wait on:

  • Not eating for 24 hours. In cats, this can escalate quickly — it is not "wait and see."
  • Straining in the litter box with little or no output, especially in male cats — a possible urinary blockage and a true emergency.
  • Repeated vomiting or hiding combined with not eating.

Frequently asked

How long can a cat be left with a sitter checking in once a day?

Many adult cats do fine with one solid daily visit, but it depends on the cat. Kittens, seniors, and cats on medication usually need two visits. When in doubt, more frequent check-ins are safer.

Should I tell the sitter about a shy cat?

Absolutely. Write that the cat will hide, where, and when it usually reappears. It prevents a sitter from panicking or chasing the cat, both of which make hiding worse.

What is the most-missed item on a cat brief?

Litter detail. People write feeding carefully and then leave litter as "scoop it." Specify the box location, litter type, scooping frequency, and where spares are.