Leaving your cat behind, even for a weekend, is stressful. Boarding facilities are unfamiliar and stressful for most cats, and a friend with a busy schedule might forget the 6pm feeding. A trusted cat sitter who comes to your home is usually the best option, but finding the right one takes more than a quick search.
Here's how cat parents in cities like Los Angeles, San Jose, New York, and Seattle approach it.
1. Start with cat-specialist sitters, not generalists
Dog walkers and cat people are different animals (literally). A sitter who mostly handles dogs may not notice the early signs of a urinary blockage or a cat who's stopped eating. Look for someone who either owns cats themselves or advertises cat-specific care.
On Pawsible, every sitter on the platform is a verified cat parent, that's the entire premise.
2. Ask for a meet-and-greet before you book
Always do a short in-home visit before the real booking. You're watching for:
- Does your cat come out to investigate them, or hide the whole time?
- Does the sitter ask about feeding routines, medication, litter habits?
- Do they handle your cat gently, or try to force interaction?
A good sitter will let your cat set the pace.
3. Verify they've done this before
References matter. So do photos from previous sits, recent reviews, and clear communication about pricing. If anything feels vague, the rate, the timing, whether they'll send daily updates, that's worth clearing up before you book, not after.
4. Watch for red flags
- No written confirmation of dates and times
- Unwilling to share previous-client references
- Pushes boarding at their own home instead of drop-in visits (fine if you want boarding, but it should be your choice)
- Won't share a live photo or video during the sit
5. Know what a reasonable rate looks like
Drop-in visits in major US metros typically run $25–$45 per visit for one cat, with small add-ons for additional cats or medication administration. Overnight in-home sitting runs higher. If a rate seems dramatically below market, ask why.
Ready to find one?
Browse verified cat sitters near you on Pawsible, we'll show you sitters within driving distance of your home, with photos, rates, and reviews from other cat parents.