A professional cat sitter should do more than refill the food bowl. On every visit, a good sitter confirms each cat is seen and acting normal, checks what was eaten, scoops every litter box, refreshes water, gives any medications, spends time with the cat, checks the home, and sends you a written report with photos.
Thursday, October 29, is National Cat Day. It's a fun excuse to post pictures of your cat, and it's also a good moment to talk about something cat owners worry about quietly: what actually happens when a sitter comes over and nobody is watching.
Cats are easy to leave and hard to leave well. They hide stress. They skip meals without making a fuss. A cat can look perfectly fine from across the room while something small is going wrong. That's why cat sitting is a skill, not a favor.
Here is what our team checks on every cat visit in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Battlefield, and Sedalia.
1. Every cat, seen and accounted for
If you have three cats, we look for three cats. Shy cats get found in their usual hiding spots, confirmed breathing and comfortable, and left in peace. We don't drag a nervous cat out to prove a point. We just make sure we know where they are.
"Our black fluffy boy is a big scaredy-cat, but we appreciated Amber sending us a picture of him hiding in my closet to prove he was still alive lol." — Samantha, Google review
2. Food: what was eaten, not just what was served
Refilling a bowl is easy. Noticing that the bowl is still full from yesterday is the part that matters. A cat who stops eating for a day or two can be a real medical concern, so appetite goes in every report.
3. Every litter box, every visit
All of them, including the one in the basement. We scoop, note anything unusual (too much, too little, changes in consistency, signs of straining), and keep the area clean. Litter habits are one of the earliest signs something is off.
"They send me messages with pictures after each service of my cat, the clean litter box, and the full food and water bowls." — Michelle B., Google review
4. Fresh water
Bowls are rinsed and refilled, and fountains are checked to make sure they're running.
5. Medications, exactly as directed
Pills, liquids, or anything your vet has prescribed are given on schedule and logged. If a cat refuses, we tell you, and we don't guess.
6. Real time with your cat
Some cats want a lap. Some want a wand toy. Some want you to sit quietly across the room and not make eye contact. Our team is Fear Free Certified, which means we're trained to read feline body language and meet each cat where they are.
"They play with the kitties while respecting that they have different play styles and desires for attention." — Christina, Google review
7. A quick check of the home
Doors locked, windows closed, thermostat reasonable, no leaks, no surprises. We'll bring in mail and packages, water plants, and rotate lights so the house looks lived in.
8. A report you can actually read
After every visit, you get a written update and photos through the Time to Pet app: who we saw, what they ate, the litter status, meds given, and how each cat seemed.
What cat sitting costs in Springfield
Our cat sitting visits are $32 for 30 minutes, $42 for 45 minutes, and $52 for 60 minutes. We require at least one visit per day for cats. Many clients choose two, especially for cats on medication or cats who get lonely.
Because we're a team of W-2 employees on route-based schedules, your cat is never dependent on one sitter's availability. Our standard is no missed visits, 365 days a year.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a cat sitter visit?
At least once a day. Twice a day is better for kittens, seniors, cats on medication, and multi-cat homes.
Is it better to board a cat or use an in-home sitter?
Most cats do better at home. Familiar smells, perches, and routines lower stress, and they avoid the car ride and a new environment.
Do you care for cats who hide from strangers?
Yes. We locate them, confirm they're okay, and let them warm up on their own terms.
Celebrate your cat this week
If you'll be traveling for Thanksgiving or the holidays, now is the time to get your cat's profile set up. Start with a New Client Meeting, and we'll learn your cat's routine before you ever leave town.
