Friday, June 6, 2014

When Hiring Services That Provide Cat Sitting New Market Pet Owners Should Follow These Guidelines

By Sally Delacruz


Cats may seem like independent creatures with little interest in humans other than as the hand which feeds them, however this is not quite true. Felines do value the attention that their owners provide them, and when they are away, these pets feel lonely. A cat sitter is someone who acts as a substitute when the animal's owner is absent, he or she gives it water and food, interacts with it, and seeks medical attention if the cat is sick. In order to find a good service for cat sitting New Market pet owners should remember these points.

Cats shouldn't be left by themselves for more than twelve hours, and if they need medications or require a special feeding plan, three or four hours. Pet sitters visit the animals daily when the owners are not home. If the cat seems ill, they will rush it to a vet immediately, since feline health can go rapidly downhill.

In most cases the sitter stays for half an hour, longer if there are more cats. He or she will provide the animal with fresh drinking water, food, remove waste from its litter box, and administer medications if needed. Play time is an important part of the visit, if the cat has any toys it enjoys playing with, the owner should leave these out.

When interviewing any prospective sitter, the owner needs to ask him or her about training, experience doing cat care, and to provide some references. It's important to actually call these references and find out exactly what they have to say about the care their animals received from the sitter. It's an added bonus if the sitter is bonded and insured, this can provide peace of mind, since this person will have access to one's home.

Not only is a cat happier when it can remain in its own home, but it also usually costs less to hire a sitter than to board the animal overnight. The sitter's rate normally covers a half-hour visit, sometimes additional fees may be added for multiple cats, early or late visits, and longer stays. Most owners find a sitter through word of mouth referrals, their veterinarian, or by contacting a national training and certification organization.

Before hiring a sitter, he or she should visit the owner's home to meet the cat and go over the details of its care. It's a good idea to ask sitters what they would do if they could not make it for whatever reason, and how they handle medical emergencies. If the owner hires this person, he or she should provide a contract that clearly outlines what is included in the service and the associated fees.

Some people may prefer to ask a neighbor or family member to look after their cat while they are away, which is another option. However, many pet owners feel more comfortable paying a bit more and knowing that their beloved animal is in the capable hands of a trained professional.

It is up to the owner to ensure that enough food and litter are available for the sitter to use when caring for the cat. Providing a list of emergency contact numbers, including the vet's number, the cat's medical records, and all required medications is also important.




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