How much does cat sitting at home cost? How to compare visits
Compare cat sitting costs by visit times, care needed and number of cats, then check the total price for your booking.
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The cost of cat sitting at home depends on the sitter, the number of visits and the agreed care. Always compare the total price for your dates and cats. A home visit, someone staying overnight in your home and care at another address are different services.
Start with what your cat is used to. You can then decide which visits they need and compare the cost. Comparing only the cheapest price per visit can hide an important difference in care.
What should the sitter do during a visit?
Go through the daily routine together. Show where you keep food, water, litter tray supplies and cleaning products. Explain how your cat asks for attention, where they like to hide and which doors or windows must stay closed.
| Topic | What should you record? |
|---|---|
| Food and water | Your cat's usual food, quantities and mealtimes |
| Litter tray | Where the trays are and how you would like them maintained |
| Attention and play | What your cat enjoys and when they want to rest |
| Additional care | Whether the sitter can and is willing to provide the care needed |
| Updates | What information you would like after each visit |
| Keys and access | Handing over, testing and returning the key |
Include additional tasks in the agreement. For example, do not assume that watering plants or extensive cleaning automatically comes with a visit.
How many visits are needed?
No single schedule suits every cat. Their usual routine, age, health and care needs all play a part. Discuss the care needed beforehand and whether visits are sufficient. Ask your vet for advice if your cat's health creates additional needs.
List the visit times, including your departure and return days. A week away does not automatically mean seven identical days of care: you may still be home on the first morning or only return late on the last evening.
Use this list to compare prices for the same dates, cats and visits with each sitter.
More than one cat? Compare the total cost
Include every cat who needs care. Explain which cats eat together, which need separate meals and whether their routines differ. Then check the total price for all your cats; do not simply multiply the price for one cat.
This also makes it clear whether the agreed time is enough to carry out the tasks calmly. A quick feed is different from care involving several litter trays, separate meals and attention for each cat.
Check both the price and the conditions
Before booking, check the total price, breakdown and any additional costs. Read the cancellation and amendment conditions and discuss what happens if your travel plans change. This avoids having to renegotiate the basic arrangements during your holiday.
Compare the sitter's experience and approach too. Arrange a meet and greet, show them your home and give your cat space to respond in their own way. LICG also recommends writing down care arrangements.
Checklist for a clear price comparison
Use the pet sitter checklist to get your arrangements ready. Read more about preparation in cat sitting at home during your holiday.
Find cat sitters for your dates
Explain what your cats need and compare the care currently available.
Sources and further reading
- LICG: holidays when your pet stays at home — arranging care and written instructions.
- Petbnb: finding a sitter — current prices for a specific request.