Cat Sitter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world of pet care, the need for professional cat sitters has never been greater.

As our lifestyles become increasingly busy and travel-oriented, the demand for compassionate individuals who can provide care, companionship, and safety for our feline friends continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a cat sitter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the responsibilities of this role,
• A pet owner looking for the ideal caregiver,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of professional pet care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cat sitter job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or pet care websites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Cat Sitter Duties and Responsibilities

Cat Sitters provide care for cats in the absence of their owners, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

They are responsible for a range of tasks aimed at meeting the physical and emotional needs of the cats under their care.

The duties and responsibilities of a Cat Sitter include:

• Feeding the cats according to the owner’s instructions
• Ensuring that the cats have access to fresh water at all times
• Cleaning and changing the cat litter
• Administering medication, if required, and as per the owner’s directions
• Playing with the cats to keep them stimulated and engaged
• Monitoring the cats’ behavior and health, reporting any concerns to the owner
• Comforting the cats and providing them with companionship
• Performing light housekeeping duties such as collecting mail, watering plants, or taking out trash if requested by the owner

 

Cat Sitter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a responsible and caring Cat Sitter to look after our client’s cats.

The Cat Sitter’s responsibilities include feeding and grooming cats, cleaning litter boxes, and providing companionship.

The ideal candidate is a true animal lover with a deep understanding of cat behavior and needs.

You should also be physically fit, reliable, and possess excellent time management skills.

Ultimately, you will contribute to creating a loving environment and maintaining the cat’s health and wellbeing.

 

Responsibilities

• Visiting the client’s home to feed, groom, and play with the cat
• Cleaning and refilling the cat’s water and food stations
• Changing and cleaning litter boxes regularly
• Administering medication, if necessary
• Monitoring the cat’s health and reporting any concerns
• Providing companionship and comfort to the cat
• Ensuring the cat’s safety and wellbeing at all times
• Updating the cat owner regularly about the cat’s activities and wellbeing

 

Qualifications

• Previous work experience as a Cat Sitter or a similar role in pet care
• Familiarity with cat behavior and needs
• Ability to handle cats of various temperaments
• Physically fit and able to lift up to 20 pounds
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to react quickly to emergency situations
• Reliable and trustworthy
• Excellent time-management skills
• High school diploma or equivalent. Certification in Animal First Aid and CPR is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Potential for tips
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Exposure to a variety of cat breeds and temperaments
• Experience in the pet care industry
• Working in a fulfilling environment surrounded by animals

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cat Sitter
• Work Environment: Clients’ homes. Must be comfortable with commuting and have reliable transportation.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cat Sitting Service Manager.
• Salary: Based on per visit or per hour rate, and the specific needs of each client’s cat.
• Pay Range: Typically $15-$25 per hour. May vary based on experience and location.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if commuting is required)
• Employment Type: Part-time or Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cat Sitter Do?

A Cat Sitter is a professional pet care provider, primarily dedicated to taking care of cats.

They might work independently as freelance individuals or be a part of a pet care agency.

Some cat sitters offer their services to neighbors and friends, while others expand their services to a broader clientele.

Their key responsibility is to provide care for cats while their owners are away.

This involves feeding the cats, ensuring they have fresh water, cleaning their litter boxes, and providing them with regular play and interaction to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Cat Sitters may also be tasked with administering any necessary medication to the cat, following the specific instructions provided by the owner or a veterinarian.

In addition, they often provide simple house-sitting services, such as collecting mail, watering plants, or managing light switches and curtains, to create the appearance that the house is occupied.

Their ultimate goal is to make sure that the cat is safe, comfortable, and happy, and that their needs are adequately met in the owner’s absence.

This involves a high level of trust, as they are often granted access to their clients’ homes and are responsible for their beloved pets.

Some cat owners may need regular updates about their pets, so a cat sitter might also provide regular reports about the cat’s behavior, eating habits, and overall wellbeing during their care period.

 

Cat Sitter Qualifications and Skills

A proficient cat sitter should have the skills and qualifications that align with the unique needs of caring for cats, such as:

• Knowledge of cat behavior and needs to provide the best care and ensure the cat’s wellbeing.
• Patience to calmly deal with potentially anxious or misbehaving cats.
• Physical fitness that allows them to play with and entertain cats for extended periods of time.
• Empathy and compassion towards animals, treating them with kindness and respect.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly identify and address any issues that arise during the sitting period.
• Reliability and trustworthiness as they may have access to the owner’s home during their absence.
• Good communication skills to effectively coordinate with the cat owner, reporting on the cat’s behavior and condition, and understanding any special requirements the cat may have.
• Basic knowledge of first aid and emergency procedures for cats in case of any health-related issues.

 

Cat Sitter Experience Requirements

Cat Sitters typically have a significant amount of practical experience in pet care, often gained through personal pet ownership or caring for the pets of friends and family.

Those who are new to the field may volunteer at animal shelters or veterinary offices to gain hands-on experience and knowledge of feline behavior, health, and safety.

Some Cat Sitters may have a background in veterinary assistance or animal behavior studies which can add to their qualifications.

A professional Cat Sitter who has been in the role for 1-2 years would likely have developed key skills such as understanding feline behavior, administering medication, and managing emergencies.

Those with more than 3 years of experience would have honed their skills further, and possibly gained experience in handling special needs cats or handling multiple cats simultaneously.

Cat Sitters with more than 5 years of experience may have built a solid reputation and a steady clientele, which can often lead to opportunities to expand their services or mentor less experienced Cat Sitters.

 

Cat Sitter Education and Training Requirements

While there are no formal educational requirements for becoming a Cat Sitter, a high school diploma or equivalent is generally preferred.

Knowledge and understanding of cat behavior and care is crucial.

This can be gained through personal experience or professional training courses in animal care or veterinary assistance.

Some Cat Sitters may choose to obtain certification through professional pet sitter associations, which offer courses covering topics such as pet behavior, emergency preparedness, and pet nutrition.

First aid and CPR training for pets, especially cats, is highly beneficial and can make a candidate more attractive to potential clients.

While not required, a degree or coursework in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field can provide a deeper understanding of cat health and behavior.

Communication skills are also essential, as Cat Sitters need to maintain regular contact with cat owners.

Finally, a clean background check is often required, as Cat Sitters are typically entrusted with access to clients’ homes.

 

Cat Sitter Salary Expectations

A Cat Sitter can expect to earn an average wage of $15.60 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on experience, location, the specific duties involved, and the number of cats to be cared for.

 

Cat Sitter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cat Sitter need?

A Cat Sitter should have excellent animal handling skills and a deep love for cats.

They need to understand feline behavior to respond appropriately to a cat’s needs and moods.

They should also have practical skills like feeding, grooming, and cleaning litter boxes.

Communication skills are also important for them to liaise effectively with cat owners.

 

Do Cat Sitters need a degree?

No, a degree is not necessary for a Cat Sitter.

However, having certification in animal care or veterinary assistance could be beneficial.

Some Cat Sitters may even have degrees in animal behavior or related fields, but it is not a standard requirement.

The key is practical experience and a genuine love for cats.

 

What should you look for in a Cat Sitter resume?

A good Cat Sitter resume should showcase experience in taking care of cats, whether professionally or personally.

It should highlight skills like feeding, grooming, administering medication, and understanding feline behavior.

Certifications in pet care or first aid can also be a plus.

References from previous clients can be useful to verify the quality of the Cat Sitter’s work.

 

What qualities make a good Cat Sitter?

A good Cat Sitter should be reliable, caring, and patient.

Cats can be unpredictable, and the Cat Sitter should be able to adapt to any situation.

They should have a genuine love for cats and an understanding of their needs and behaviors.

Good communication skills are also essential as the Cat Sitter must keep the cat owner updated about their pet’s welfare.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Cat Sitter?

Finding a reliable Cat Sitter can be a challenge, as it requires someone with both the necessary skills and a genuine love for cats.

However, there are many dedicated professionals in this field, and with the right vetting process, you can find a Cat Sitter who will provide excellent care for your feline friends.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the mystery of what it truly means to be a cat sitter.

And guess what?

It’s not just about feeding and petting cats.

It’s about curating a safe and nurturing environment, one scratch post at a time.

With our ready-to-use cat sitter job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to feline-care perfection.

Remember:

Every purr and paw-tap is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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