Saturday, June 7, 2014

Before Choosing A Service For Cat Sitting New Market Residents Should Know These Facts

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.

It's not advisable to leave a cat by itself for over twelve hours, and if it is on a special feeding regimen or needs medications, it shouldn't be alone for more than three or four hours. Pet sitters stop by at least daily to check on the pet's well-being. It's imperative that cats receive prompt veterinary care if they seem ill, as their health can worsen quickly.

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.

Hiring a sitter usually costs less than boarding a cat overnight, and is better for the animal. Most sitters charge based on a half-hour visit, and may incur a small extra fee for each additional cat, longer stays, early morning or late night visits. Pet owners can find a sitter through referrals from friends and family, their veterinarian, or one of the national organizations that provides training and certification.

The sitter should visit the owner's home first to get acquainted with the cat and learn the details of its care. The owner should ask the sitter about their policies for medical emergencies and what the protocol is in the event that he or she cannot visit the cat for any reason. When the owner decides to hire this person, the sitter should provide a contract detailing all fees and services.

While some pet owners feel confident in asking a family member or neighbor to care for their cats, others feel more at ease knowing a professional is on the job. It's true that anyone can provide a cat with good care, but professional sitters have training in this area.

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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