When you travel, you need someone to care for your cat. Cat sitters provide different services. Some keep cats at their facility, while others visit your home to feed and check on your cat.
The daily cost of a cat sitter varies based on the service level and your location. Basic services like filling food bowls are cheaper than full care with playtime and boarding. City areas typically charge more than rural areas. For one cat, expect to pay between $18 and $75 per day. Additional cats usually cost extra.
Let’s explore the details of cat-sitting costs.
The Importance of Cat Sitting
When you’re away, it’s best to hire a cat sitter. They take care of your cat’s basic needs like filling water bowls, giving food, and cleaning the litter box. These tasks are essential for your cat’s health, and without them, your cat could get sick.
Cat sitters do more than just basic care. They check your cat each day to make sure they’re healthy and safe. If your cat gets sick while you’re gone, your sitter will notice and can get help.
Cat sitters also play with your cats and give them attention. Some cats may hide during visits, while others enjoy playing and getting pets from their sitter.
If your cat needs regular grooming, a cat sitter can brush it too. This prevents your cat’s fur from getting tangled while you’re away.
How Much Does Cat Sitting Cost?
Cat sitting costs vary based on the service needed, your location, and the sitter’s experience. Cats usually cost less than dogs since they don’t need walks or as much hands-on care.
Cities are usually more expensive than the countryside. Pet sitters charge less in poorer neighborhoods, and the local cost of living affects the prices people charge for their services.
Cat sitters who visit once a day are cheaper than those who stay longer. Overnight stays cost more than daily visits. The most expensive option is to have someone live in your house full-time.
If your cat needs medical attention, it will cost more. Some pet sitters can administer medicine to your cat, but they usually charge extra for this service because it requires more work.
Here’s a chart explaining some of the most common cost variations:
| Visit Type | Cost |
| 15-minute visit | $18 |
| 30-minute visit | $21 |
| 60-minute visit | $32 |
| Overnight cat sitting | $75 |
| Holiday costs | +$5 per day |
| Cat Boarding | $25 |
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Remember to ask about extra fees, like those for giving medicine or holiday care. Most cat sitters are clear about these costs upfront.
You’ll need to pay for your cat’s basic needs like food and medicine. You can also pay extra for treats and toys to keep your cat happy. Many pet boarding places offer these extras.
Since you usually have your cat’s supplies at home, you won’t need to pay the cat sitter for these items.
What Does a Cat Sitter Do?
Cat sitters can help with many tasks. They’ll always feed your cat, give them water, and clean the litter box to keep your pet healthy while you’re away. They can also spend time playing with your cat and give them treats. Since you usually pay by the minute, more tasks mean higher costs.
If your cat needs medicine, cat sitters can help with that too. It’s best to hire an experienced sitter who knows how to handle the medical needs of sick cats.
Cat sitters can also keep an eye on your house. Though they’re not full house sitters, they can do simple things like check your security system and turn lights on or off. Some sitters might charge extra for these services.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Sitters?
Pet insurance typically doesn’t pay for cat sitters. Some insurers will cover cat boarding costs if you’re hospitalized. However, they won’t pay for regular pet sitting. If you want pet-sitting coverage, you must pay extra for it as an add-on to your policy.
Therefore, you’ll have to pay any of these costs out of pocket.
Conclusion
Cat sitters usually charge between $18 and $75 per day. The price depends on where you live, what services you need, and how many cats you have. Most sitters don’t charge much more for extra cats but may charge more for giving medicine or bringing supplies. Adding services will increase the cost.
Even with these costs, cat sitters are worth considering. They care for your cats while you’re away, watch their health, and keep them company. Many also help with basic house tasks like collecting mail and checking your home’s security.
