Cats are creatures of habit. When someone new enters their space—even a friendly sitter—routine and environment matter. Done right, preparation keeps stress low and care seamless. At Teef Pet Services, our Dubai-based team follows behavior-led practices so your cat stays relaxed at home. To book a vetted sitter, visit our Booking page or explore our Cat Sitting service.
For best-practice foundations, we align with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) environmental guidelines and the AVMA’s recommendations for pet owners.
Keep Familiar Routines
Cats are comforted by predictability. Disruptions to feeding times, litter care, and play can trigger stress behaviors like hiding or refusing food. A 2019 study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that cats experiencing disrupted routines displayed higher stress markers.
Tip: Write exact meal times, portion sizes, and preferred play for your sitter. Add these details to your Booking notes so nothing gets overlooked.
Create a Safe Retreat
Set up a quiet room with a bed, litter box, scratching post, and toys. Hiding places (like a cardboard box or an open carrier) help cats cope with change—explicitly recommended in the AAFP/ISFM guidelines.
Tip: Add a t-shirt or blanket that smells like you to their safe zone for comfort.
Arrange a Meet-and-Greet
A short introduction lets your cat learn the sitter’s scent and voice before visits start, which lowers first-day stress. This matches the cat-friendly interaction principles published by ISFM.
At Teef, every cat sitting service begins with a free meet-and-greet, so your feline friend can get comfortable on their own terms. Learn more on our Cat Sitting service page.
Provide Detailed Care Instructions
Leave clear guidance covering:
- Feeding times, food preferences, and portion sizes
- Litter box cleaning routine
- Favorite toys or enrichment activities
- Any medications, with dosage and timing
- Emergency contacts (vet and your own)
The AVMA also advises designating who can authorize treatment if you’re unreachable.
Tip: Keep this in a folder by the feeding station, and upload a copy during Booking.
Consider Stress-Reducing Tools
Synthetic pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, mimic natural calming signals. Research shows they reduce anxiety, spraying, and hiding behaviors, making them useful during caretaker transitions (study reference).
Tip: Plug in a diffuser 24–48 hours before you leave.
Keep Goodbyes Short and Calm
You set the emotional tone. Cats are sensitive to long, dramatic farewells. Keep goodbyes brief and calm, then let your sitter take over.
People Also Ask
How do I prepare my cat for a pet sitter?
Keep routines consistent, create a safe space, introduce your cat to the sitter, and provide detailed written instructions. Pheromone diffusers can also help AAFP/ISFM guidelines.
Should my cat meet the sitter before travel?
Yes. A short meet-and-greet helps your cat become familiar with the sitter’s scent and presence, making the actual visits less stressful ISFM guidance.
Will my cat be stressed with a sitter?
Some cats may be anxious at first, but most adapt quickly when routines are maintained and they have access to safe hiding spots AAFP/ISFM environmental guidelines.
What should I leave for my sitter?
Food, litter supplies, toys, written instructions, medications (with dosage), and vet/emergency contacts. The AVMA also recommends authorizing a decision-maker.
Home sitter or cattery?
Most cats prefer home care because they remain in familiar surroundings. This is supported by AAFP/ISFM feline care guidelines.
How many visits per day?
At least once per 24 hours. Kittens, seniors, or cats on medication may need two visits daily (ISFM guidelines).
Can I use cameras to check in?
Yes. Pet cameras provide reassurance and support sitter updates. Pair this with daily check-ins via your Booking portal.
Conclusion
Preparation is kindness: predictable routines, safe retreats, and clear instructions make your cat’s world stable while you’re away.
Ready to book? Explore our Cat Sitting service, compare Prices, or go straight to Booking. For more expert tips, visit the Teef Blog or learn about us on the About Us page.
