• This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Finding the right caregiver for your senior cat can feel overwhelming. Older cats need a gentle approach, and many require specialized care. The best sitter for your senior cat will be familiar with their unique needs. That might include managing mobility issues or sensory decline, following a specific dietary plan, or simply maintaining a peaceful presence.

Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to find reliable care for your senior cat—if you know what to look for. The ideal sitter will have experience caring for older cats, be equipped to handle emergencies, recognize subtle signs of illness, and provide regular updates to keep you in the loop. If your situation calls for it, they’ll be proficient in administering medication as well.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different options available for senior cat care. We’ll also share insights from two veterinarians: Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, and Dr. Bethany Hsia, co-founder of CodaPet. Here are the types of sitters you’ll encounter, where to find them, and how to choose the best fit for your senior cat.

Drop-Ins Vs House Sitting Vs. Boarding for a Senior Cat

There are three main types of senior cat care, each with its own pros and cons. The right choice really depends on your senior cat’s personality and specific needs.

Drop-in visits

Drop-in visits involve a pet sitter coming to your home once or twice a day to feed your cat, clean the litter box, give medication if necessary, and provide some temporary companionship.

For senior cats who are healthy and self-sufficient, drop-in visits are usually recommended. This arrangement lets cats stay in their own home, which is ideal for seniors easily rattled by disruption to their routine.

However, for many senior cats, having a stranger come over unexpectedly can be too stressful. If your cat tends to react negatively to sudden visitors, drop-ins might not be the best fit. Additionally, if your cat needs more frequent interaction or has special needs, a daily drop-in might not suffice.

If you go this route for your senior cat, Dr. Warner says that longer, less frequent visits are less stressful than shorter, more frequent visits.

House sitting

House sitting involves a caretaker staying in your home, which helps your cat maintain their routine and minimizes stress—crucial for cats with chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism.

Dr. Hsia considers house-sitting a good option for cats who enjoy human companionship or those who become distressed when left alone for long periods. She also says it’s the preferred option for senior cats with minor medical issues who need more involved care. “A qualified cat sitter can adhere to medication schedules, monitor food and water intake, and report back to the owner or contact the vet if they observe changes in symptoms,” says Dr. Hsia.

However, house-sitting won’t suit all senior cats. If your pet is uncomfortable with new people or exhibits stress when visitors are present, a live-in sitter could be challenging. And in cases where extensive medical care is needed (e.g., intravenous fluids, close monitoring, etc.), veterinary boarding may be more appropriate.

Vet boarding

Boarding your senior cat at a veterinary clinic might make sense if they have more serious health issues. Often, this option includes access to veterinary staff who can address specific health needs and closely monitor cats with unstable conditions.

That said, the clinical setting tends to be stressful for older cats, especially those who are sensitive to change or the presence of other animals. If your cat is shy or anxious, in-home care might be the better option. Ultimately, you’ll want to weigh your cat’s medical requirements against their personality.

If you’re leaning towards vet boarding for health reasons, consider whether the facility offers 24-hour supervision. It’s also worth noting that some facilities provide video streaming, so you can check in on your senior cat from afar.

Olga Chetvergova via iStock

Where To Look for a Sitter for a Senior Cat

Once you’ve decided what kind of care you’d like, you can begin to look for a cat sitter. Here are some good places to start your search.

• Pet-sitting platforms: App-based platforms like Rover offer background-checked sitters with profiles, booking, and payment options.
• Meowtel: Focuses exclusively on cat care. Sitters are vetted and insured.
• TrustedHousesitters: Links pet owners with sitters who look after cats in return for accommodation.
• National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) and Pet Sitters International (PSI): These organizations maintain directories of qualified sitters who go through certification courses to enhance their skills.
• Ask your veterinarian: they will often have trusted staff who pet-sit on the side.
• Seek referrals from friends, family, or neighborhood community sites, like NextDoor.

How To Vet Sitters for a Senior Cat

Finding the right sitter for your senior cat requires a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. Here’s how to narrow down your pool of candidates.

Filter search results

As you browse sitter profiles on various apps, take advantage of filters to highlight those who can meet your cat’s specific needs. You may want to prioritize sitters who can give medication or injections, those with experience caring for older cats, or those available for overnight care.

Read reviews for relevant experiences

You can also check reviews to see how sitters have handled situations similar to your own. For instance, if your cat requires insulin shots, prioritize sitters who have received positive feedback for managing diabetic pets. Similarly, if your cat has a strict diet, find sitters whose reviews mention their dedication to following meal plans.

Assess emergency preparedness

Sitters should have a reliable way to get your cat to a vet if necessary. Ask potential caretakers if they have a car or access to cat-friendly public transport. You can also inquire about their emergency response plan.

Meetings and Trial Runs for a Senior Cat

Scheduling a low-stakes meet-and-greet with a potential sitter is always a good idea. This lets you observe how the sitter interacts with your pet and determine if they have the skills necessary to meet your cat’s level of care. Ideally, the sitter will demonstrate a calm, gentle temperament that reassures your senior cat.

Use this opportunity to ask the sitter about their experience with senior pets. Warner suggests discussing how they would handle issues like missed medication, a cat not eating, or litter box issues. “A good sitter will be at ease with noticing subtle signs of illness and be proactive in communication,” she notes.

Warner also recommends conducting a handoff trial where you ask the sitter to perform tasks like giving medication or feeding under your supervision. This lets you evaluate their comfort level and technique.

Setting Expectations

Transparency is crucial during the hiring process. Always clearly communicate your cat’s unique needs and challenges upfront—even if they seem like a lot.

“The most important thing is continuity of care,” emphasizes Dr. Warner. To ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your senior cat’s care, it helps to spell out exactly what they need. Dr. Warner suggests leaving written notes detailing things like:

• Feeding schedules: Write down your cat’s meal schedule, portion size, and any pertinent feeding instructions (such as heating up wet food).
• Medication management: If applicable, make sure the sitter is comfortable giving medications, whether they’re pills or liquids. Provide clear instructions if needed.
• Any unique needs: Share any mobility issues, sensory changes, anxiety issues, or other age-related concerns. Provide clear instructions on how to handle these challenges.

This option is ideal for pets with medical needs, multi-pet households, and cats (who often prefer to stay in a familiar environment). Unlike a drop-in visit, where the sitter simply pops over to the house once or twice a day to check in, housesitting requires an overnight stay.

AnnaStills via iStock

Pet Boarding

Boarding your pet overnight is a popular option for those who travel. Kennels, pet hotels, and other professional boarding facilities have a rotating staff that cares for dogs at all hours. You might also choose to board your dog at a sitter’s home, where they can receive ongoing love and care as well.

Social dogs that enjoy new people and pups may thrive at a boarding facility, but pets who prefer solitude will find this a challenge. If you’re boarding your pet with a sitter, it’s important to ask about resident animals in the home as well as other boarders.

Services may include:

• Daily meals
• Outdoor and indoor exercise
• Playtime with other pets
• Administering medication
• Comfortable spots to lounge and sleep
• Add-on services such as grooming, baths, and swimming

Since cats traditionally prefer their own home and may become stressed with other pets, it’s usually best to avoid boarding for feline companions.

Dog Daycare

Whether you’re bogged down at the office or enjoying a day trip, chances are your dog will crave extra attention when you’re not around. Daycare gives your pup the chance to play, socialize, and be cared for during busy days. Unlike boarding, daycare is not an overnight service; it requires a drop-off and pick-up on the same day.

Services may include:

• Outdoor and indoor exercise
• Playtime with other pets
• Add-on services such as grooming, swimming, and training

In addition to professional dog daycare facilities, some pet sitters offer in-home daycare too. This can be a good option for pets who might do better in smaller groups or calmer home environments.

Drop-In Visits

Quick drop-in visits are an efficient way to give your pet some love on longer days. During a drop-in, a sitter will stop by for a visit (lasting 30 or 60 minutes through Rover) once or twice a day. For dogs, this might include a potty break, some playtime, and fresh food and water. For cats, it may mean fresh food and water, a clean litterbox, and pets.

Services may include:

• Daily meal(s)
• Letting dog outside
• Cleaning litter box
• Playtime and pets
• Add-on services such as dog walking or additional time (i.e., upgrading from a 30-minute visit to a 60-minute visit)

While this option might suit dog parents who are just away from home for a couple of extra hours, drop-ins are a great option for cat guardians who are gone for a few days. Easygoing, healthy adult cats are usually just fine with care once a day to ensure they have access to fresh food and a clean box.

Dog Walking

Adopting a dog is a big commitment, and maintaining a consistent walking routine can be difficult when life gets busy. Fortunately, professional dog walkers help ensure your pup gets the exercise they need in your absence. Unlike a drop-in visit, which focuses on basic care (i.e., food and potty breaks), dog walking is all about keeping your pet active.

This service typically includes a long walk, though some sitters may also offer extra options like providing meals or playtime. Keep in mind that some dog walkers handle multiple dogs at once, so if your pup prefers solo attention, be sure to choose a one-on-one walker.

sutan abraham via iStock

Board & Train

Pet parents seeking help with obedience training or reactive behaviors may consider a board and train program, where dogs stay overnight with a professional trainer. While typically more expensive than other forms of pet care, this option focuses specifically on your dog’s needs and can be well worth the investment for those seeking expert help in building healthy habits.

Choosing the Right Type of Service

The duration you need pet care, along with your pet’s specific needs, will determine the type of service that works best for you. Some pet parents only use sitters occasionally (such as during a vacation), while others rely on regular care through dog walking or drop-in visits. Depending on your pet’s temperament, routine, and health, certain types of pet care may work better than others.

Cats

Generally, cats are creatures of habit, which means they can become stressed and anxious at any sign of change. It’s usually best to keep a cat in their own environment, which means hiring a house sitter or drop-in sitter for your cat. Certain cats may be okay to board at a cat-specific facility or in the quiet, pet-free home of a trusted sitter.

Puppies

Leaving your puppy is no easy feat! While some pups are just fine staying at a boarding facility by 4 to 6 months of age, others may find a kennel overwhelming. You might consider hiring a house sitter to stay with your puppy if you plan to be away from home for a longer duration, or try out dog daycare to help teach positive socialization.

Shy and anxious dogs

Being away from an anxious dog can be stressful for both human and canine. Before booking an overnight stay, consider how your dog handles new people, pets, and environments. Visiting a boarding facility and speaking with the staff can help you determine if it’s a good fit. If your dog prefers familiar surroundings, hiring an in-home sitter may be a better option.

Reactive and pet-selective dogs

A reactive pup, or one that struggles with other pets, may fare best with one-on-one care. This can include booking a pet sitter to stay in your home if you’re traveling, or ensuring that your dog walker knows your dog’s specific triggers before taking them for a stroll.

High-energy dogs

Social, high-energy dogs will have a field day playing with other pups at daycare. These dogs often enjoy the excitement of boarding overnight at a facility or in a sitter’s home. However, even the most outgoing dogs benefit from proper socialization and basic training before being placed in a multi-pet environment.

Choosing a Professional Pet Sitter

It can feel daunting to trust someone new with your pet. Platforms like Rover offer a plethora of certified caretakers, each with a different set of skills or certifications. Though location and rates are important when finding the right sitter, it’s important to look into the following too:

• Check a sitter’s profile for a certified background check and any specific pet-care licensing/certifications
• Look for reviews from pet parents with similar pets, and don’t be afraid to ask for references!
• Request a Meet & Greet with a sitter before booking to assess their willingness to get to know your pet, as well as how your pet responds

It can feel like a lot of work to find just the right care fit for your pet—but figuring out just what they need is worth it for the peace of mind of knowing your pet is in good, loving hands.