Check their star rating
The star rating gives a quick sense of a sitter's service quality. A high star rating generally shows that other cat parents have had positive experiences. While itβs important to dig deeper into individual reviews, a sitter with a high rating is a great place to start your search.
Read ratings and reviews
Ratings and reviews are important when choosing a cat sitter. Read through the reviews carefully and sort through the ones written by friends versus ones written by past clients. Feedback from actual clients will give you valuable insight into how the sitter interacts with cats, handles emergencies, and communicates with cat parents.
Arrange a check-in or meet-and-greet
Before committing to a longer cat sit, itβs a good idea to have the person do a short check-in or meet and greet. This allows both you and your cat to get a feel for each other and ensures the sitter is comfortable with your cat's environment and routine. Itβs also a great opportunity to discuss any specific instructions, like how the house alarm works or showing them where supplies are stored and your kitty's go-to hiding spots. This is also a great time to go over everything. You can use this free cat sitting guide sheet so nothing gets missed.
Look for relevant experience
If your cat requires special care, such as administering medication or following a specific diet, confirm that your sitter has experience with these tasks. Rover profiles often list a sitter's experience and skills, so you can find someone who is comfortable and competent with your kitty's unique needs.