The Ultimate Cat Sitter’s Guide to Caring for a Multi-Cat Household

Working as a cat sitter is undoubtedly one of the best professions in the world. However, like with any job, it can come with its own set of challenges too. Every pet sitting gig is unique, and caring for a single feline vs. a multi-cat household can be very different experiences. Are your skills about to be put to the test with a multi-cat household cat sitting job? Read on for Cat in a Flat’s ultimate guide to caring for a multi-cat household. 

Is cat sitting for a multi-cat household hard?

Is cat sitting for a multi-cat household hard? Looking after multiple kitties isn’t always more difficult than cat sitting gigs with just one feline. The level of care for any cat—whether it’s one or more than one—will depend on age, temperament, health, and even breed. However, since there are more personalities and individual needs at play in a multi-cat household, it can sometimes be more of a challenge than a single-feline home. 

Main challenges of looking after more than one cat in a household

There are a few key things every sitter should keep in mind before they agree to caring for a multi-cat household.

More time

When cat sitting, it’s important to spend an appropriate amount of time with each furry client. Each visit should include cleaning the litter boxes, feeding them, playtime, and quality time cuddling or socialising with the feline. With a multi-cat household, the time you spend on the cat sitting gig will increase because you need to give each kitty individualised one-on-one attention. Make sure to keep the time factor in mind before agreeing to cat sitting for a multi-cat household. 

More work

Caring for multiple felines is more work because kitties in a multi-cat household can have different needs. For example, one kitty could have food allergies while their furry siblings don’t. You’ll have to make sure this cat is getting the proper food and isn’t eating from the other kitties’ bowls. More than one fur friend also means there are more litter boxes to clean, which translates into more work. Sometimes felines will defecate outside the litter tray if they’re feeling stressed that their owners are away. Therefore, multiple anxious kitties can lead to more stress for you, their cat sitter. 

More care

When cat sitting for a multi-cat household, you will need to keep track of many more details. You’ll need to know each kitty’s personality, keep track of litter box routines, maintain proper hygiene, and juggle multiple food and water bowls. And this can all be even more difficult if your furry clients’ individual needs vary widely. 

Cat sitter tip: Keep in mind that there is a limit to how many cats in one household you can care for through Cat in a Flat. We only guarantee the care of up to five cats, so any more could present issues for you as a sitter. 

How to look after a multi-cat household

The first thing you should always do first when considering cat sitting for a multi-cat household is arrange a meet and greet. It’s important for you to meet your furry clients with their owners in the home. This way you can ask questions and get to know the kitties with their owners around. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need! Here are the main aspects of cat sitting for a multi-cat household you should keep in mind: 

Monitor litter box use

Healthy stools and litter box routines are important for the overall health of each of your furry clients. It’s important to monitor every kitty’s toilet use to make sure there aren’t any potential issues. With a multi-cat household this can be tricky, but make sure to ask paw parents about each kitty’s preferred litter box so that you can check their poop when you clean. Make sure your furry clients are pooping every day and that their stool isn’t too soft or too hard.

Food control

Feeding multiple cats in one household can be tricky, especially if they have different dietary requirements. Take notes during the meet and greet so you understand each feline’s needs. If possible, recommend that your client invest in individual electronic feeders which can be programmed to each cat’s microchip. This will make your job feeding them much easier!

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Cat personality

Every cat is unique—one feline might be shy, while another might approach you right away to make friends. When cat sitting for a multi-cat household, try to get as clear an idea as possible beforehand of each kitty’s personality. Make sure you know how to approach a feline for the first time and what to do if one of the cats goes missing.

Individual attention

Playing and spending time together is an important part of bonding for felines. However, it’s also important for you to give each kitty individualised attention. When cat sitting for a multi-cat household, be sure to make time for one-on-one play so each kitty gets enough exercise. Ask their paw parents about each feline’s favourite toys and treats and which ones are more high energy or affectionate than others. And always respect your furry friends’ boundaries! If one of the cats doesn’t want to play or engage with you, that’s okay. They might be missing their owners or unsure about you. As long as they’re happy and healthy there’s no need to force an interaction. 

Litter hygiene

Litter boxes get a lot more use in a multi-cat household, which can make staying on top of litter hygiene a challenge at times. Cleaning out the litter boxes each visit is a must-do task on every cat sitter’s list. However, if you’re cat sitting for a multi-cat household it might be a good idea to suggest twice daily visits instead of just one. This will make it easier to manage litter box hygiene and reduce the risk of toilet upsets. 

Water supply

It’s important to keep your furry clients hydrated, especially in hot weather. Check in with their owners to ensure that there are multiple water sources around the home—at least one per cat. Take note of these and make sure you clean and fill them daily as needed. 

Cat sitter tip: You may need to consider increasing your fee for gigs that involve multi-cat households. You’ll be spending more time and energy at these types of cat sitting jobs, so it’s important that you’re compensated accordingly.

Can I turn down a cat sitting gig? 

Can I turn down a cat sitting gig? Cat sitting for a multi-cat household isn’t for everyone. This is especially so if someone has many kitties, or each feline has specific needs that might be hard to manage. While it’s never easy to turn someone down, you should be ready to do so if anything about the gig raises red flags. For example, if during the meet and greet the expectations feel like too much or you are concerned about maintaining the well-being of multiple cats, don’t hesitate to say no. This is why it’s important to do a meet and greet sooner rather than later (aim for at least a week before your client’s departure date) so paw parents have time to find another sitter. 

Remember, turning down a gig doesn’t make you bad at your job! Part of being a great cat sitter is knowing your limitations. So, always be clear about what services you can provide, and know when to say no. 

Looking for more cat sitting tips? Read up on everything you need to know about becoming a cat sitter and the top DOs and DON’Ts of cat sitting.