Cat Sitting Service Instructions by Nanette's Pampered Pets in Boca Raton

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Nov. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- Cats are usually happier in their own homes when their human companions have to leave for a few days, with a professional pet sitter who does house visits for cat sitting to check in on them at least daily during your absence.  It's important to make sure the cat sitting professional knows exactly what to do for your cat, both in terms of feeding, health and sanitation.  It is advantageous to hire a professional, full-time cat sitter to care for your cats who you have interviewed in advance and checked references for, when time allows.  The prospective cat sitter should be willing and able to provide you a copy of their insurance and bond certificate, as well as a few (2-4 is customary) local professional and personal references you can check.  The following check list of items for the cat sitter professional is imperative to maintain cats routine.

Veterinary Information:  Your veterinarian's name, address, phone number and office hours. If your veterinarian does not handle off-hours emergencies, be sure to also include the same information for the closest veterinary emergency clinic. If you subscribe to pet insurance for your cats, make sure the policy packets and signed claim forms are together with your cats' health records.

Letter of Authorization for Emergency Veterinary Treatment:  Write up a simple "to whom it may concern" letter authorizing your pet sitter by name to seek emergency care for your cat(s.) Also either leave signed blank checks (write "for veterinary care only" in the check memo), or make arrangements in advance with your veterinarians, either by leaving a credit card authorization, or by asking them to bill you upon your return. Understand that not all veterinarians will agree to the latter; a lot depends on your previous relationship with them.

Your Itinerary and Cell Phone Number:  Encourage your cat sitter to call you when she has questions about your cat's care in your absence, and particularly if she sees something amiss, such as not eating, litter box avoidance, abnormal signs of stress and any signs of poor health, such as runny eyes, excessive shedding and bloody stool or urine.

It's also nice for the pet sitter to send daily or scheduled texts or emails and photo of your cats (when that is possible).

A List of Your Cat(s)' Medications:  If your cat is on daily medications, it is imperative that you have your pet sitter come to your home before your trip, so she can practice giving your cat his daily medications. Medications for conditions such as feline hypothyroidism,  diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease simply can't be skipped.  The professional pet sitter will record the instructions and get your approval in writing.

Feeding, Fresh Water and Litterbox Instructions: Cats are very schedule-oriented, and they expect their regular food to be available at the same time every day. If you are taking a summer vacation trip, it is also critical that your cat sitter take up uneaten canned food no later than 30 minutes after it is served. Air-borne bacteria can even rapidly multiply on dry food cat food if it is placed in direct sunshine, so make sure your cats are fed in a cool, shaded part of the house.  Also make sure your cat sitter understands the importance of providing fresh, clear water for your cats at all times in a clean bowl.  Automatic water dispensers are great but still need to be replenished with filtered or distilled water.

Diligent litter box maintenance is a must for every cat sitter.  The cat sitter will view the locations of every litter box in your home, and make sure a scooper, full bag or box of open litter,  scooper, sanitary litter disposal bags, brush or broom with dustpan or vacuum  are near each box. Emphasize the importance of observing the waste contents of each box. Loose stools, or stools with mucous or blood are red flags, and indicate a call to your veterinarian without delay. Demonstrate how to scoop the litter, and how to empty and clean the box, in case your absence will be extended.

Nanette's Pampered Pets in Boca Raton has been providing professional, caring and expert cat sitting and pet sitting services since 2002. Owner and personal pet sitting service provider Nanette meets with prospective clients in advance of the pet care need, reviews and documents all instructions, provides references and documents of authenticity. Visit http://www.nanettespamperedpets.com for additional details.