Last-minute cat-sitting requests are more common than most people think. A sudden work trip, a family emergency, or even a delayed flight can leave cat owners searching for help at the very last moment. As a cat sitter, it can feel tempting to say yes straight away, especially when you want to help and fill your schedule.
But cats are sensitive animals. They don’t adapt well to sudden changes, unfamiliar people, or rushed routines. Accepting a booking without proper preparation can lead to stress for the cat, confusion for the owner, and unnecessary pressure for you.
The key is not to avoid last-minute bookings altogether, but to know how to handle them properly, safely, and professionally.
Why Last-Minute Cat Sitting Can Be Risky
Unlike dogs, cats are highly territorial and routine-driven. Even small disruptions can affect their behaviour, appetite, and emotional state. When a booking is rushed, important details are often missed.
You might not know:
- What food does the cat prefer or avoid
- Where the cat hides when anxious
- If the cat needs medication
- How the cat reacts to strangers
Without this information, you’re walking into the situation blind. This increases the risk of problems such as:
- A cat refusing to eat
- Hiding and becoming unreachable
- Stress-related behaviours like scratching or spraying
- Medical issues overlooked
Last-minute bookings aren’t dangerous by default they become risky when preparation is skipped.
Always Try to Arrange a Quick Introduction
Even with limited time, a short introduction can make a huge difference. A quick meet and greet allows you to see the cat’s environment and understand their personality before the owner leaves.
During this short visit, you can:
- Observe how the cat reacts to you
- Learn where food, litter, and supplies are kept
- Ask essential questions face-to-face
- Get a feel for the home setup
Cats often behave very differently in real life compared to descriptions in messages. Some owners say their cat is “friendly,” but in reality, the cat may hide under the bed for hours when strangers arrive.
If a physical visit isn’t possible, a video call is the next best option. Ask the owner to show you:
- The cat
- The feeding area
- The litter box
- The sleeping spots
This at least gives you visual context before the sitting begins.
Gather Essential Information Before You Confirm
When time is short, structure is your best friend. Having a simple set of questions ensures you don’t forget critical details.
You should always know:
- Feeding times and portion sizes
- Favourite foods and treats
- Allergies or medical conditions
- Medication instructions (if any)
- The cat’s behaviour with strangers
- Emergency contact details
This information can be collected through:
- A short online form
- A WhatsApp message template
- A quick phone call checklist
Even five minutes of organised questions can prevent major issues later.
Set Clear Expectations From the Start
Misunderstandings are one of the biggest problems in last-minute bookings. Owners may assume things that you never agreed to, and you may walk into tasks you weren’t prepared for.
Before confirming, be clear about:
- How many visits per day will do
- Whether you administer medication
- How often do you send updates
- What is included in your service
For example, some owners expect:
- Daily litter tray deep cleaning
- Long play sessions
- Grooming
- Plant watering or house checks
If you don’t clarify these, frustration builds on both sides. Clear boundaries protect your time and your reputation.
Learn When to Say No
Not every emergency booking should be accepted.
It’s okay to decline if:
- The cat has complex medical needs
- The owner provides unclear information
- The home environment feels unsafe
- You feel rushed or uncomfortable
Saying no doesn’t make you unprofessional; it makes you responsible. A stressed-sitter leads to poor care, and that’s not fair to the cat.
Experienced sitters know that protecting quality is more important than taking every booking.
Prepare for Emergencies in Advance
Even the calmest cat can have unexpected issues. Being prepared gives you confidence and helps you act quickly when something goes wrong.
Always make sure you have:
- The owner’s phone number
- A backup emergency contact
- The cat’s vet details
- Access to a carrier if needed
- Clear instructions for medication
You should also know:
- Where the cat hides
- How to safely handle the cat
- What signs indicate stress or illness
If a cat stops eating, becomes lethargic, vomits repeatedly, or behaves unusually, you should contact the owner and vet immediately.
Keep Communication Simple and Consistent
In last-minute situations, overcomplicated communication creates stress.
Instead:
- Send short, clear updates
- Share photos or videos
- Report anything unusual early
- Don’t hide problems
Most owners care more about honesty than perfection. If the cat skipped a meal or hid all day, that’s important information.
Regular updates also reassure owners that their cat is safe and settled.
Create a Calm Environment for the Cat
When you arrive for the first visit, move slowly and quietly. Cats need time to adjust to new people.
Good practices include:
- Letting the cat approach you
- Speaking softly
- Avoiding sudden movements
- Not forcing interaction
Some cats won’t come out at all on the first day and that’s okay. Your role is not to entertain them, but to make sure they feel safe, fed, and cared for.
Respecting a cat’s boundaries builds trust over time.
After the Booking: Follow Up Professionally
Once the sitting is finished, send a short follow-up message.
This could include:
- A summary of how the cat did
- Any behavioural observations
- A thank-you message
- An invitation for future bookings
This small step turns one-time clients into long-term customers and shows professionalism.
Conclusion
Last-minute cat sitting doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right mindset, it can be just as smooth as a planned booking.
The secret is:
- Asking the right questions
- Setting boundaries
- Staying organised
- Prioritising the cat’s comfort
Cats rely entirely on humans for their safety and well-being. When you treat emergency bookings with structure, care, and professionalism, you protect not just yourself but the animal that matters most.
In cat sitting, preparation isn’t optional. It’s what turns a stressful situation into a successful one.
