Cat and Small Pet Sitting: What to Expect From Home Visits

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If you’re heading away for a few days or just working long hours, it’s natural to worry about the pets you’re leaving at home. Cats, rabbits, hamsters and chickens all have their own routines, and many don’t cope well with noisy boarding environments or unfamiliar places.

That’s where cat and small-pet sitting come in.

In-home pet care means your animals stay in their own environment, with visits from a calm, reliable sitter who works around their needs. It’s quieter, more familiar, and far less stressful for most pets, especially those who thrive on routine.

As someone who offers this service across Finchley and North London, I know how personal it is. You’re not just handing over the keys, you’re trusting someone to care for your pets and respect your space. This guide explains exactly what to expect from cat and small pet sitting, how to prepare, and how I make each visit as calm and consistent as possible.

If you’re looking for a trusted local sitter, I offer flexible home visits and house sitting for cats, rabbits, hamsters and chickens. No snakes, they’re not my thing.

Why Choose Cat and Small Pet Sitting Over Boarding?

Many pets find boarding stressful, mainly cats and small animals who prefer familiar smells, routines, and their own territory.

In-home pet care offers:

  • Less disruption to your pet’s routine
  • No risk of catching illnesses from other animals
  • One-to-one attention from someone they get to know
  • Peace of mind that your home is being regularly checked

Boarding might suit some animals, but for many, especially cats, more mature pets, or animals with specific needs, staying at home is less stressful.

If you’re unsure what’s best, I’m always happy to chat through your pet’s needs and help you decide.

rabbit and small pet care

What’s Included in a Home Visit?

Every pet is different, and each visit is tailored, but typically, a standard visit includes:

  • Feeding and fresh water
  • Cleaning out litter trays, hutches or coops
  • Letting chickens in or out, if needed
  • Calm company and gentle interaction
  • Treats, brushing or playtime if your pet enjoys it
  • Medication (if agreed in advance)
  • Lights opened or closed, post moved, bins out, basic home care for security.

I’ll always follow your instructions closely, keep your pet’s routine as steady as possible, and send you updates so you know how everything’s going.

If your pet needs more frequent visits, or you’d rather someone stay overnight while you’re away, I also offer house sitting — more on that below.

Tailored Care for Different Pets

Cats

Cats tend to be independent, but they still notice when you’re gone. Some barely register the change, while others need a bit of reassurance and company. I work to their pace.

Visits include:

  • Feeding and water refresh
  • Litter tray scooping or full clean
  • Brushing or play, if your cat enjoys it
  • Cuddles and companionship, but only if invited
  • Medication, if needed, and agreed

I also keep an eye out for signs of stress, changes in appetite, or anything that looks unusual. I’ll always let you know if something doesn’t seem right.

Rabbits

Rabbits can become stressed easily, especially if their routines change or if their hutch is moved. In-home care avoids that.

Visits can include:

  • Morning and/or evening feeding
  • Top up hay and water
  • Hutch or litter tray cleaning
  • Enclosure checks
  • Gentle handling, if they’re used to it
  • Extra enrichment, such as cardboard tunnels or fresh forage (with your permission)

Some rabbits prefer minimal interaction, and that’s completely respected. I never force contact.

Hamsters

Most hamsters are nocturnal, so they won’t always be up during daytime visits, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked.

Care includes:

  • Checking food and water
  • Spot-cleaning cage bedding
  • Ensuring wheels and enrichment are clean and safe
  • Keeping cages out of draughts and away from direct sunlight
  • Checking for signs of illness or injury

If your hamster is awake and willing, I’ll offer a little interaction. If not, I’ll quietly continue their care.

Chickens

Back garden hens are increasingly common in Finchley, and I’m happy to help keep them safe, clean and well-fed.

Visits can cover:

  • Letting them in and out of the coop
  • Feeding and fresh water
  • Egg collection
  • Checking the run and coop for safety
  • Basic cleaning, where required

As with all animals, I’ll contact you if anything seems off, a hen not eating, behaving unusually or not laying when she usually would.

How Often Should a Sitter Visit?

That depends on your pet.

Cats generally do well with one or two visits per day, depending on how social or needy they are. More mature cats, kittens, or those on medication may need more attention.

Rabbits and chickens often need morning and evening visits, mainly if they’re housed outdoors and need to be let in or out.

Hamsters usually manage with once-a-day care, but it depends on the setup.

I’ll always work with you to find a visit schedule that suits your pet’s routine and welfare. If your pet needs overnight or longer-term supervision, house sitting may be more appropriate.

What to Expect From a Trusted Pet Sitter

Letting someone into your home is personal, and I don’t take it lightly.

You can expect:

  • A friendly, reliable service from someone who genuinely cares about animals
  • Regular updates via message or photo (or no updates, if you prefer)
  • Attention to detail, your instructions followed closely
  • Respect for your pet’s boundaries and communication style
  • A quiet, tidy approach that doesn’t disrupt your home

Before any booking, I always offer a free meet-and-greet so we can talk through routines, meet your pets, and answer any questions.

Preparing Your Pet and Home for Visits

Here’s how to make sure everything runs smoothly while you’re away:

  • Write down your pet’s routine, including feeding times, medication and favourite hiding spots
  • Leave enough food, litter, bedding and any extras in one easy-to-find place
  • Make sure your emergency contact and vet details are up to date
  • Let neighbours know someone will be visiting
  • Check your pet’s enclosure or litter tray is clean and secure before you leave
  • Leave clear instructions for anything unusual, alarms, keys, and hidden light switches

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, I’m always happy to help you prepare.

When House Sitting May Be a Better Option

In some cases, a full house sit is more suitable than short visits, for example:

  • If your cat is older, very social, or needs regular medication
  • If your rabbit or chicken setup is complex
  • If your pets need care early morning, late evening or overnight
  • If you’d like someone to stay for home security as well as pet care

House sitting means I stay in your home, follow your pet’s routine, and keep your home occupied while you’re away. It’s ideal for multi-pet households or for those who need a bit more hands-on support.

FAQs

How far in advance should I book pet sitting?
As early as possible, especially during school holidays or bank holidays. I’ll always try to fit you in if I can.

Will I get updates while I’m away?
Yes, I’m happy to send a message or photo after each visit, or just a summary every couple of days. It’s entirely up to you.

What if there’s an emergency?
I always ask for your vet’s details and an emergency contact. If your pet needs urgent care, I’ll act quickly and keep you informed.

Do you stay overnight?
Yes, I offer house sitting if needed. We’ll discuss this during the meet-and-greet to see if it’s a good fit for your pets.

What pets don’t you look after?
I’m happy to care for cats, rabbits, hamsters, chickens and most small animals, but I don’t offer care for snakes or other reptiles.

Conclusion: Calm, Reliable Care When You Can’t Be There

Cat and small pet sitting is about more than topping up food bowls. It’s about keeping your animals settled, comfortable and stress-free while you’re away and making sure they’re seen and cared for by someone who notices the small things.

If you’re based in Finchley or the surrounding area and need a trusted pet sitter, I’d love to help. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or something longer, I offer flexible home visits and whole-house sitting, with your pets’ well-being at the heart.

Feel free to get in touch to arrange a meet-and-greet.

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