Kitten Sitting in Finchley: Feeding, Play and Calm Home Visits

Updated July 2026

This page explains the kitten-care services I offer and provides general information. It does not replace advice from your vet. Young kittens can need more frequent feeding, supervision and care than adult cats, so I will always ask about your kitten’s age and normal routine before accepting a booking.

Calm, practical care for your kitten at home

A kitten is not simply a small adult cat.

They are curious.

Fast.

Often surprisingly good at getting somewhere you were absolutely certain they could not reach.

They also have their own feeding routine, litter habits, sleeping pattern and confidence level.

Some kittens meet me at the door.

Others watch from behind a chair.

That is fine.

Hi, I am Del.

Although my business is called Finchley Dog Walker, I also provide calm, in-home cat and kitten care in Finchley and nearby parts of North London.

If you are at work, going out for the day, or planning time away, I can visit your kitten at home and follow the routine you have agreed with me on.

A kitten visit may include:

• feeding according to your instructions
• refreshing drinking water
• checking and cleaning the litter tray
• play and enrichment where appropriate
• calm company
• checking food intake
• observing normal behaviour
• agreed medication where this is within my experience
• a photograph or video update
• basic agreed home checks

Everything depends on the kitten.

I do not expect every kitten to perform for the camera.

I do not force interaction.

And I will not promise that one standard visit pattern suits every age or every household.

Read about Cat Sitting in Finchley

View Pet Care Prices

Contact Del

Quick answer: do you offer kitten sitting in Finchley?

Yes.

I offer home visits for kittens in Finchley and some nearby areas.

Visits can include feeding, fresh water, litter-tray care, play, calm company and general welfare observations.

However, the age of your kitten matters.

Young kittens should not automatically be treated like adult cats when arranging care.

Cats Protection advises that young kittens should only be left for a maximum of a few hours at a time. They have small stomachs, need to eat little and often, and require closer supervision because of their curiosity and energy. (Cats Protection)

You can read the full Cats Protection advice on leaving cats and kittens alone.

When you contact me, please tell me:

• your kitten’s age
• your postcode
• how long you will be away
• their feeding routine
• how often they currently eat
• whether they have any medication or health needs
• whether anybody else will also be providing care

I will tell you honestly whether I think normal cat-sitting visits are suitable.

Sometimes they are.

Sometimes a kitten needs more frequent care.

And occasionally house sitting and in-home pet care may be a more sensible option.

Why kitten care is different from adult cat sitting

Adult cats can be wonderfully independent.

That does not mean they should simply be abandoned with an automatic feeder for a week, but many healthy adult cats have well-established routines and are comfortable spending time alone.

Kittens are different.

They are still growing.

They are learning about their home.

And they appear to have a remarkable ability to find the one cable, gap, box or unsecured cupboard you forgot to think about.

Young kittens also need to be fed more frequently.

Cats Protection advises that kittens have small stomachs and should be fed little and often. Its new-kitten guidance suggests initially checking and replacing food four times a day, although the correct feeding plan should follow your kitten’s diet and veterinary advice.

Read Cats Protection’s advice on bringing a new kitten home.

For me, good kitten care means paying attention to:

• age
• feeding frequency
• water
• litter-tray use
• play
• rest
• normal behaviour
• the kitten’s home environment
• possible escape or household hazards

It is not simply putting food into a bowl.

How often should a kitten sitter visit?

This is one of the first questions I will ask you about.

How old is the kitten?

A single daily visit should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for a young kitten.

Cats Protection recommends that a cat sitter visits at least twice a day when an owner is on holiday. Very young cats, older cats and cats with some health conditions may need more frequent visits.

Young kittens need even more thought.

Cats Protection says young kittens should only be left for a few hours at a time and recommends checking them at least every few hours until they are fully grown.

That means I need to know:

• your kitten’s exact age
• their normal meal times
• how often they use the litter tray
• whether they are settled in the home
• whether they are used to being left
• how long you will be away
• whether a family member or neighbour is sharing the care

For example, you might need me to provide one visit because a trusted family member is providing the other checks.

That is different from asking me to be the only person caring for a very young kitten for several days.

Please be honest about the arrangement.

I will be honest with you too.

My full guide, How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit? explains how I assess visit frequency.

What happens during a kitten-sitting visit?

Every visit starts with the routine you have given me.

I am not turning up with my own feeding system or deciding your kitten needs a completely new timetable.

A normal visit may include the following.

Feeding

I prepare your kitten’s food according to your written instructions.

Kittens need food suited to their developmental stage. PDSA advises that kittens should eat a nutritionally complete diet specifically designed for kittens rather than adult cat food or human food.

Please leave:

• enough food
• clear quantities
• feeding times
• storage instructions
• information about anything your kitten will not eat

I do not experiment with your kitten’s diet while you are away.

Your holiday is not the time for me to decide that Felix should try a new artisan salmon mousse.

Routine matters.

Fresh drinking water

I check and refresh your kitten’s water.

I also want to know where all the water bowls are.

The RSPCA advises positioning cat food and water away from the litter area.

You can read the RSPCA’s cat feeding and water advice.

During hot weather, I pay additional attention to:

• whether the water has been drunk
• whether a bowl has been knocked over
• the temperature of the room
• where the kitten is choosing to rest
• changes in food intake
• unusual behaviour

My Summer Cat Safety Guide brings my main hot-weather cat advice together.

Litter-tray care

I check the litter tray and clean it according to your normal routine.

The litter tray tells a sitter useful things.

Has it been used?

Is the kitten urinating?

Is there diarrhoea?

Has something changed?

I am not diagnosing a medical problem from a litter tray.

But I am looking.

The RSPCA advises putting a kitten’s litter tray somewhere quiet and accessible.

Its kitten-care guidance also recommends cat-proofing the home and providing suitable play, rest and hiding areas.

Please tell me:

• where the tray is
• which litter you use
• how you normally clean it
• where waste should be disposed of
• whether your kitten has had any recent toileting problems

Small changes are worth noticing.

Play and enrichment at your kitten’s pace

Most kittens enjoy play.

But I have removed the wording from the old page about using play to “burn off their endless energy”.

That is not how I want to describe animal care.

Play can provide:

• movement
• exploration
• opportunities to stalk and pounce
• mental engagement
• interaction

It can also help me observe the kitten.

Are they interested in their normal toy?

Are they moving normally?

Do they seem much quieter than expected?

I may use your kitten’s familiar toys for short play sessions.

A wand toy can be useful where appropriate.

A small ball may be the greatest invention in feline history.

Or your kitten may completely ignore everything you bought and play with a cardboard box.

Cats.

I follow the kitten in front of me.

The RSPCA recommends giving kittens space to play as well as places to rest and hide.

Play is not compulsory.

A kitten may have just eaten.

They may be sleepy.

They may still be nervous around me.

I am not going to wave a toy in their face for twenty minutes because the service page promised “playtime”.

Sometimes calm company is better.

Sometimes the kitten wants to sleep.

I let them.

I do not force a kitten to interact with me

This matters.

A confident kitten may immediately climb onto me.

Another may hide.

Both can happen.

A successful visit is not measured by whether I get a perfect photograph of myself cuddling your kitten.

I concentrate on the care.

Has the kitten eaten?

Is there fresh water?

Has the litter tray been used?

Can I safely see or account for the kitten?

Does anything seem different from the information you gave me?

A kitten who is new to the home may still be settling.

Cats Protection recommends giving a new kitten time to explore and providing familiar smells, a safe bed and access to essentials

I move calmly.

I do not chase.

I do not drag a kitten from a hiding place for a photo.

Trust can take time.

My wider Cat Care Advice Hub explains the same approach for nervous, shy and rescue cats.

What I need to know before the first kitten visit

Please tell me more than:

“She’s a kitten. She eats anything.”

Useful information includes:

Age

I need your kitten’s age.

This affects how I think about feeding, time alone and the care plan.

Feeding routine

Tell me:

• what they eat
• how much
• when they eat
• where food is stored

Water

Show me every bowl or fountain.

Litter

Show me:

• the tray
• litter
• scoop
• cleaning supplies
• waste arrangements

Normal behaviour

Does your kitten normally:

• run to the door?
• hide?
• sleep most of the afternoon?
• shout for food?
• climb the curtains?

Tell me.

A sitter needs a picture of normal before they can notice what is unusual.

Vet details

I need your normal veterinary practice.

Leave an emergency contact too.

Carrier

Please tell me where the secure cat carrier is kept.

Not:

“Somewhere in the loft, I think.”

I need to be able to find it.

My What to Leave for Your Cat Sitter guide provides a fuller checklist.

If you are going away during warm weather, use my Summer Cat-Sitting Checklist as well.

Kitten-proofing the home before you go out

Kittens explore.

Unfortunately, they do not carry out a risk assessment first.

Before leaving your kitten, look around the rooms they can access.

The RSPCA recommends cat-proofing the home and removing potential hazards before bringing a kitten home.

Think about:

• loose cables
• string
• ribbon
• thread
• unsecured windows
• balconies
• toxic plants
• household chemicals
• small items that may be swallowed
• open washing machines or tumble dryers
• hot surfaces
• breakable objects
• doors that may trap a kitten in a room

Look up.

Then look down.

Then ask yourself where a small determined animal could squeeze.

If you are still preparing your home, my Pet and Home Readiness Visit may be useful.

It is a practical review of your pet’s routine and home arrangements, followed by a personalised written checklist.

It is not a veterinary assessment.

It is not a cat behaviour consultation.

It is a practical second pair of eyes.

What about vaccinations and kittens going outside?

Please tell me whether your kitten is allowed outside.

Do not simply write:

“Cat flap.”

I need clear instructions.

PDSA advises keeping kittens indoors and away from outdoor cats until they are protected by their vaccination course. Its current guidance says that kitten primary vaccinations are usually given as injections three to four weeks apart, typically at nine and twelve weeks, although veterinary protocols can vary.

Read PDSA’s cat and kitten vaccination guidance.

Follow your vet’s advice for your own kitten.

I will follow the outdoor access instructions we agreed on.

I will not independently decide that your indoor kitten “looks bored” and open the back door.

Nor will I allow a kitten outside because somebody wrote an unclear note saying:

“Usually goes out sometimes.”

Clear instructions matter.

My guide Ready to Let Your Cat Explore the Outdoors? covers outdoor preparation in more detail.

Kitten sitting during hot weather

Kittens need consideration during hot weather too.

Being indoors does not automatically eliminate all heat risks.

During a summer kitten visit, I may pay particular attention to:

• drinking water
• food intake
• room temperature
• direct sunlight
• safe ventilation arrangements
• the rooms your kitten is using
• changes in normal activity
• signs that the kitten seems unwell

I follow the arrangements we agreed on.

For example, you may ask me to close a particular curtain after my visit.

That is different from me opening windows around a young kitten without clear instructions.

Window safety matters.

My How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer guide covers practical hot-weather care.

For owners going away, I strongly recommend the Summer Cat-Sitting Checklist.

Summer is also one of the reasons I prefer clear information about your kitten’s normal behaviour.

If they are normally launching themselves around the room and one day they are unusually quiet, I want to notice.

I do not diagnose.

I observe and report.

Can you give my kitten medication?

Possibly.

It depends on:

• the medication
• how it is given
• your kitten
• the instructions provided
• whether the care is within my experience and insurance arrangements

Tell me about medication when you first contact me.

Do not leave an unmentioned bottle on the kitchen worktop with a note saying:

“Can you give this?”

I need to discuss it in advance.

Where I agree to medication support, leave clear written instructions.

If your kitten has a complex medical condition or requires care beyond my competence, I will say so.

Your kitten may need a veterinary professional or a sitter with different experience.

Honesty matters more than accepting every booking.

What if my kitten becomes unwell?

I need:

• your vet’s details
• an emergency contact
• clear instructions about contacting you
• information about known medical conditions
• the location of the cat carrier

Kittens can become unwell.

Changes I may notice include:

• not eating
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• unusual tiredness
• changes in litter-tray use
• discharge from the eyes or nose
• changes in movement
• breathing problems
• behaviour that is very different from normal

Cat flu, for example, can be particularly serious in kittens. PDSA lists signs including sneezing, weepy eyes, nasal discharge, reduced appetite and lethargy. (PDSA)

You can read PDSA’s cat flu guidance.

I am not suggesting every sneeze is an emergency.

I am saying that I take changes seriously.

Where I am concerned, I contact you according to the agreed arrangements.

For urgent veterinary concerns, the kitten’s welfare comes first.

Can you visit my kitten while I am at work?

Yes, subject to location and availability.

A kitten visit may suit owners who are out for part of the day and need somebody to provide:

• a scheduled feed
• fresh water
• litter care
• a calm check
• appropriate play
• an update

But the correct arrangement depends on your kitten’s age.

Cats Protection says young kittens should only be left alone for a few hours and checked every few hours until they are fully grown.

Please tell me your working hours.

Do not just ask for “one kitten visit”.

A visit at 1 pm may work as part of a wider care arrangement.

It may not be enough on its own if a very young kitten is otherwise being left from early morning until late evening.

We can talk through the actual day.

What if I am going on holiday?

Tell me early.

Particularly during summer.

Cats Protection advises arranging for a cat sitter to visit at least twice a day while you are on holiday, with very young cats potentially needing more frequent care.

For a kitten, I will ask more questions.

Depending on the kitten’s age and routine, options might include:

• multiple home visits
• care shared with a trusted family member
• house sitting
• another care arrangement better suited to a very young kitten

I will not take a booking simply because I have a diary space.

The care plan has to make sense.

For general holiday care, read Is Cat Sitting Better Than a Cattery?.

You may also find How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit? useful.

How much does kitten sitting cost?

My standard home-visit prices currently start at:

• single pet visit: £15
• two visits in one day: £25

However, price is not the first question with a young kitten.

The first question is whether the number and timing of visits are appropriate for their age and routine.

A single visit may be one part of a shared care arrangement.

It should not automatically be assumed to be sufficient holiday care for a young kitten.

View my current pet care prices.

Tell me your kitten’s age and the actual times you will be away when you enquire.

I can then tell you whether I think I can help.

Why choose me to care for your kitten?

I have provided professional pet care since 2011.

I am fully insured and Enhanced DBS-checked.

But I do not think a list of credentials is the whole answer.

Good kitten care involves noticing.

Has the kitten eaten?

Has the water been knocked over?

Has the litter tray been used?

Is the kitten hiding because they normally hide, or is today different?

Are they moving normally?

Do they want to play?

Or do they want me to stop trying to be interesting and let them sleep?

I follow your routine as closely as reasonably possible.

I work with the animal in front of me.

And I will tell you if I think something is not right.

You can read more about Del and Finchley Dog Walker.

Where do you provide kitten sitting?

I mainly provide pet care in Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley, Finchley Central, Muswell Hill and nearby areas.

Exact coverage depends on the service and my existing bookings.

Home visits need to fit sensibly into my day.

The easiest option is to send me your postcode.

Check my service area.

What to include in a kitten-sitting enquiry

Please send me:

• your name
• postcode
• kitten’s age
• dates or days required
• times you will be away
• feeding schedule
• number of visits you think you need
• whether anybody else is sharing the care
• medication or health information
• whether your kitten is allowed outdoors

You do not have to know the perfect care plan.

Tell me what is happening.

I will ask questions.

If I think your kitten needs more frequent care than I can realistically provide, I will say so.

Contact Del

WhatsApp: 07707 763344

Email: info@finchleydogwalker.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer kitten sitting in Finchley?

Yes. I offer in-home kitten visits in Finchley and some nearby areas, subject to availability and the kitten’s care needs.

How long can a young kitten be left alone?

Cats Protection advises that young kittens should only be left alone for a maximum of a few hours at a time and should be checked every few hours until they are fully grown. Your kitten’s age, health and routine matter.

Is one visit a day enough for a kitten?

I would not automatically consider one visit a day suitable for a young kitten. Cats Protection recommends at least twice-daily sitter visits for cats while owners are on holiday, and very young cats may need more frequent care.

What happens during a kitten visit?

A visit may include feeding, refreshing water, checking and cleaning the litter tray, play or enrichment where appropriate, calm company, welfare observations and an update.

Will you play with my kitten?

Yes, where your kitten wants to play and your normal routine includes appropriate play. I use familiar toys provided by you. I do not force a tired, nervous or hiding kitten to interact.

Can you feed my kitten while I am at work?

Yes, subject to location and availability. Tell me your kitten’s age, feeding schedule and how long they will otherwise be alone.

Can you give medication?

Possibly, where the medication and method of administration are agreed in advance and are within my experience. Tell me about medication before booking.

Will you send photographs?

I normally send an update and photograph or video where appropriate. A shy or hiding kitten will not be forced out simply to create a photograph.

Do you offer overnight care?

I offer house sitting and in-home pet care. Depending on your kitten’s age and routine, this may be worth discussing.

Do you care for adult cats too?

Yes. My main Cat Sitting in Finchley page explains my adult cat and holiday cat-care service.

How do I book?

Contact me with your postcode, your kitten’s age, the dates or days involved and their feeding routine.

A final thought

Kittens are fun.

They are curious.

They can turn a cardboard box into an adventure and a loose shoelace into the most important object in North London.

But they still need routine.

Food.

Water.

A clean litter tray.

Safe opportunities to play.

Plenty of sleep.

And somebody paying enough attention to notice when the kitten in front of them is behaving differently.

That is how I approach kitten visits.

Calmly.

Practically.

One kitten and one household at a time.

Looking for kitten care in Finchley?

Tell me your kitten’s age, your postcode and what your normal day looks like.

We can start from there.

Contact Del

Related kitten and cat-care guides

Cat Sitting in Finchley

Cat Care Advice Hub

How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit?

What to Leave for Your Cat Sitter

Summer Cat-Sitting Checklist

Summer Cat Safety Guide

How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer

Is Cat Sitting Better Than a Cattery?

Pet and Home Readiness Visit

Disclaimer

This page provides general kitten-care information and explains the services I offer. It does not replace veterinary advice. Young kittens can require frequent feeding, supervision and health care. The correct care arrangement depends on your kitten’s age, health and normal routine. Contact your vet if your kitten is unwell or you have concerns about their health or development.