What to Prepare Before You Go Away
Updated July 2026
Going away during the summer takes a little more planning when you have a cat.
Food, litter and keys are important.
But during warm weather, your sitter also needs to know:
- where your cat finds the coolest part of the house
- how warm the rooms become
- which windows can be opened safely
- whether your cat is allowed outside
- how often water should be changed
- what to do if the weather becomes much hotter
- who to contact if your cat becomes unwell
This summer cat-sitting checklist will help you prepare your cat, your home and your sitter before you leave.
It is designed to sit alongside my complete summer cat-safety guide because it covers wider heat and summer hazards.
For year-round preparation, also read “What to Leave for Your Cat Sitter,” as it covers the general supplies and instructions needed for every booking.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I believe may be genuinely useful.
This article is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat’s health or safety, contact your vet.
Book your cat sitter before arranging the final details
Summer is one of the busiest times for cat sitting.
School holidays, family trips and longer daylight hours mean many owners are looking for care at the same time.
Try to arrange your sitter before making assumptions about availability.
A proper introduction visit also gives you time to:
- show the sitter where everything is kept
- explain your cat’s routine
- demonstrate locks and alarms
- discuss outdoor access
- explain medication
- agree what should happen during very hot weather
- see how your cat responds to the sitter
Do not worry if your cat disappears during the meeting.
Many cats prefer to watch a new person from a safe distance.
A calm sitter should not force contact or pull a nervous cat out of their hiding place.
The meeting is mainly about making sure the cat sitter understands the cat, the routine and the home.
Decide how often your cat needs visiting
The right number of visits depends on the individual cat.
Things to consider include:
- age
- medical needs
- medication
- feeding routine
- outdoor access
- how social the cat is
- whether the cat becomes anxious when left
- the temperature inside the property
- whether there is more than one cat
- how quickly litter trays become dirty
Cats Protection advises arranging regular care and suggests that a sitter visit at least twice daily. Kittens, elderly cats and cats with health conditions may need more frequent attention.
Not every household has exactly the same requirements.
The important point is that the arrangement should be based on your cat’s welfare, not simply on how long the food lasts.
During a heatwave, long gaps between checks may be unsuitable, particularly in a warm flat, loft conversion or home with limited ventilation.
Write down your cat’s normal routine
A sitter should not have to guess.
Leave clear written instructions even if you have already discussed everything in person.
Include:
- normal feeding times
- food quantities
- where food is stored
- treats that are allowed
- where water bowls are kept
- litter routine
- usual sleeping places
- hiding places
- favourite toys
- whether your cat enjoys brushing
- rooms your cat may enter
- rooms that must remain closed
- cat-flap arrangements
- outdoor routine
- any unusual but normal behaviour
Small details can be surprisingly helpful.
For example, one cat may normally sleep behind a particular chair all afternoon. Another may refuse breakfast until the sitter has left the room.
Knowing what is normal makes it easier to spot a genuine change.
Do not introduce a new diet, litter, feeder or routine immediately before going away unless there is a good reason.
Keeping things familiar is normally the calmer option.
Prepare the house for hot weather
Walk through the property with your sitter and identify:
- the coolest room
- the rooms that become hottest
- where direct sunlight enters
- which curtains or blinds should remain closed
- which internal doors should stay open
- whether fans may be used
- how any air conditioning works
- where the thermostat or room thermometer is kept
- which windows can be opened safely
A North London home can feel comfortable in the morning and become much warmer by late afternoon.
Top-floor flats, loft rooms and conservatories can hold heat well into the evening.
Do not simply write “open a window”.
Show the sitter exactly which windows are secure.
An open window without a suitable screen may create an escape or fall risk.
Never leave your cat shut in:
- a conservatory
- a greenhouse
- a shed
- a garage
- a small unventilated room
PDSA identifies accidental confinement in hot, poorly ventilated spaces as a common cause of heatstroke in cats.
Ask the sitter to check sheds, garages and other outbuildings before locking them.
Cats are very good at slipping into quiet places without being noticed.
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Create several water stations
Do not rely on one large bowl.
A bowl can be:
- knocked over
- contaminated
- blocked by a closed door
- left in a room that becomes too warm
- avoided by a nervous cat
Place fresh water in several quiet locations.
Water bowls should be:
- stable
- easy to reach
- away from litter trays
- kept out of direct sunlight
- placed where your cat normally feels safe
Tell the sitter how often each bowl should be washed and refilled.
The RSPCA advises making sure cats always have access to shade and fresh drinking water during warm weather. (RSPCA)
A water fountain may help some cats, but it should never be the only water source.
Fountains can stop during a power cut, become blocked or need cleaning.
Leave at least one ordinary bowl as a backup.
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Keep feeding instructions simple
Leave enough of your cat’s usual food for the full booking, plus a reasonable spare amount in case your return is delayed.
Write down:
- the brand and type of food
- exact portions
- feeding times
- where opened food should be stored
- whether leftovers should be removed
- which treats are allowed
- foods your cat must not have
- how to clean the bowls
Wet food should not be left sitting in a warm room for long periods.
Ask the sitter to remove uneaten food and clean the bowl rather than continually adding fresh food on top.
If food is stored in the fridge, show the sitter which shelf or container to use.
Do not leave vague instructions such as “give him a handful”.
Use the scoop, measuring cup or portion size the cat already knows.
If your cat stops eating, make sure the sitter knows:
- how long is unusual for your cat
- when to contact you
- when to contact the vet
- whether there are any existing medical concerns
My guide on What to Leave for Your Cat Sitter is worth reading
Leave clear litter instructions
The litter tray provides useful information about your cat’s health and routine.
Tell the sitter:
- where each tray is located
- how often it should be scooped
- where clean litter is stored
- where waste should be placed
- what cleaning products may be used
- whether your cat normally uses more than one tray
- what changes should be reported
Ask the sitter to let you know if they notice:
- no urine
- repeated attempts to urinate
- diarrhoea
- vomiting near the tray
- blood
- a sudden refusal to use the tray
- a major change in the normal amount
Do not ask the sitter to change the type of litter while you are away unless the usual product is unavailable.
Plan outdoor access carefully
Outdoor access needs very clear instructions.
Do not leave the decision entirely to the sitter.
Write down:
- whether your cat is allowed outside
- the usual times
- whether the cat must be indoors overnight
- how the cat is normally called back
- whether food is used to encourage their return
- how the cat flap works
- whether the flap should be locked during the hottest part of the day
- what to do if the cat does not return
- how long the sitter should wait before contacting you
During very hot weather, keeping a cat indoors during the strongest sun may reduce the risks from heat and sun exposure, provided the indoor space is cool and well ventilated.
Cats Protection and other welfare organisations recommend providing shade and limiting sun exposure during the hottest part of the day
Never leave a cat locked outside without reliable access to shade, water and shelter.
If your cat has white or pale ears, nose or areas of thin fur, ask your vet whether cat-safe sun protection is suitable.
Do not leave ordinary human sunscreen for the sitter to apply without veterinary advice.
Prepare medication and health information
Medication instructions should be written down clearly.
Include:
- medication name
- dose
- time
- how it is given
- whether it must be given with food
- where it is stored
- what to do if a dose is refused
- whether another dose must never be given
- the prescribing vet’s details
Show the sitter how you normally give the medication.
Do not assume that “one tablet in food” will work if your cat usually detects and avoids it.
Confirm before booking that the sitter is comfortable and able to provide the required care.
Leave information about any existing conditions, including:
- kidney problems
- diabetes
- heart or lung disease
- previous urinary problems
- seizures
- allergies
- recent surgery
- mobility problems
- previous heat-related illness
Older cats, kittens, overweight cats, long-haired cats, flat-faced breeds and cats with heart or lung disease can be at greater risk during hot weather.
These cats may need closer checks and a more detailed summer plan.
Make an emergency plan
Do not wait until something goes wrong to decide what the sitter should do.
Leave:
- your mobile number
- another way to contact you
- your travel details where appropriate
- a local backup contact
- your normal vet’s details
- the nearest emergency vet
- pet-insurance details
- written authority for emergency treatment where appropriate
- information about how veterinary costs will be handled
- the location of the cat carrier
- a towel or carrier liner
- safe transport instructions
Make sure the carrier is easy to reach.
It should not be hidden behind boxes in a locked loft or buried at the back of a cupboard.
Signs of possible heatstroke can include:
- panting or fast breathing
- red or unusually pale gums
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- weakness
- confusion
- wobbliness
- collapse
- seizures
- unconsciousness
Heatstroke is an emergency.
PDSA advises starting cooling promptly and contacting a vet as soon as possible.
Your sitter should not wait for you to respond before seeking urgent veterinary help when a cat is seriously unwell.
Check for summer household hazards
Before leaving, walk through the home from your cat’s point of view.
Check:
- windows and balcony access
- blind cords
- string toys
- fishing-rod toys
- plastic bags
- cleaning products
- human medication
- toxic plants and flowers
- open washing machines or tumble dryers
- bins containing food
- candles and diffusers
- loose fan cables
- unstable water containers
- doors that could swing shut
- sheds and garages
- insect-control products
Put string toys away when the sitter is not supervising.
Check that screens, window restrictors and balcony barriers are secure.
Do not rely on an untested gadget for your cat’s safety.
A new automatic feeder, fountain, fan or cooling mat should be introduced and checked before the booking begins.
Use cooling products carefully
Some cats enjoy cooling mats.
Others avoid them completely.
The same applies to fountains, fans and chilled treats.
Do not make your cat depend on a product they have never used before.
Introduce it while you are still at home.
Check that:
- your cat is comfortable near it
- cables cannot be chewed
- the product is undamaged
- it will not leak
- there is a backup if it stops working
- the sitter knows how to clean or reset it
A simple room thermometer can also help the sitter see which areas of the home are becoming warm. For ideas of other euiment i recommend check out my recommeded products and service page
Agree how updates will work
Decide what sort of update you would like.
A useful visit update might confirm:
- your cat has been seen
- food has been eaten
- water has been changed
- the litter tray has been used
- medication has been given
- the house temperature is manageable
- doors and windows are secure
- your cat’s behaviour appears normal
A photograph is reassuring, but it should not come at the expense of stressing a cat who wants to hide.
For a nervous cat, an update such as “I saw her under the bed, she ate overnight and the tray has been used normally” may be more useful than trying to force a close-up photograph.
A pet camera can provide extra reassurance, but it does not replace a sitter.
A camera cannot:
- refill water
- clean a litter tray
- notice every health change
- open a cooler room
- take a cat to the vet
- help if a feeder stops working
Complete a final check before leaving
On the day before your trip:
- confirm the booking times
- test the key
- test any alarm instructions
- check the weather forecast
- fill or prepare water bowls
- make food and litter easy to find
- place medication with written instructions
- put the carrier somewhere accessible
- close unsafe windows
- secure toxic products
- leave emergency details clearly visible
- check that your backup contact is available
- tell the sitter about any last-minute health or behaviour changes
Do not leave important instructions scattered across several text messages.
Use one clear written sheet and update it when needed.
Common summer cat-sitting mistakes
Relying on one water bowl
A single bowl can be knocked over or become inaccessible.
Leave several.
Leaving unsafe windows open
Ventilation matters, but an unsecured window may create a serious escape or fall risk.
Show the sitter which windows can be used safely.
Introducing a new fountain before leaving
Test new equipment while you are still home.
Always leave a backup bowl.
Giving vague outdoor instructions
“Let him out if he wants” does not explain when the cat should return or what to do if they stay away.
Hiding the cat carrier
The sitter must be able to reach it quickly in an emergency.
Changing food or litter
Sudden changes can cause stress and make it harder to know whether a change in eating or toileting is significant.
Depending on a pet camera
A camera can support care but cannot replace physical visits.
Forgetting a backup contact
You may be on a flight, abroad or without phone reception when the sitter needs a quick decision.
Assuming indoor cats cannot overheat
Indoor cats can still struggle in hot rooms, top-floor flats and poorly ventilated properties.
Quick summer cat-sitting checklist
Before leaving, confirm that you have:
- booked suitable visits
- introduced your cat to the sitter where possible
- left written feeding instructions
- provided enough food and spare supplies
- created several water stations
- explained the litter routine
- identified the coolest rooms
- explained curtains, fans and safe windows
- written down outdoor-access rules
- listed medication and health concerns
- provided your vet’s details
- provided an emergency contact
- made the carrier easy to reach
- secured household hazards
- agreed how updates will be sent
- checked the weather forecast
- told the sitter what is normal for your cat
Cat sitting in Finchley and nearby areas
Many cats are calmer when they can stay in their own home while their owner is away.
Their normal surroundings, smells and routine all remain familiar.
I provide calm, in-home cat-sitting visits in:
- Finchley
- North Finchley
- East Finchley
- Finchley Central
- Muswell Hill
- nearby parts of North London where practical
Visits can include:
- feeding
- fresh water
- litter-tray care
- medication where agreed
- calm company
- simple enrichment
- photo and message updates
- basic home checks
I work at your cat’s pace.
Some cats want attention as soon as I arrive.
Others prefer to watch from behind the sofa until they decide I am acceptable.
Both are fine.
If you are arranging summer care, please plan as early as possible. Popular holiday dates can fill quickly.
WhatsApp: 07707 763344
Related cat-care guides
You may also find these useful:
- Summer Cat Safety Hub – for wider advice about heatwaves, indoor cats and summer hazards
- Cat Care Advice Hub
- What to Leave for Your Cat Sitter
- Cat Sitting Kit
- How Often Should a Cat Sitter Visit
- Cat Sitting Better Than a Cattery
- Dog and Cat Care Guides Hub
Frequently asked questions
What should I leave for a cat sitter in summer?
Leave your cat’s usual food, spare food, litter, medication, written routine, vet details, emergency contacts and an accessible carrier.
You should also explain how the house is kept cool, which windows are secure, where extra water bowls are placed and what to do during a heatwave.
How often should a cat sitter visit during hot weather?
The right frequency depends on your cat’s age, health, routine and home environment.
Cats Protection recommends at least two visits a day. Kittens, elderly cats, cats needing medication and cats in hot properties may require more frequent care.
Should I leave a window open for my cat?
Only leave windows open if they are properly secured and safe for your cat.
An ordinary open window can create an escape or fall risk. Show the sitter exactly which windows may be opened and how any locks, screens or restrictors work.
Should I leave a fan on for my cat?
A fan may help with airflow, but some cats dislike the sound or breeze.
Introduce the fan before your trip, secure the cable and give your cat the choice to move away from it. Do not use a fan as the only cooling plan.
Is one large water bowl enough?
Several water bowls are safer than one.
A single bowl could be knocked over, become dirty or become inaccessible behind a closed door. Place water in several cool, quiet areas.
Can a pet camera replace a cat sitter?
No.
A camera may provide reassurance, but it cannot refill water, clean litter, check the cat closely, deal with unsafe temperatures or take the cat to a vet.
Should my cat stay indoors during a heatwave?
Many cats are safer indoors during the strongest heat and sun, provided the home is cool, shaded and ventilated.
Your sitter needs clear instructions about outdoor access and must never leave your cat locked outside without shade and water.
What should the sitter do if my cat shows signs of heatstroke?
Heatstroke is an emergency.
The sitter should begin appropriate cooling, contact a vet immediately and arrange safe transport. They should not delay urgent treatment while waiting for the owner to respond.
Do white cats need sunscreen?
White and pale cats can be more vulnerable to sun damage.
Speak to your vet about a suitable cat-safe product. Do not use ordinary human sunscreen without veterinary guidance.
Where should I leave the cat carrier?
Leave it somewhere visible and easy to reach.
Put a towel or washable liner nearby and make sure the sitter knows how to secure the carrier before an emergency happens.
