If you’ve arranged a cat sitter, the next question is usually:
What do I actually need to leave out?
The goal is simple.
Keep everything as close to your cat’s normal routine as possible.
That way, your cat stays settled, and your sitter can focus on care, not guesswork.
The essentials
Start with the basics.
Make sure these are easy to find and clearly set out.
Food
- enough food for the full duration
- a little extra, just in case
- clear feeding instructions
If you use pouches or tins, it helps to leave them organised in one place.
If you store dry food, a simple airtight container like the Curver Pet Food Container keeps things fresh and easy to access.
Water
- clean bowls or fountains
- spare bowl if needed
Some cats drink more when they have moving water.
A simple fountain like the Catit Flower Fountain can encourage better hydration, especially in warmer months.
Litter and litter tray
- clean litter tray before you leave
- enough litter for your time away
- scoop or cleaning tools
Clumping litter, such as Catsan Hygiene Litter, tends to make daily cleaning easier and keeps things more consistent for your cat.
Clear instructions (this makes a big difference)
Even if your routine feels obvious, your sitter doesn’t live with your cat.
A short written guide helps keep everything consistent.
Include:
- feeding times
- portion sizes
- where things are kept
- anything your cat avoids
You don’t need anything fancy. A simple note is enough.
Your cat’s routine
Cats rely on routine.
The more consistent things are, the better they cope.
Let your sitter know:
- usual feeding times
- favourite resting spots
- whether they enjoy interaction or prefer space
Some cats want attention. Others don’t.
Both are completely normal.
Bedding and familiar spaces
Don’t change anything before you leave.
Leave:
- your cat’s usual bedding
- access to their normal spaces
Familiar smells and surroundings help your cat feel secure.
Medication (if needed)
If your cat needs medication:
- leave clear written instructions
- explain timing and dosage
- note anything to watch for
If you’re unsure, this can be discussed at the meet and greet.
Contact details
Leave:
- your contact details
- an emergency contact
- your vet’s details
Hopefully, they won’t be needed, but it’s important to have them.
Keys and access
Make sure your sitter can access everything easily.
That includes:
- keys or entry instructions
- alarm details if relevant
- location of a spare key in case they lock themselves out – after all, everyone is human
Keeping this simple avoids unnecessary stress for everyone.
Optional but helpful
These aren’t essential, but they can make visits smoother.
Toys and enrichment
Some cats enjoy interaction, especially if they’re used to it.
Simple options like the KONG Cat Active Toy or a Lickimat Cat Feeding Mat can provide gentle enrichment.
Others will ignore them completely.
That’s fine too.
Cleaning supplies
Accidents are rare, but it helps to leave:
- kitchen roll
- basic cleaning spray
This just makes things easier if needed.
Notes about behaviour
This is often the most useful thing you can leave.
Let your sitter know if your cat:
- hides when people visit
- startles easily
- prefers not to be handled
This avoids unnecessary pressure on your cat.
What you don’t need to do
You don’t need to overprepare.
You don’t need to:
- deep clean the house
- change routines
- introduce new products
In fact, keeping things exactly as they are is usually best.
A simple way to think about it
If your sitter can:
- find everything easily
- follow your routine
- understand your cat
Then you’ve done enough.
If you’re unsure what to leave
It’s completely normal to feel unsure the first time.
If you’d like to talk through what your cat needs, you’re welcome to get in touch.
How I approach cat sitting visits
I keep things simple and consistent.
- follow your routine
- keep visits calm
- avoid unnecessary changes
- work at your cat’s pace
You can read more about my cat sitting in Finchley here:
→ Cat sitting
Related guides
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Finally, if you have a dog, you may find our packing for your dog on a staycation list helpful
Final thoughts
You don’t need to overthink it.
Clear instructions and a consistent routine are what matter most.
Everything else is just there to support that.
If you want to make sure everything is set up properly before you go away, feel free to get in touch.
